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August 13th 2001 - Record-breaking flight by Helios above Kaua'i.
On August 13th 2001, the "Helios", NASA's solar-powered remote-controlled pilotless aircraft, took off from the U.S. Navy Barking Sands Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kaua'i in the Hawaiian Islands. A few hours later, it soared to 96,500 feet and broke two aviation records, one for the highest altitude ever reached by a non-rocket powered aircraft. The other for the highest altitude ever reached by a propeller-driven aircraft.
Named after the Greek Sun God, "Helios" is funded by NASA and was built by Aero-Vironment in Monrovia, California. It has 65,000 solar cells which generate electricity to power 14 propeller motors. It weighs 1,600 lbs, has 5 landing gear pods and a wingspan of 247 feet.
It's future mission is to study the high atmosphere and also to serve as a cheaper alternative to space satellites. It's next test flight will be for a continuous flight lasting 4 days. The Earth's atmosphere at 100,000 feet is similar to that on the planet Mars. Research done by "Helios" will eventually aid in the future exploration of the red planet.
The $5 stamp (above left) prepays the Overnight rate. It shows the"Helios" taking off from the runway at the U.S. Navy Barking Sands Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kaua'i.
The $8 stamp (above right) prepays the Same Day rate. It shows the"Helios" above Ni'ihau (left of stamp) and Lehua Island (bottom right of stamp) which is a small uninhabited islet. Ni'ihau, known as the "Forbidden Isle" lies southwest of Kaua'i. and is owned by one family with a small population of Hawaiians. It is one of the last places in Hawai'i where the Hawaiian language is spoken in every day use. Ni'ihau is known for its shells which can be found on its pristine and largely unvisited beaches. There are no hotels on the island and visitors to Ni'ihau are by invitation only.
WE ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS ON ALL ORDERS
Technical details of the stamps:
Colors: $5 & $8 stamps - Multicolored
Size: 32mm x 48mm.
Stamp sheet size: $5 & $8 - 30 (5 across, 6 down)
Perforation: 12.
Stamp designs: Enelani.
Photos: Courtesy of NASA.
Layout & Pre-press: Enelani.
Printer: Hawai'i Security Printers, Honolulu, Hawai'i.
Printing Method: 4-color (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black) printing process.
Sheet margin markings: HAWAI'I POST (top middle), "Traffic Light" showing 4 colors used in printing (lower left side), © 2001 Hawai'i Post (lower right side) & Hawai'i Security Printers, Honolulu, Hawai'i. (bottom middle)
Paper: GPA coated white stock with water-activated gum on the back.
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