Description:

This collectible phone card is a striking tribute that commemorates a pivotal milestone in space exploration history—the 15th anniversary of the STS-1 mission aboard NASA's Space Shuttle Columbia. Crafted as a die-cut TeleCHIP, a technology used in phone cards during the 1980s and 1990s to securely store calling data, the card features a distinctive design. The front showcases a circular motif highlighting the years 1981 and 1996, marking fifteen years since Columbia's inaugural flight. At the center, a detailed illustration depicts the shuttle mid-launch, with flames billowing beneath it against a backdrop of the Earth, symbolizing its orbital mission. Beneath the shuttle, the words "Young Crippen" honor astronauts John Young and Robert Crippen, who served as commander and pilot for the STS-1 mission, emphasizing the human element of this historic voyage.

Encircling the central image, a blue ring frames the design with gold lettering that reads "15th ANNIVERSARY" at the top and "STS-1" at the bottom, underscoring the card’s commemorative purpose. The use of gold accents and the fiery ascent of the shuttle evoke the excitement and daring spirit of space exploration driven by the Space Shuttle program—a significant leap beyond the earlier Apollo missions. This design celebrates technological and exploratory advancements since the early days of Apollo, reminding collectors and enthusiasts of Columbia’s crucial role in expanding human access to outer space.

On the reverse side, the card maintains its collectible appeal with a more utilitarian yet equally engaging design. At the center, a cluster of circular elements indicates the card’s functionality: a dial-in number (1-800-248-8752) and a unique "authorization number" labeled 00TEST, alongside the phrase "MINTAGE 500." This indicates that only 500 of these cards were produced, enhancing its rarity and appeal to collectors. Around the edges, the card reiterates its TeleCHIP branding, emphasizing the technological innovation behind these phone cards, which combined communication convenience with collectible artistry during the 1980s and 1990s.

Overall, this die-cut TeleCHIP phone card seamlessly blends history, technology, and commemoration. It honors the daring spirit of space exploration exemplified by Columbia’s STS-1 mission while serving as a nostalgic artifact from the golden era of chip-based phone cards. The TeleCHIP itself, representing an evolution in phonecard technology, symbolizes the technological leaps humanity has made—both in telecommunications and space travel—over the closing decades of the 20th century. This collectible card stands out not only as a practical calling card from the past but also as a small, shining tribute to mankind’s ongoing journey into outer space, peaking with shuttle missions like STS-1.

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.