Autographs of Yuri Gagarin and five other first cosmonauts in the photograph. Dated on March 8, 1964 ( Women’s International Day) 19.5×30.6 cm.

The photograph shows the first Soviet cosmonauts who flew before mid-1963 (in the order they stand in the photograph): P. Popovich, A. Nikolaev, G. Titov, V. Tereshkova, Yu. Gagarin, V. Bykovsky.

The photo was inscribed and signed to the chef of the Pilot’s Canteen of the Star City of military unit 26266 Novikova P. M. 

The Yuri A. Gagarin State Scientific Research-and-Testing Cosmonaut Training Center was originally known only as Military Unit 26266 or в/ч 26266 

Military doctor Colonel Yevgeny Karpov was appointed as the first chief of the cosmonaut training centre or Tsentr Podgotovki Kosmonavtov (TsPK) on 24 February 1960, and was a secret training base for Soviet Cosmonaut candidates. Until April 2009 the centre was owned and operated by the Ministry of Defence in cooperation with Russian Federal Space  Agency. In April 2009, Russia President D. Medvedev  signed a presidential decree transferring the centre from the Defence Ministry to the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roskosmos).

The signed photo accompanied with the official order No.133 of  commander of military unit 26266. Dated 1989.

Here is the full translation of this order:

order No.133 of  commander go military unit 26266.

 13 June 1989                                                               Star City

ON REWARDING TO THE SERVANT (EMPLOYEE) OF THE SOVIET ARMY

NOVIKOVA P.M.

June 20, 1989 marks the 50th anniversary of the birth of the chef of the flight canteen of military unit 26266,  

P.M. NOVIKOVA's career began in 1954. She has been working in military unit 26266 since 1961. During this time, she has proven herself to be a hard-working and conscientious employee. For conscientious performance of her official duties, she was repeatedly awarded the Yu. A. Gagarin diploma and was encouraged by the unit's command. For many years of conscientious work, in recognition of her labor merits, she was awarded the "Veteran of Labor" medal on behalf of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.

I congratulate NOVIKOVA Praskovya Mikhailovna on her anniversary, I wish her good health, long life, great human happiness and further success in her work.

I order:

1. For many years of impeccable work and in connection with the fiftieth anniversary of the birth of the employee of the SA ( Soviet Army)  NOVIKOVA P.M., express gratitude and award her with a diploma named after Yu.A. Gagarin.

2. The order is to be announced to all personnel.

ACTING COMMANDER OF MILITARY UNIT 26266

Major General of Aviation cosmonaut 

 ( signature) A.Nikolaev

CHIEF OF STAFF OF MILITARY UNIT 26266

Colonel ( signature) E. Dyatlov

As well the lot will accompanied with 2 personal photos of  Praskovya Mikhailovna NOVIKOVA.. THe photos depicting her in the canteen, preparing meal.

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Great provenance. The photo is in the mint condition. Some bends, rips, please view the images for the condition of this photo.

Lifetime guaranteed for these autographs. We will provide you with the letter of authenticity.