Scott No: 3314
Serial number: 2003-S5
Values in set: 2
Denomination: 2. 80 yuan
Date of issue: 16th October 2003
Designer: Wang Huming and Liu Xiangping
Size of stamps: 40*30 mm
Perforation : 13*13.5
Sheet composition: 10 (se-tenant)
Printing process: gravure
Printer: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing House

This is a set of two special stamps titled China's First Successful Manned Spaceflight, issued on October 16, 2003, with a total face value of 2.80 yuan, designed by Wang Huming and Liu Xiangping and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process. A miniature sheet was also issued.

On October 15, 2003, astronaut Yang Liwei lifted off aboard the Shenzhou-5 manned spacecraft, orbited the Earth 14 times over 21 hours and 23 minutes, and returned safely to the ground on October 16. The complete success of the Shenzhou-5 mission realized the Chinese nation's thousand-year dream of spaceflight and made China the third country in the world to independently master manned spaceflight technology. Special-prefix stamps are issued for major sudden events and major landmark events. This stamp set documents this milestone moment in China's manned space program and highlights the historic breakthrough in China's space technology.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Rocket Liftoff

The main subject is the magnificent moment when the Long March 2F carrier rocket lifts the Shenzhou-5 spacecraft into the sky at ignition, with bright flames shooting from the rocket's tail against a clear blue sky. The Long March 2F is a carrier rocket developed specifically for China's manned space program, known for its high reliability. Its launch of Shenzhou-5 into space marked the starting point of this journey. The stamp captures the awe-inspiring scene of the rocket soaring into the clouds, displaying the majestic momentum of a space launch.

Spacecraft in Orbit

The stamp depicts the Shenzhou-5 manned spacecraft orbiting the Earth in space. The spacecraft is clearly depicted, with the blue expanse of space and the outline of the Earth in the background. On board was astronaut Yang Liwei, who completed various scheduled experiments in orbit, representing the first time a Chinese person entered the vastness of space. The stamp presents the spacecraft in orbit, symbolizing the Chinese nation's great dream of exploring the cosmos.

Artistic and Design Features

The stamp set uses a realistic painting style, with bright and grand colors. The dominant blue and white tones create a sense of the vastness of space. The photogravure printing provides rich layers, clearly reproducing the structural details of the rocket and spacecraft. The two stamps fully present the entire process of manned spaceflight, from launch to orbiting in space, echoing each other. They capture the epoch-making space feat of Shenzhou-5 and pay tribute to the spirit of perseverance and relentless pursuit of excellence of Chinese space professionals.