Description:

This collectible phone card, a 5-minute TeleCHIP issued to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the STS-1 NASA space shuttle mission, is a striking piece of memorabilia celebrating space exploration history. The card is die-cut into a circular shape, emphasizing its unique design, which diverges from traditional rectangular phone cards. Its front side prominently features the Columbia Space Shuttle, the iconic orbiter that made history with its first mission, STS-1, launched in 1981. The years "1981" and "1996" frame the shuttle image, marking fifteen years since that landmark flight. This mission was pivotal, representing NASA’s bold advances in spaceflight technology. At the bottom of the card, astronauts John Young and Robert Crippen are honored with their names inscribed beneath the “Columbia” banner, further personalizing this tribute to these space pioneers.

Surrounding the Columbia shuttle image is a deep blue border decorated with golden stars, symbolizing the outer space environment. The inscription “15th ANNIVERSARY” is prominently displayed at the top of this border, while “STS-1” is positioned at the bottom, clearly referencing the shuttle’s historic maiden voyage. This design choice not only emphasizes the significance of STS-1 as NASA’s first operational space shuttle flight but also highlights the era of shuttle missions between 1981 and 1996. The celestial frame created by the border complements the depiction of the shuttle launching above Earth, with a faint globe behind Columbia, symbolizing the global reach of space exploration. This collectible effectively captures the spirit of innovation and courage embodied by the STS-1 mission and its astronauts.

On the reverse side of the TeleCHIP, the practical function of the phone card is evident. The center displays dialing instructions and the customer service contact number for Cable & Wireless, Inc., the telecommunications company responsible for issuing the TeleCHIP. The text reads “DIAL 1-800-248-8752” and indicates the card’s 5 prepaid minutes—an important detail for users when the card was actively used for phone calls. Encircling this information is another blue ring inscribed with “COMMEMORATIVE TeleCHIP” and “FOLLOW VOICE INSTRUCTIONS,” emphasizing both its collectible nature and functional use. The presence of the Cable & Wireless logo and “MINTAGE 500” suggests this phone chip was produced in a limited edition.

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.