posted 08-23-2025 12:51 AM               

Space Cover 820: Apollo-Soyuz over Alsfeld

Fortunately, there are more than ten SCOTWs related to Apollo-Soyuz Test Program which is well covered in terms of information and images supplied. At the same time, it means that finding a new issue linked to ASTP is more difficult every time.

As a rule, all space dockings are commemorated with space covers from main control centers on Earth. Rarely, a space cover is postmarked in the exact place where it has occurred, among other things because most of the time they happen over oceans. Apollo-Soyuz was not the case. Docking happened over Alsfeld, Germany, and exceptionally, there exists a correct space cover postmarked in this exact place.

Above card with image of both spacecrafts under the ASTP emblem shows a pictorial cancel Alsfeld 1 – Apollo-Soyuz über Alsfeld (Apollo-Soyuz over Alsfeld) dated 17.-7.1975 in European date format (Jul 17, 1975), the day of this historical space docking.
It is a common card that allows any collector comments on this first two-nations space docking.

However, finding this same pictorial cancel with some kind of error, is not so usual.

In this blank card, pictorial cancel Alsfeld 1 is dated 17.17.75. Obviously, there is an error by duplicating the month figure copying the day figure. Not 17 months exist in the calendar year!!!

For years, I have been trying to search for this same error but over an illustrated cover or card without luck to date. If someone was luckier than me, please if you can post this same error pictorial cancel with a better cover/card, all of you will be delighted to see it. Thanks.