The United Nations Postal Administration has unveiled a special series of postage stamps and souvenir sheets to commemorate International Moon Day on July 20. Released on Friday, the collection features images from prominent lunar missions, including China’s Chang’e-4 and Chang’e-5, reflecting the global community’s renewed interest in lunar exploration.
The stamps showcase the achievements of various nations in their quest to explore the Moon. China’s Chang’e missions, which successfully conducted lunar landings and sample returns, are highlighted alongside missions from the United States, South Korea, and India. This diverse representation underscores the collaborative spirit and shared aspirations of countries venturing into space.
Aarti Holla-Maini, Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs in Vienna, remarked on the significance of this international endeavor. “The growing interest in lunar exploration is a testament to humanity’s enduring fascination with the Moon,” she stated. “These stamps symbolize our collective achievements and serve to inspire future dialogue and cooperation in space exploration. The UN is committed to using its unique position to foster essential conversations about our shared future in space.”
The inclusion of China’s Chang’e missions is particularly significant, showcasing the country’s rapid advancements in space technology. Chang’e-4 made history in 2019 as the first mission to achieve a soft landing on the far side of the Moon, while Chang’e-5 successfully returned lunar samples to Earth in 2020—the first such endeavor in over four decades. These milestones not only highlight the Chinese mainland’s growing capabilities in space exploration but also contribute valuable scientific data to the global community.
The stamps also feature lunar missions from other Asian nations, such as South Korea and India, emphasizing Asia’s burgeoning role in space exploration. India’s Chandrayaan program and South Korea’s lunar orbiter missions represent significant strides in the region’s technological development and international collaboration.
Collectors and space enthusiasts can purchase the stamps and souvenir sheets at United Nations headquarters in New York, Geneva, and Vienna, or through the UN’s official website.
International Moon Day was established by the UN General Assembly in 2021, marking the anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission’s historic lunar landing in 1969. The day celebrates past accomplishments and encourages ongoing international collaboration in the exploration and peaceful use of outer space.
Reference(s):
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