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: All seven space-flown 22-karat gold Sacagawea dollars that were auctioned on Friday (Sept. 12) surpassed the highest amount paid for an object flown on the space shuttle, with two tying for a new record. The U.S. Mint released the well-traveled coins, keeping the last five for its collection. Winning bids ranged from $360,001 to $550,001 (the extra dollar accounting for the $1 face value, provided the coins' newly-appointed status as legal tender).
: After his first book revealed a new way to look at the Apollo moon missions (including a "journey with Tom Hanks"), Andy Saunders has taken the same approach with the spaceflights that preceded "The Moonwalkers." Released Tuesday (Sept. 2), "Gemini and Mercury Remastered" presents hundreds of images restored by Saunders from the two early programs that taught astronauts how to live and photograph in space.
: A new set of five 2-inch enamel pins celebrates what the public chose as being the "most important missions in human spaceflight history." Designed by Chop Shop Studio, the pins depict the Apollo moon landings, the International Space Station, the first human spaceflight on Vostok 1, NASA's space shuttle and the Apollo lunar roving vehicle. The "Great Leaps in Space" pins are being crowdfunded on BackerKit for $40 each set.
: Italian luxury papermaker Moleskine has introduced its first NASA-inspired collection of journals and notebooks. Working with illustrator Patrick Corrigan to give the products a unique look, the limited edition items incorporate astronaut and rocket imagery, as well as NASA's logo. Some sets also include pins and mission patch decals. "Even the boldest missions begin with a single idea scribbled down on a page."
: NASA and Freelancer, a crowdsourcing company, announced the 25 finalists in the "Moon Mascot: NASA Artemis II ZGI Design Challenge." One of the chosen submissions will be selected by NASA to fly as the "zero-gravity indicator" on the first mission to launch astronauts to the moon in more than 50 years. The entries include mythological figures, anthropomorphic animals and tributes to lunar lore, reimagined as small plush fabric toys.
: Jim Lovell flew on the first-ever mission to rendezvous with another crewed spacecraft in orbit; was on the first mission to fly humans to the moon; was one of the first people to see the far side of the moon and Earthrise with his own eyes; was the first astronaut to fly four times into space and first to fly twice to the moon. But how most people will likely remember him is as Tom Hanks. Lovell died on Thursday (Aug. 7) at age 97.
: Your name may not appear on the mission patch, but here is the next best thing: you can add yourself to the roster launching with Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen to the moon. NASA is now collecting names to fly on the first mission to return astronauts to the moon in more than 50 years. The "Send Your Name with Artemis II" online campaign will run through Jan. 21, 2026.
: The U.S. Mint is set to auction off seven 22-karat gold Sacagawea dollars that were flown aboard space shuttle Columbia 26 years ago. The rare coins (only 12 in total still exist) were struck to promote the release of the then-new golden dollar and to celebrate NASA astronaut Eileen Collins becoming the first American woman mission commander. Previously held at Fort Knox, the flown coins will be sold by Stack's Bowers on Sept. 12.
: Drivers can now take Route 66 to reach Space City, or at least "a" Space City, as they cross Oklahoma. Road signs and a towering astronaut stand along the famous highway in Weatherford, home to the Stafford Air and Space Museum, which was named for Oklahoma-born astronaut Tom Stafford. The new landmark is not meant to be the late Gemini and Apollo veteran, but another reason to come to and spend time in Weatherford.
: The 23rd Northrop Grumman Cygnus spacecraft (and first XL) to deliver cargo to the International Space Station will launch with the name of the fallen pilot of the space shuttle Columbia, the company announced on Monday (Aug. 18). William C. "Willie" McCool was lost with his STS-107 crewmates after a 16-day science mission in Earth orbit. The supply ship bearing McCool's name is targeted to fly in mid-September.
: The White House on Tuesday (Aug. 12) ordered a comprehensive review of the Smithsonian, starting with eight museums, including the Air and Space. The audit is aimed at ensuring the exhibitions are aligned with the administration's priority to stress American exceptionalism as the country celebrates its 250th birthday. The in-depth review encompasses current and upcoming exhibit plans, website(s), educational content and partners.
: Two Texas lawmakers are demanding that the Smithsonian launch an internal investigation into its alleged actions taken to influence Congress over the move of space shuttle Discovery to Houston. Sen. John Cornyn and Rep. Randy Weber wrote a letter to Chancellor John Roberts insisting on the comprehensive review, citing their concerns over possible violations of the Anti-Lobbying Act as it relates to the One Big Beautiful Bill.
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