posted 09-11-2003 02:33 PM               

Canadian astronauts honored on new Canada Post postage stamps

This fall, Canada Post will issue a set of new stamps to celebrate Canadian astronauts, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and decades of Canadian achievements and presence in space. Each of the eight stamps will feature a Canadian astronaut who has spent time in space.

Six million of the stamps will be issued on Oct. 1.

posted 10-01-2003 08:44 PM               

Canadian Astronauts Stamp Specs & Official First Day Covers

The eight stamps were designed by Pierre-Yves Pelletier in spherical shapes that call to mind the path of an orbit. The twinkling star is an image found on the Canadian Space Agency's logo; it represents a productive, energy-producing star, believed to have influence over human destiny. Its twinkling appearance is the result of holographic hot stamping and micro-embossing.

Each stamp portrays an astronaut and illustrates a highlight of his or her mission, and the back of the stamp pane provides brief descriptions. The bottom of the pane illustrates the "Canadian space handshake" of 2001, when the Canadarm2 on the International Space Station transferred its launching cradle to the Canadarm on the shuttle Endeavour, with astronaut Chris Hadfield at the controls.

Stamp Specifications

• Date of Issue: 01/10/2003
  
• Last Day of Sale: 30/09/2004
  
• Denomination: 8 x 48
  
• Design: Pierre-Yves Pelletier
  
• Dimensions: 40 mm diameter
  
• Gum Type: Self-adhesive
  
• Paper Type: Tullis Russell Coatings
  
• Perforations: Kiss cut
  
• Photography: Canadian Space Agency; NASA
  
• Printer: Lowe-Martin
  
• Printing Process: Lithography in 6 colours, with foil stamping in 2 colours and spot varnish

• Quantity: 6,000,000
  
• Tagging: General, all around

• Product Number: 113546
  
• Layout: Pane of 8 stamps
  
• Price: $3.84

• Product Number: 413546131
  
• Layout: Official First Day Cover
  
• OFDC Cancellation Location: Saint-Hubert QC
  
• Price: $5.84

To order any of the products listed, please note the product number and price and call from Canada and the USA: 1 800 565-4362. From other countries: (902) 863-6550. Fax: (902) 863-6796 or write to:

National Philatelic Centre
75 St. Ninian St
Antigonish NS B2G 2R8
Canada