The Space Shots trading card series was produced from 1990–1992 by Space Ventures, Inc. of Houston, Texas. The collection showcases the history of space exploration from Yuri Gagarin to the maiden flight of Space Shuttle Endeavour. Three of four planned card series were produced, each containing 110 cards. An embossed Moon Mars set of 36 cards was released in 1991.

Series 1–2 packs contain 12 cards. The first Commemorative Set was limited to 25,000 boxes that sold out within 10 months. Series 3 packs contain 8 cards. Series 3 includes a hologram chase card of the Apollo 8 "Earthrise" photograph. James Lovell signed 1,000 numbered copies of the hologram.

Series 1–3 each contain 25 of 100 different "Space Trivia Challenge" questions. The first 100 correct respondents were promised part of a $150,000 scholarship prize. The last 25 questions were never issued and the scholarship prizes were not awarded.

Space Ventures, Inc. was founded by Ed White III, son of Gemini 4 and Apollo 1 astronaut Edward White II. The project was funded by several astronauts that included Michael Collins, Eugene Cernan, and James Lovell. In exchange for a $160,000 loan, 25% of the card sales were promised to the Astronaut Memorial Foundation. A state audit revealed that royalty payments amounting to $400,000 were never forwarded to the foundation. Various astronauts have since contractually refused to autograph Space Shots cards.