November 10, 1960
IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION 
Launch Operations Directorate
Public Information Office
Patrick Air Force Base, Florida
UL 7-4318, UL 7-2861

ECHO I COMMEMORATIVE STAMP

Postmaster General Arthur E. Summerfield has announced plans to issue a 4-cent stamp on December 15, 1960, at Washington, D. C., commemorating Echo I -- the world's first passive communications satellite -- placed in orbit around the earth by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration on August 12, 1960. 

"Echo I gives promise of the day when a system of such satellites, dedicated to peaceful purposes, would bring the peoples of the world closer through a wider exchange of information and viewpoints," said Mr. Summerfield. "Because this represents an initial and potentially a most significant and historic advancement in world communications for peace, the Post Office Department is commemorating the achievement with a commemorative stamp," Mr. Summerfield added. He said the Post Office Department's long-range interest in this and other improved means of communication is grounded in the belief that our postal system might ultimately employ this new technology to improve and extend our ability to communicate throughout the world. 

T. Keith Glennan, NASA Administrator, said Echo I "is the first step in the use of satellites to provide the world with an economically feasible communications network of much greater capacity and versatility than anything we now have." 

Collectors desiring first day cancellations of the 4-cent Echo I stamp may send addressed envelopes, together with remittance to cover the cost of the stamps to be affixed, to the Postmaster, Washington 13, D. C. Each envelope must be marked, in pencil, in the upper right corner, indicating the number of stamps to be affixed.

An enclosure of medium weight should be placed in each envelope and the flap either turned in or sealed. The outside envelope to the Postmaster should be clearly marked "First day covers 4-cent Echo I." Collectors are cautioned to send these covers separately. Any orders containing requests for other issues will be returned unserviced by the Postmaster. Collectors are also cautioned that orders must not include requests for uncancelled stamps.

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