Description:

This collectible phone card commemorates the 15th anniversary of the STS-1 mission, marking a significant milestone in NASA’s space shuttle program history. The card features an eye-catching die-cut design, dividing it into two circular sections that highlight key themes of space exploration. On the left side, the prominent emblem centers on NASA’s Space Shuttle Columbia, the orbiter that completed the first shuttle flight, known as STS-1. Depicted in a stylized manner, the shuttle is set against a vivid blue Earth background. Surrounding this image are the dates "1981" and "1996," emphasizing the 15-year span since Columbia’s historic maiden voyage. Below the shuttle, the names “Young” and “Crippen” are included as respectful nods to the pioneering astronauts John Young and Robert Crippen, who commanded and piloted the mission, respectively.

The right side of the card functions as the operational component of this TeleCHIP phone card, featuring essential instructions for its use as a prepaid calling resource. At the top, it clearly labels the item as a “Commemorative TeleCHIP,” reinforcing its collectible status. The chip’s face displays dialing information, including a toll-free number—1-800-248-8752—and a number associated with the Mintages service, hinting at its limited edition nature. This side also features a unique authorization number and the notation “Mintage 500,” emphasizing its limited print run and increasing its appeal to space memorabilia collectors and enthusiasts. The instructions gently remind users to follow voice prompts during dialing, a common feature of telecards from that era.

Stylistically, the card employs colors and symbols that evoke the adventurous spirit of late 20th-century space exploration. Rich blues and reds, often associated with NASA imagery and the American flag, dominate the palette. These hues evoke patriotism and the vastness of space, drawing the viewer’s eye to the shuttle poised for launch above the Earth’s horizon. The circular design mirrors the shape of both the telechip and the globe, symbolizing connectivity and humanity’s journey into outer space—highlighting the global reach enabled by advancements in telecommunications. The die-cut technique adds a tactile, distinctive quality to the card, making it stand out among standard rectangular phone cards.

Overall, this 5M TeleCHIP is more than just a calling card; it’s a tribute to technological progress from the early days of the space shuttle program through the mid-1990s. It captures the excitement and achievements of Columbia’s STS-1 mission, which paved the way for future shuttle flights and human space exploration. By blending the practical utility of a telechip with commemorative artwork and historical figures like John Young and Robert Crippen, this collectible phone card unites the worlds of telecommunications and space exploration. It embodies the cultural fascination with the Apollo-era legacy, merged with contemporary telecommunication advancements symbolized by the telechip technology.

Since we have the world's largest inventory of USA phonecards for collectors, you will not necessarily receive the identical serial/batch/PIN number that we have scanned/pictured.