Russian Space Agency "For Assistance to Space Activities" Badge with Pin & Case – Extremely Low Serial No. 0051 – Saint Petersburg Mint

Description

Original Item – Only One Available. This is the official badge “For Assistance to Space Activities” of the Russian Federal Space Agency. Established on 31 January 2002, it was awarded in a formal ceremony to Federal Space Agency (Roskosmos) personnel, specialists of the rocket-space industry, and select contributors, and in exceptional cases, foreign citizens for long service (typically 10+ years in the sector), outstanding professional achievements, training and staffing contributions, sponsorship and public promotion of Russian cosmonautics, and active support of the Federal Space Program. Receipt of this badge counted toward Veteran of Labor status and associated benefits under Russian federal law.

The decoration is struck in oxidized nickel silver as a slightly convex four-pointed star wreathed by a silver laurel. At center sits a gilt medallion on deep blue enamel featuring the Salyut orbital station and Soyuz spacecraft, symbols of Russia’s achievements in human spaceflight. It is suspended from a rectangular mount covered with blue moiré silk ribbon with narrow silver edge stripes, fitted with a pin-back for wear.

All badges of this type were manufactured exclusively at the Saint Petersburg Mint in a strictly limited issue of only 750 pieces. This example is especially notable for its exceptionally low serial number, №0051, and comes complete with its miniature lapel pin and original presentation case.

After the 2015 reorganization of the Federal Space Agency into the Roscosmos State Corporation, the award was discontinued, ensuring that surviving early numbered sets are extraordinarily rare and highly sought after by collectors of Russian space exploration history and official state decorations.