Sea, Air, Land, and Space - Expedition 63

TLIGuy

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.

SpeedyPhill

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

bombaywalla

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?

bombaywalla

"returning the fantastic case back" -- watch case back?

bombaywalla

trying to get up-to-speed.....

TLIGuy

@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 singer 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)