Aryabhata 1975 – India's First Satellite
This First Day Cover commemorates the launch of Aryabhata, India's first satellite, on April 20, 1975. The cover features a striking black line-art cachet of a ground-based satellite tracking antenna and a 25 paise stamp depicting the Aryabhata satellite in orbit above Earth. The bilingual pictorial postmark from New Delhi includes 'FIRST INDIAN SATELLITE' text, marking this pivotal moment in India's space program.
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The cachet features a black line-art illustration of a large ground-based satellite tracking antenna/dish on the left side of the cream-colored envelope. The stamp (25 paise, dark blue) depicts the Aryabhata satellite in orbit above Earth against a starry background, with text 'ARYABHATA 1975' in Hindi and English. The circular pictorial postmark reads 'FIRST INDIAN SATELLITE' around the outer ring with 'NEW DELHI 110001' and date '20-4-75' visible. The cover header reads in Hindi and English 'FIRST DAY COVER.'
The cachet features black line-art of a ground-based satellite tracking antenna, symbolizing communication and monitoring. The stamp depicts the Aryabhata satellite in orbit above Earth, with a denomination of 25 paise, highlighting India's first satellite launch. The circular postmark includes the text 'FIRST INDIAN SATELLITE' and 'NEW DELHI,' indicating the commemorative significance of the event. The cover is in good condition with clear, legible text and artwork.
(The automatic summaries sometimes misidentify the postmark as part of the cachet artwork.)