June 26 2003 Postage Stamp issued by Hawai'i Post

June 26th 2003 - Crash of NASA's record-breaking aircraft "Helios" off 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" was funded by NASA and built by Aero-Vironment in Monrovia, California. Originally, it had 65,000 solar cells which generate electricity to power 14 propeller motors. It weighed 1,600 lbs, had 5 landing gear pods and a wingspan of 247 feet. On the June 26 2003 flight, "Helios" had been modified with only 10 propeller motors. The flight was to test an innovative hydrogen fuel-cell system which had been added allowing the "Helios" to remain aloft overnight.

It's main mission was to study the high atmosphere and perhaps to serve as a cheaper alternative to space satellites. The Earth's atmosphere at 100,000 feet is similar to that on the planet Mars. Research done by "Helios" was supposed to aid in the future exploration of the red planet.

On June 26 2003 the"Helios" took off from the runway at the U.S. Navy Barking Sands Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kaua'i. It soared to about 3,000 feet and then started to break apart before it crashed into the Pacific Ocean about half an hour after take-off. Parts of the crashed aircraft have been salvaged, but it is not known if the Helios will be rebuilt.

One stamp was issued in memory of this event. The $8 stamp is the same as the $8 stamp issued on August 13 2001 except "CRASHED JUNE 26 2003" in red letters has been added. Also, the date on the stamp (center bottom) has been changed from 2001 to 2003. This stamp 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. The Helios crashed in the Kaulakahi Channel between Ni'ihau and Kaua'i.

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.

Technical details of the stamps:
Colors: Multicolored
Size: 32mm x 48mm.
Stamp sheet size: 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), © 2003 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.