First Flight of the Space Shuttle Endeavour
On May 7, 1992, the Space Shuttle Endeavour embarked on its first mission, STS-49. America’s fifth and final operational shuttle, it would go on to fly 122,883,151 miles and spend 299 days in space.
Space Exploration
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Launch of the Hubble Telescope
On April 24, 1990, NASA launched the Hubble Telescope from the Space Shuttle Discovery. Sending back amazing images from the furthest reaches of space, Hubble has given us a better understanding of our universe.
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Mariner 2 Flies By Venus
On December 14, 1962, Mariner 2 became the first spacecraft to fly by Venus. Mariner 2 sent back a wealth of data about the planet, revealing many facts unknown up to that point.
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Largest U.S. Postage Stamp
On December 10, 1997, the USPS issued its largest postage stamp, honoring the Mars Pathfinder. The stamp measures three inches by 1.5 inches and has special “USA” perforations.
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Voyager 1 Approaches Saturn
On November 12, 1980, the Voyager 1 space probe made its closest approach to Saturn. The probe is still traveling today and is estimated to be about 15 billion miles from Earth.
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Accomplishments in Space Issue
On September 29, 1967, the US Post Office issued its first attached pair of stamps to have a continuous design. Known as the “Space Twins,” the commemorated the 9th anniversary of NASA
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NASA Unveils Enterprise
On September 17, 1976, America’s first space shuttle, the Enterprise, made its debut public appearance.
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“We choose to go to the Moon” Speech
On September 12, 1962, President John F. Kennedy delivered one of his most famous and stirring speeches, to generate support for the Apollo program.
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First U.S. Express Mail Stamp
On August 12, 1983, the USPS issued its first Express mail stamp, though the service, and those like it, had been available for several years.
