# 2544 - 1995 $3 Space Shuttle 'Challenger', Priority Mail
US #2544
1995 Challenger Space Shuttle
- Priority Mail stamp
- One of two semi-jumbo stamps with US space shuttle theme
Category of Stamp: Definitive
Value: $3, Priority Mail
First Day of Issue: June 22, 1995
First Day City: Anaheim, California
Quantity Issued: 100,000,000
Printed by: Ashton-Potter (USA) Ltd.
Printing Method: Lithographed and engraved
Format: Panes of 20
Perforations: 11.2
Reason the stamp was issued: This stamp was issued to cover the postage rate for Priority Mail after that rate was increased to $3. It honors the space shuttle Challenger’s 1983 mission, STS-7. Mission specialist Sally Ride was on the crew of that flight and became the first American woman in space. Three years later, Challenger exploded moments after lift-off, a tragedy that was viewed by millions.
About the stamp design: Official photographs from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) were used for this stamp. The Space Shuttle pictured is Challenger. The photo was taken by astronaut Bruce McCandless II while he was performing an extravehicular activity. The camera was affixed to his helmet.
Special design details: There is no obvious marks on the space shuttle identifying it as Challenger, but microprinting in the lower right corner reads “Challenger STS-7.”
First Day City: The First Day of Issue ceremony for this stamp took place at the Postage Stamp Mega-Event in Anaheim, California. This event was sponsored by the American Stamp dealers Association and the US Postal Service.
History the stamp represents:
The Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster
US #2544
1995 Challenger Space Shuttle
- Priority Mail stamp
- One of two semi-jumbo stamps with US space shuttle theme
Category of Stamp: Definitive
Value: $3, Priority Mail
First Day of Issue: June 22, 1995
First Day City: Anaheim, California
Quantity Issued: 100,000,000
Printed by: Ashton-Potter (USA) Ltd.
Printing Method: Lithographed and engraved
Format: Panes of 20
Perforations: 11.2
Reason the stamp was issued: This stamp was issued to cover the postage rate for Priority Mail after that rate was increased to $3. It honors the space shuttle Challenger’s 1983 mission, STS-7. Mission specialist Sally Ride was on the crew of that flight and became the first American woman in space. Three years later, Challenger exploded moments after lift-off, a tragedy that was viewed by millions.
About the stamp design: Official photographs from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) were used for this stamp. The Space Shuttle pictured is Challenger. The photo was taken by astronaut Bruce McCandless II while he was performing an extravehicular activity. The camera was affixed to his helmet.
Special design details: There is no obvious marks on the space shuttle identifying it as Challenger, but microprinting in the lower right corner reads “Challenger STS-7.”
First Day City: The First Day of Issue ceremony for this stamp took place at the Postage Stamp Mega-Event in Anaheim, California. This event was sponsored by the American Stamp dealers Association and the US Postal Service.
History the stamp represents: