[ Autographs ] (COSMONAUTS) An outstanding signed Soviet space item, a hand-drawn and colored 17in x 21in birthday poster honoring cosmonaut Vasily Lavarev who flew on the ill-fated 1973 Soyuz 12 mission which resulted in a 20g dive back to earth. This fine poster bears a photo of Lazarev at top and is signed by about fifty differentcosmonauts, including KHRUNOV, LYAKHOV, DEMIN, GUBAREV, POPOV, KYZIM, KOVOLYONACK and many others. Additionally the poster bears a poem in Russian: "You wear a blue uniform / You are a doctor and commander / Let your beacon be seen all over the earth / During this year" with anadditional inscription: "We heartily congratulate you on your birthday We wish you excellent health, success in the mission..." Dated February 23, 1973, about seven months before his flight. Two light creases, otherwise fine and an ideal item to display.