On August 12, 1977, Space Shuttle Enterprise separated from its 747 carrier aircraft for the first time and glided to a landing at Edwards Air Force Base, California. It was the first free flight of the Approach and Landing Tests that proved the shuttle could fly and land on its own. Fred Haise, the Apollo 13 lunar module pilot, was commander, with Gordon Fullerton as pilot.
This cover was canceled at Edwards AFB, CA on that day. The cachet reads “TEST FLIGHT – FIRST FREE FLIGHT – AMERICA IN SPACE”, and it carries the 13¢ Flag over Independence Hall stamp. It is signed by Fred Haise, inscribed “Enterprise CDR”.
- Autograph obtained directly from Fred Haise by the seller via mail
- Condition: very good (see photos)
- Back is blank and unaddressed
- About 6½ inches wide
