Scott No: 2402
Serial number: 1992-14
Values in set: 1
Date of issue: August 18, 1992
Designers: Liu Shuoren
Size: 30*40mm
Perforation: 11
Sheet composition: 50
Printing process: offset

The commemorative stamp International Space Year, catalog number 1992-14, was issued on August 18, 1992. It consists of one stamp, produced using offset printing. The stamp measures 30×40 mm, with a perforation gauge of 12 degrees. Each sheet contains 50 stamps. It was designed by Liu Shuoren and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works.

Thematic Focus of the Set

This stamp was issued in conjunction with the International Space Year designated by the United Nations. The year 1992 coincided with the 20th anniversary of the Second United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. The English abbreviation for International Space Year is ISY. It advocates that countries join hands in space exploration, promote the peaceful use of space technology, help developing countries share the achievements of space science and technology, use space observation means to carry out global environmental monitoring, and promote humanity's common exploration of and friendly cooperation in outer space. The stamp adopts a contrast between ancient and modern, combining China's ancient rocket, a symbol of the origins of spaceflight, with the vast Milky Way, tracing the origins of the dream of spaceflight and showcasing humanity's pursuit of venturing into the sea of stars and exploring the unknown.

Stamp Design and Historical Background

International Space Year

At the center is a spiral Milky Way galaxy, with nebula colors transitioning layer by layer from the inside out. A red ancient rocket streaks diagonally across the sky, dynamic and soaring. China's ancient rocket was an early prototype of rockets in the world and a witness to the ancient Chinese ancestors' dream of flying. Above the image is the text "International Space Year" and the English abbreviation ISY, indicating the theme of this international event and symbolizing the journey from ancient fantasies of flight to modern space exploration.

Artistic and Design Features

The stamp uses a decorative illustration style. The deep navy starry background enhances the vastness and mystery of the universe. The red rocket has sharp and vigorous lines, forming a contrast of curve and straightness, movement and stillness with the soft, rotating nebula, creating a strong visual impact. The composition is simple and concise, integrating the prototype of ancient Chinese spaceflight with the theme of modern space science. It symbolizes the passing of the torch in space exploration. It is a stamp with rich historical depth in conception among space and aerospace-themed stamps.