In July 1999, to mark three decades since humanity’s "one giant leap," a coordinated global philatelic series was released across several nations. This collection, primarily featuring issues from the Bahamas, Barbados, and the Solomon Islands, documents the chronological journey of the Apollo 11 mission.
Detailed Gallery & Technical Analysis
1. Bahamas – $2.00 Circular Souvenir Sheet
- Subject: The Global Achievement and the First Manned Moon-Landing.
- Stamp Design: A unique circular stamp depicting Earth as seen from space.
- Cachet: Features the historic first lunar bootprint.
2. Solomon Islands – $2.50 "Aldrin Poses Beside U.S. Flag"
- Subject: The Lunar Surface Walk.
- Stamp Design: Iconic photo of Buzz Aldrin with the Lunar Module in the background.
- Cachet: Astronaut beginning the descent down the ladder of the LEM.
3. Barbados – $1.40 "Docking with Service Module"
- Subject: Orbital Mechanics and Rendezvous.
- Stamp Design: The Lunar Module "Eagle" docking with "Columbia" [cite: 8].
- Cachet: Detailed view of the Command Module "Columbia" in orbit [cite: 8].
4. Barbados – 40c "Astronaut Training"
- Subject: Preparation for Weightlessness.
- Stamp Design: Astronaut using suspension systems to simulate lunar gravity [cite: 8].
- Cachet: The American flag planted on the lunar surface [cite: 8].
5. Barbados – 45c "1st-Stage Separation"
- Subject: Saturn V Propulsion.
- Stamp Design: Jettisoning of the S-IC first stage.
- Cachet: Saturn V ignition on the launch pad.
6. Solomon Islands – 50c "Lift-off"
- Subject: The Beginning of the Journey.
- Stamp Design: The rocket clearing Launch Pad 39A.
- Cachet: Side profile view of the Saturn V.
7. Barbados – $1.15 Technical Schematic (LEM)
- Subject: Engineering of the Lunar Module.
- Stamp Design: Technical diagram labeling key Ascent and Descent components.
- Cachet: Perspective of the astronaut descending the LEM ladder.
Collection Summary
| Postmark Date | July 20, 1999 |
| Issuing Nations | Bahamas, Barbados, Solomon Islands |
| Mission Crew | Armstrong, Collins, Aldrin |