FDC with a cachet honoring Echo 1, the world’s first passive communications satellite, postmarked December 15, 1960, affixed to a printed 13 x 9.5 presentation card together with a 3 x 1 segment of silver Mylar, the same material used in the Echo satellites, signed on the card in various inks, “John H. Glenn, Jr.,” “Gordon Cooper,” “Scott Carpenter,” “Walter W. Schirra, Jr.,” “Alan B. Shepard, Jr.,” “Donald K. Slayton,” and “Virgil I. Grissom.” Echo 1A (commonly referred to as Echo 1) was put in orbit on August 12, 1960. The 100-foot-diameter balloon, made of thick metallized Mylar polyester film, was successfully used to redirect transcontinental and intercontinental telephone, radio, and television signals. Echo 1A reentered Earth's atmosphere and burned up on May 24, 1968. Because of its distinctive nature, the spacecraft was nicknamed a “satelloon” by those involved in the project. Scattered trivial areas of surface loss to sheet, and typed address to FDC, otherwise fine condition. Boldly signed and attractive for display! COA Scott Cornish and R&R COA.
