The Seemingly Impossible Mission For Space Cadets In 1953

In 1953 Ralston foods began distribution of Space Patrol premium trading cards inspired by the popular 1950's TV and radio outer-space drama - one random card was included in every box of Wheat and Rice Chex. The complete set consists of 40 separate cards - needless to say, the collectors probably had to buy a whole lot of Chex cereals to get them all. But what good space cadet could resist trying? The collection came in three sub-sets - Space Heroes/Stars, Rockets/Jets and Weapons (it really should have been Rockets/Jets and Tech), and Planets. The three sub-sets are shown below - the full color illustrations are way cool. This full set auctioned at Hake's in May 2007 - the final winning bid was $4,437.62. It was the first complete set ever sold in Hake's 40 year history.  (Click on the images to enlarge)

Space Heroes/Stars

Rockets/Jets and 'Weapons'

Planets

This Just In...In 1955

You can make that date for a trip to the moon around 1975. According to industrial designers of the American Iron and Steel Institute, development of new steels, able to withstand temperatures and corrosive conditions never before experienced, will enable huge man-carrying rockets to knife through the earth’s atmosphere into outer space, where our conquest of space will begin with establishment of space stations, fully manned and intricately equipped, and supply and launching bases for further exploration into the mysteries of space. If you are interested in flying saucers, the first practical flying saucer may turn out to be this plane that will carry passengers at speeds of 600 miles an hour. Six pivoting jet engines mounted around the edge of the plane will lift it up – and land it – almost vertically. ~ American Iron and Steel Institute, 1955

h/t Louis Cesar