Stamp sheet National Centre for Space Studies 1962-1982, France, 2.60

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This official philatelic sheet, issued on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) from 1962 to 1982, features a technical illustration in blue depicting a large parabolic antenna and a stylized urban landscape in the background. The sheet includes two stamps with a face value of 2.60 francs each, positioned at the bottom left and right, both illustrated with motifs related to French space exploration. The commemorative postmark "20e ANNIVERSAIRE DU C.N.E.S. 18 MAI 1982 TOULOUSE" is clearly visible on the left stamp. The whole rests on fine-grained paper, typical of official philatelic documents issued by the French Post Office administration.

The main title "CENTRE NATIONAL D'ÉTUDES SPATIALES 1962-1982" is printed in black capital letters, surmounted by an illustration signed "NICOLAS". The explanatory text at the bottom of the sheet traces the history and missions of CNES, from the first French satellites (ASTRIX, DIAMANT, ARIANE) to major successes in the space field. The printing is clear, with precise details in the graphic and typographic elements.

The two stamps affixed at the bottom each feature a different technical illustration, in blue monochrome, as well as the mention "2.60" in red. The round commemorative postmark is well-marked, surrounding the satellite illustration and mentioning the date May 18, 1982, in Toulouse.

The document bears the printed mention at the bottom: "19-82 Document Philatélique Officiel édité par l’Administration des Postes et Télécommunications – Reproduction interdite". This type of sheet is intended for collection and highlights both postal history and French scientific advances in the space field.

The sheet has a matte finish and high-quality printing, with a flexible cardboard structure. No major defects are visible on the presented side: no chips, folds, or apparent stains; the surface appears clean and well-preserved.

Condition

Used item sold as is, without restoration. The visible side is in excellent visual condition, with no notable defects.

Did you know? CNES was created in 1961 and enabled France to become the third world space power, after the USSR and the United States, thanks notably to the launch of the Astérix satellite in 1965, then to the development of the Ariane rocket, which became a pillar of the European space industry.

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Keywords: stamp sheet, official philatelic document, CNES, Centre National Études Spatiales, space anniversary, France stamp, Ariane, Astérix satellite, commemorative postmark, post administration, philately France, French space stamp