posted 04-05-2026 09:53 AM               

Space Cover 852: Malaysia satellite station

In past SCOTW 851, Tom asked WHO did it and WHY? and now I would like to add WHAT history we can find behind a stamp issue.

Above a very beautiful First Day Cover (Hari Pertama) issued on Apr 6, 1970 for this set of three stamps: one devoted to an Earth satellite station (antenna pictured in trapezoidal stamp) and two for Intelsat III satellite (Kuantan station linked Malaysia via Intelsat III satellite, initially with other countries like India, Indonesia, United Kingdom, Pakistan, Japan and Australia).

For this issue you can collect other FDC with places like the below ones:

As shown, position of stamps allows you to create different FDC configurations.

Even, some FDC does not bear the full set of three stamps.

Or printed cover shows misplaced colors (blue ink is shifted to the right in the below cover).

This issue was served with a brochure which offered technical and historical information which is not very usual in modern issues of any postal organization worldwide.

However, all images cannot explain by themselves WHAT is the real reason for this issue?

SETESHEN SATELIT BUMI (Satellite Ground Station) was inaugurated in Apr 6, 1970 (same date as first date of issue) in Kuantan, Pahang province, Malaysia and is operated by Telekom Malaysia.

FDC postmarked on this date from Kuantan also exist. I hope to have one someday. Kuantan tracking station, opened in 1970 is still operational.

First Apollo tracking mission with Kuantan participation would be Apollo 14 on Jan 31, 1971.

Below Kuantan cover for Apollo 16 launch signed by Station Manager.

Please, post other covers from Kuantan to increase the variety of covers for this not well-known satellite station. Thanks.