Question 1

Are your items guaranteed?

Accepted Answer

We are very careful to obtain our items from reputable sources, and invest a lot of energy into researching authenticity.  Accordingly, we stand behind every item we sell.

Every item carries a lifetime 100% guarantee of authenticity, warranted to the original purchaser.  If a qualified space appraiser or autograph expert (such as Steve Zarelli) determines the item to be inauthentic, we will happily refund your full purchase price.

In addition, every item carries a 14 day "no questions asked" return policy.  If you get an items and decide it's not for you, we will refund the purchase price (minus S&H).  You are responsible for returning the item safely, along with all original paperwork included with the item.

Question 2

How do I know these items are authentic?

Accepted Answer

Provenance is everything in space collecting.  We carefully source and research every item sold on this site to ensure authenticity.  And rest assured: every item comes with a 100% lifetime guarantee of authenticity, and full provenance information is provided in the accompanying COA (along with any supporting documents).

Question 3

How do you source your items?

Accepted Answer

We obtain our items from a number of sources. Some items come from major public space auctions. Others are purchased from private collectors. And many come from the collections of former space workers and astronauts. All items are thoroughly vetted for authenticity, and are guaranteed authentic.

Question 4

What is a COA, and why does it matter?"

Accepted Answer

A COA (Certificate of Authenticity) is your guarantee that the item is genuine and as-described.  Orbital Artifacts COAs contain a full description of your item and detailed provenance information (and many items come with supporting documents, such as astronaut letters of provenance, auction records, photographs, etc).  In addition, each of our COAs features a numbered, tamper-proof, holographic seal.  This seal connects your item to our archive of sales records, allowing us to confirm authenticity and provenance for future buyers should you decide to sell your item.
 
As you know, a COA is only as good as the reputation of the person signing it.  Orbital Artifacts puts their good name behind every item we sell, and you can be assured that we will stand behind it.

Question 5

How do you determine the value of a space artifact?

Accepted Answer

The space collecting hobby has grown dramatically in recent years, and with the increasing interest has come a decrease in availability of quality artifacts and an increase in price.  Small mass-produced mementos tend to be inexpensive, but actual artifacts from the missions command much higher prices.
 
The value of items is generally determind by their rarity, mission association, and provenance.  Roughly speaking, items associated with the most famous Apollo missions command higher prices than something from a Shuttle mission.  Also, flown items always command a premium over unflown items (with lunar-surface flown items being the most expensive, followed by items flown to lunar orbit, then earth orbit).  Items coming directly from the personal collections of crew memebers are also highly coveted by collectors.
 
Prices are based on the state of the collecting market, the rarity of the item, and the prices achieved by comparable items at auction.  When you buy from Orbital Artifacts, you know you'll get the item you want, and you can be assured of reasonable prices (plus, you avoid the 25% buyer's fees charged by auction houses!).  If in doubt about the value of an artifact, educating yourself on current proces by consulting the results of recent auctions.

My friend Richard Garner (thespacecollective.com) has put together a detailed guide to the current valuation of space collectibles, and I recommend checking it out:

https://www.thespacecollective.com/us/blog/guide-space-flown-memorabilia

Question 6

Do you buy space-related items?

Accepted Answer

We are always interested in seeing fresh-to-market items, and will happily provide a free consulation (even if you're not interested in selling).  Just send us an email...

If you already have an idea of value, there are many reputable auction houses that might be interested.  There are also several well-vetted Facebook groups dedicated to buying and selling (I am a moderator on two of these groups: NASA & Space Memorabilia Buy/Sell and Soviet/Russian Space Memorabilia Buy/Sell.  Both are highly recommended).

Frequently asked questions