Size: 16.1 x 9.5 cm. Presentation folder: 21.4 x 28 cm.
NASA's official designation for the eighth Space Shuttle flight. This cover is unique because it is the first to record the flight into space with originating and returning postal cancellations. The cover’s front
cachet is a reproduction of NASA's official “patch” design for STS-8, and the cachet on the reverse side depicts NASA’s 25th anniversary logo. The stamp affixed is also noteworthy because it was issued at the Kennedy Space Center on August 12, 1983.
The August 14, 1983, cancellation date on the front of the cover indicates the day STS-8 was scheduled to be launched with its cargo of covers, including this one NASA’s 25th anniversary logo is part of the
cancellation design on the front of the cover. The circular postmark cancellation
On the reverse side of the cover indicates the place and date the shuttle returned to Earth.
Members of the crew were Richard H. Truly, commander, Daniel C. Brandenstein, Dale A. Gardner, Guion S. Bluford and William B. Thornton.
During the flight, the INSAT-1B communications satellite was put into orbit and several important experiments were conducted. One of these included using an electrical field to separate molecules in
liquid suspension, for possible pharmaceutical applications. Also, the 50 foot-long mechanical arm in the cargo payload area was tested in preparation for retrieving the Solar Observatory Satellite which was launched several years ago to monitor the sun. On a later shuttle flight, NASA plans to have astronauts take the ailing observatory out of its orbit, make repairs, and then relaunch it.
On the reverse side of the cover indicates the place and date the shuttle returned to Earth.
Members of the crew were Richard H. Truly, commander, Daniel C. Brandenstein, Dale A. Gardner, Guion S. Bluford and William B. Thornton.
During the flight, the INSAT-1B communications satellite was put into orbit and several important experiments were conducted. One of these included using an electrical field to separate molecules in
liquid suspension, for possible pharmaceutical applications. Also, the 50 foot-long mechanical arm in the cargo payload area was tested in preparation for retrieving the Solar Observatory Satellite which was launched several years ago to monitor the sun. On a later shuttle flight, NASA plans to have astronauts take the ailing observatory out of its orbit, make repairs, and then relaunch it.
