posted 06-28-2003 11:34 AM               

One of the team owners is the former president of McDonald's USA, and knows that I'm a space buff. This morning, he came to me and said he had something he wanted to give me. He came out of his transporter and handed me a plastic grocery sack. Inside was a Coca-Cola can, with a very elaborate, working drinking assembly still attached. It's a very nice piece.

Also included was a very nice Lucite display, with the words "Coca-Cola First Taste In Space, July 31, 1985." Then, on another line, are the words, "Shuttle Challenger, July 29-August 6, 1985."

Below, is a black-and-white grainy shot of the liftoff.

posted 06-28-2003 12:56 PM               

It sounds as though what you have is identical to this:

Several non-flown prototypes of the Coca-Cola dispenser were presented by the soft drink manufacturer to space centers and museums. The fully-functional cans were provided with a custom lucite base, including a screened photo of the Shuttle Challenger launching and the words, "Coca-Cola First Taste In Space - July 31, 1985, Shuttle Challenger - July 29 - August 6, 1985."