NASA Astronaut Michael L. Coats Signed Official Portrait — Inscribed to Donald View Watchlist >
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Lot # Nasa56
System ID # 29233186
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NASA Astronaut Michael L. Coats Signed Official Portrait — Inscribed to Donald
This is the official NASA Johnson Space Center portrait of astronaut Michael L. Coats, photographed in the iconic orange Advanced Crew Escape Suit with helmet cradled at the table, the American flag positioned at his left shoulder. Coats' mission patch is clearly legible on his chest — the STS-29 crew patch naming Coats, Blaha, Bagian, Springer, and Buchli — and his name badge identifies him as Capt., U.S. Navy, with gold naval aviator wings pinned above. The inscription in blue ink across the upper right reads: "To Donald ~ Best Wishes / Mike Coats" — a clean, fully personalized dedication in Coats' hand. The reverse bears the official NASA / National Aeronautics and Space Administration copyright notice and the JSC reference number JSCIL-314A, confirming this is an authentic NASA-issued photograph, not a reproduction.
Michael L. Coats flew three Space Shuttle missions: as pilot on STS-41-D (1984), Discovery's maiden flight, and as commander of STS-29 (1989) and STS-39 (1991). A decorated Navy fighter pilot and test pilot before his NASA selection, Coats later served as Director of Johnson Space Center from 2005 to 2012. The STS-29 mission patch shown on the portrait places this photo in the post-1989 period, consistent with the Advanced Crew Escape Suit, which replaced the earlier pressure suit following the Challenger accident. Coats retired from NASA in 2012 with over 463 hours in space across his three missions.
Provenance
Original NASA-issued official portrait, reference number JSCIL-314A, personally signed and inscribed by Michael L. Coats to an individual named Donald. The reverse carries the standard NASA JSC copyright release notice.
Authenticity
The signature is consistent with documented examples of Michael L. Coats' autograph. The photograph is an original NASA-issued print bearing the official JSC reference number JSCIL-314A on the reverse; it is not a printed reproduction. NM Estate Auctions guarantees this signature authentic. A Certificate of Authenticity will be issued to the winning bidder.
CONDITION
Very Good. The photograph presents cleanly with no tears, creases, or significant soiling. Minor handling wear to the white border edges; the inscription ink is strong and fully legible with no fading. The reverse is clean and legible, with the NASA copyright panel and JSC reference number presenting without damage or markings beyond the printed text.
DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS
- Format: Official NASA color portrait photograph
- Size: 8" × 10"
- Inscription: "To Donald ~ Best Wishes / Mike Coats" (blue ink, recto upper right)
- JSC Reference No.: JSCIL-314A (verso)
- Subject: Astronaut Michael L. Coats, Capt., U.S. Navy
- Mission Patch Depicted: STS-29 (crew: Coats, Blaha, Bagian, Springer, Buchli)
