Scott No: 3065
Serial number:2000-22
Values in set: 2
Denomination: 1.60 yuan
Date of issue: November 20, 2000
Designer: Wang Huming, Reng Guo'en
Size of stamps: 45*45mm
Perforation: 12
Sheet composition:
42 for Sheet I;
12 for Sheet II
Printing process: gravure
Printer: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing House

The commemorative stamp set Commemoration of the Successful Maiden Flight of China's Shenzhou Spacecraft was issued on November 20, 2000. It consists of two stamps with a total face value of 1.60 yuan. It was designed by Wang Huming and Ren Guoen and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process. It uses a horizontal two-stamp continuous format. On November 20, 1999, the Shenzhou-1 unmanned experimental spacecraft was launched and successfully recovered, achieving the first flight test of China's manned space program. The stamp set takes this as its theme, commemorating the historic first step of China's manned space program.

Thematic Focus of the Set

Manned spaceflight is a major project in the field of contemporary cutting-edge technology. The Shenzhou-1 spacecraft was China's first experimental spacecraft. This flight verified the basic technologies of the spacecraft and laid a solid foundation for subsequent manned flights. The stamp set features two scenes: the rocket launch and the spacecraft traveling through space. It showcases the magnificent moment of Shenzhou's maiden flight, documents a major breakthrough in China's space industry, promotes the spirit of self-reliance and overcoming difficulties in manned spaceflight, and carries the Chinese nation's millennia-old dream of flying into space.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Rocket Liftoff

The stamp depicts the Long March 2F carrier rocket igniting and lifting off, with flames surging and lifting the Shenzhou spacecraft through the clouds. The Long March 2F is China's dedicated carrier rocket for manned spaceflight. The stamp captures the shocking moment of the rocket launch, representing the power foundation of the space project and witnessing the rocket successfully sending the spacecraft into its predetermined orbit.

Traveling Through Space

The stamp presents the Shenzhou-1 spacecraft flying through the vast universe, with stars dotted in the background. Shenzhou-1 was an unmanned experimental spacecraft. After completing various technical tests in orbit, it returned and landed safely, marking a key breakthrough in China's manned space technology and opening a new chapter in the Chinese people's exploration of space.

Artistic and Design Features

The stamp set uses a realistic painting style. The tones are deep and grand, using deep blue to represent the cosmic space. The warm red of the flames creates a strong visual contrast. The photogravure printing provides rich color layers, delicately expressing the clouds, starry sky, and the rocket's exhaust flame. The two stamps are printed in a horizontal continuous pair, with the images echoing each other, coherently presenting the complete process from launch to orbit. It is a milestone stamp in China's space theme.