Reading Room Document

Disposition of Items Carried by Astronauts on Space Flights

This document discusses the disposition of postal covers taken by astronauts on space flights, specifically focusing on the Apollo 15 mission. The conclusion reached is that NASA has a claim to covers taken to the moon for commercial purposes and can seek recovery of profits from any sales of authorized souvenir items. The questions presented for review include whether NASA has a claim to the covers and souvenirs in its custody and what remedies are available to prevent astronauts from profiting from the commercial exploitation of such souvenirs. The document also details the unauthorized covers taken by the astronauts, the covers given to Astronaut Worden, and other authorized covers carried by the astronauts. It concludes that a claim in quasi-contract for the proceeds of the sale could lie and that a breach of fiduciary obligation would result in the imposition of a constructive trust over the covers themselves for NASA's benefit.

December 6, 1978