Description
The first manned spaceship from China, the Shenzhou 5 Commemorative Stamps, signed by the first Chinese astronaut, Yang Liwei.
First day cover designed by Li Pingzhong. Envelope measures 8.25″ x 4.25″, two stamps on front cover, cancel stamp dated “2003.10.16.” English description of the first flight on verso. Signed in black pen by Yang Liwei on the front cover.
Yang Liwei, the first taikonaut, or Chinese Astronaut, embarked on his historic journey on October 15, 2003, aboard the Shenzhou 5 spacecraft, marking a significant milestone in China’s space program. This mission established China as the third country, after the United States and Russia, to independently send a human into orbit. Yang’s 21-hour space flight, during which he orbited the Earth 14 times, was a major achievement that demonstrated China’s growing capabilities in space exploration. His mission not only bolstered national pride but also laid the groundwork for subsequent advancements in China’s space endeavors, including lunar exploration and the development of a space station.
