Here is a new piece for my collection signed by Chris Cassidy retired astronaut and U.S. Navy SEAL (Sea, Air, and Land). Cassidy is one of only three U.S. Navy SEAL astronauts and the second to fly in space. He is a veteran of three space flights, STS‐127, Expedition 35, and commanded Expedition 63. During STS‐127, Cassidy served as a Mission Specialist and was the 500th person in history to fly into space. Cassidy has spent a total of 378 days in space, preformed 10 spacewalks, and also served as the Chief of the Astronaut Office from July 2015 until 2017.

I can’t think of a better way to introduce you to Captain Cassidy other than by watching this short trailer for the new Disney+ six part series Among the Stars. The series follows Captain Cassidy through the ups and downs of his Expedition 63 training, time onboard the International Space Station, and his safe return to Earth. If for no other reason to watch the trailer, it’s just down right cool. (CREDIT - DISNEY+)

ISS Expedition 63 began on April 17, 2020, when the Russian Soyuz MS-15 departed the International Space Station. The Expedition 63 crew arrived on station the week prior onboard the Soyuz MS-16 that launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Expedition 63 was led by American astronaut Chris Cassidy, who assumed command of the International Space Station, along with Russian cosmonauts Anatoli Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner.

During the Expedition 63 mission, the crew executed four spacewalks and conducted numerous scientific experiments. Expedition 63 also saw the arrival of the first manned SpaceX mission with the docking of the Crew Dragon Demo-2 capsule on May 31, 2020.

The 195-day Expedition 63 mission ended with its departure from the International Space Station.

American astronaut Chris Cassidy suiting up on launch day April 9, 2020, and strapping on his Omega Speedmaster.



The Soyuz MS-16 crew (top to bottom) Ivan Vagner, Chris Cassidy, and Anatoli Ivanishin wave goodbye as they climb the stairs to the elevator that will take them to their Soyuz capsule.



The Soyuz-2-1a rocket carrying the Soyuz MS-16 and Expedition 63 crew launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome at 08:05:06 UTC, April 9, 2020.



Here is the new piece signed by Chris Cassidy for my Speedmaster Signature Collection marking his launch time and date onboard the Soyuz MS-16.



Chris Cassidy assumes command of the International Space Station when Expedition 62 commander Oleg Skripochka hands over the station key to Cassidy.



The key to the International Space Station.



Under Cassidy’s command, Expedition 63 welcomed the first docking of the SpaceX Crew Dragon Demo-2 capsule carrying American astronauts Doug Hurley and Robert Behnken.



Prior to departing the International Space Station, Cassidy prepares his Sokol space suit for his return to Earth. Notice this interesting picture showing his Speedmaster watch case wrapped in duct tape. I asked him about this picture and he said the crew was instructed by Moscow to cover the watch face and that his watch was operating perfectly.



After landing, Roscosmos reported the Soyuz MS-16 Descent Module was in vertical position after landing. Shortly thereafter Russian Mi-8 helicopters arrived to assist the recovery crew.



Cassidy returns onboard the Soyuz MS-16 landing safely in Kazakhstan on October 22, 2020, at 02:55 UTC.



I’ve worked with a number of astronauts over the years assembling the collection, but this a first. In addition to returning the fantastic case back, Captain Cassidy included one of his personal challenge coins as well. To say that I was humbled and honored that he included it would be an understatement. Thank you, Captain Cassidy.



This collection has been assembled for my own personal use and its sole purpose is to honor the men and women that participated in the spaceflight program and their achievements. The collection is not endorsed by Omega, The Swatch Group, Disney+, NASA, or the astronauts participating and there are no commercial or financial interests associated with the collection. In no way do I benefit either financially or otherwise from this collection.

 

It's not easy getting anything out of Russia nowadays but this flown patch just arrived and is a perfect compliment to the collection.

 

Yet another superb post!
Wonder why the Omega hesalite needed to be taped... Fire hazard ? glare ?
Photo: notes for 2020
.

 

Has anyone else watched Among The Stars? I have almost completed watching it. I found it very interesting so far.

 

great post.
>> I’ve worked with a number of astronauts over the years assembling the collection, but this a first.
what does this mean? you reach out to the astronauts & request memorabilia of their space mission?
if yes, how do you get in touch with them? they are busy people & must be getting hammered by scores of people around the globe.

>> in addition to returning the fantastic case back, Captain Cassidy included one of his personal challenge coins as well
"returning the fantastic case back" -- watch case back?
I must have missed the photo of "his personal challenge coins"...

sorry for the ignorant questions. trying to get up-to-speed.....
Thanks.

 

wow! somebody is taking detailed notes. I now know who to ask if a certain watch has flown in space or not.....

 

@bombaywalla No, I don't ask for anything other than their participation in my collection. When I say first, I'm talking about the Challenge coin he included in the package when the case back was returned. I've received nice notes and compliments on the collection but this is the first time a signer included something like this. It was a really nice gesture on his part.

The 2" coin is pictured above in the EVA picture. I added the coin front and reverse side to the image. Here is the coin by itself. The reverse is his name and SEAL Trident.

These two links would bring you up to speed.

The Speedmaster Signature Collection

How it all happens - Fratellowatches - Speedmaster Case Back Collection (50 Years in Space)

 

Thanx they certainly help me to understand better.
where do you get so many Speedy case-backs?

 

I thought Captain Cassidy's new endeavor would be a good reason to bump it up and hopefully generate a donation of two for his cause.

Former astronaut Chris Cassidy raises hand for My Hand My Cause

Chris Cassidy, who spent 378 days off the planet, is among the first class of famous hands taking part in My Hand My Cause, a non-profit initiative that aims to combine the power of celebrity with fine art photography to support charities and foundations around the world.

The final product also includes Cassidy's printed signature and the date of when the image was taken (in Cassidy's case, June 21, 2022). The astronaut's "hand" is now for sale for $105 per print. For every print sold, $75 is donated to the celebrity's charity.

Cassidy's prints are being sold to benefit the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, an organization that Cassidy has led since leaving NASA. The foundation is working to establish a museum in Arlington, Texas, and a monument in Washington, DC to preserve and expand the impact of the 3,515 Medal of Honor awardees and the more than 40 million Americans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces since the Civil War.

"I have dedicated my life to the service of others and country, and I am humbled by the opportunity to continue to serve by helping to lead this historic project. It is a privilege to do my part to honor the service and sacrifice represented by the Medal, its recipients, and all those who have served," said Cassidy when he became president and CEO of the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation.

 

The hand print just arrived and it is absolutely stunning. What a great project and cause.