YURI GAGARIN Signed VOSTOK 5 LAUNCH ORDER Autograph x 3 KAMANIN LAVROV * PSA

AUTHENTIC ORIGINAL "IGNITION" TIMING CARD FOR VOSTOK 5 SIGNED BY GAGARIN PLUS KEY SOVIET SPACE OFFICIALS

Original operational launch directive card for the Vostok 5 mission, signed by YURI GAGARIN, the first human in space, and countersigned by Soviet cosmonaut program chief Nikolai Kamanin and mathematician and ballistics specialist Svyatoslav Lavrov. The card instructed the ground launch operator exactly when to press the “IGNITION” button to begin the rocket’s launch sequence. All three signed along the bottom edge, with Gagarin and Lavrov dating their signatures June 14, 1963, the day of Vostok 5’s launch. A fantastic operational card present on the day of Vostok 5's launch.

Notably, this card served as the final operational directive for the ignition sequence. In the early days of the Soviet space program, many critical commands were cross-referenced with high-precision mechanical chronometers to ensure absolute synchronization between the ground control, the bunker, and the spacecraft. The presence of these three signatures on a single operational document makes this an incredibly rare Space artifact, representing the literal "green light" for one of the Soviet Union's most ambitious early spaceflights. 

The sign reads:

"ATTENTION!
The "IGNITION" Command button
[is to be] pressed when chronometer No. 3971 shows
11 hrs. 59 min. 42 sec.
Tolerance + 30 min.
(MOSCOW TIME)"

NOTE: While the card specifies 11:59:42 Moscow Time, historical records show that Vostok 5 actually lifted off at 14:59:59 Moscow Time. The mission suffered from several technical delays and high solar activity that day; The time on this card likely represents the original "T-zero" morning launch window, which was eventually pushed back by three hours. 

At the time of Vostok 5, Soviet Space hero Gagarin was the Deputy Director of the Cosmonaut Training Center. Gagarin was a Soviet pilot who became the first person in history to journey into outer space. Traveling on Vostok 1, Gagarin completed one orbit of earth on April 12, 1961 with a flight of 108 minutes. Vostok 1 was Gagarin's only space flight. Fearful that a national hero might be killed, Soviet officials banned Gagarin from further space flights, however Gagarin later died in a MIG-15 crash on a routine training flight. His ashes are interred in the walls of the Kremlin.

The Gagarin, Kamanin and Lavrov autographs have been thoroughly reviewed and CERTIFIED AUTHENTIC BY PSA/DNA EXPERT EXAMINATION – your assurance of absolute authenticity. GUARANTEED GENUINE. Purchase includes original PSA/DNA Letter of Authenticity. A museum-quality artifact for any Space or autograph collection.

Condition is as shown consistent with light wear and toning consistent with age, use and handling. Smudge to the date beneath Lavrov signature. Card measures appx. 11.5" x 7.75" on lightweight cardstock.  

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Own a truly one of a kind, original piece of Space history! The perfect acquisition for a museum, the fellow astronomer, or space collector. An exceptional opportunity, and a truly rare and remarkable find. A must-have addition for any truly great collection.


Sold as is, as shown.