First space mail

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First space mail

First space mail. On November 21st 1987, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the first Sputnik launch, the Soviet Unions agency for space affairs (Glavcosmos) flew 1000 cards to the space station MIR onboard the Progress 33 spacecraft. They were signed by the cosmonauts Yuri Romanenko and Alexander Alexandrov and returned to Earth onboard the Soyuz TM-3 spacecraft on December 29th 1987. This is card No. 517

Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations

Media ID 6337272

© Detlev van Ravenswaay

1987 Astronaut Card Cosmonaut Floating In Space Post Card Russian Signature Signed Soviet Space Flight Space Station Sputnik Philately Signatures

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> Science > Space Exploration > Astronauts

> Science > Space Exploration > Sputnik

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a momentous event in space history - the first space mail. In celebration of the 30th anniversary of Sputnik's launch, Glavcosmos, the Soviet Union's agency for space affairs, orchestrated a remarkable feat. On November 21st, 1987, they sent 1000 specially designed cards to the renowned space station MIR aboard the Progress 33 spacecraft. These unique cards were signed by two esteemed cosmonauts, Yuri Romanenko and Alexander Alexandrov. Floating weightlessly in their astronaut suits amidst the vastness of outer space, these courageous men left their indelible signatures on card No. 517. After spending over a month orbiting our planet alongside MIR, this precious cargo was brought back to Earth onboard Soyuz TM-3 on December 29th that same year. The return journey marked not only an incredible achievement in human exploration but also a milestone in philately as these postcards became true relics of an extraordinary adventure. The image showcases one such card with its distinct signature proudly displayed against a backdrop of infinite darkness speckled with stars. It serves as a reminder of mankind's relentless pursuit to conquer new frontiers and push beyond earthly boundaries. Detlev van Ravenswaay masterfully captured this iconic moment from our collective past through his lens; allowing us to relish in the awe-inspiring accomplishments achieved during that pivotal era in space flight history.

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