Astrophilately: Space History Through Postal History
New to the subject? Read What Is Astrophilately? for an introduction to space covers, postal markings, and ways to begin collecting.
Astrophilately explores spaceflight and space-related events through postal material. A cover, postmark, or postal marking can help connect a launch, tracking station, recovery operation, or research flight with its place in space history.
American Astrophilately brings together reference books, exhibits, articles, videos, and collectible covers for people interested in the intersection of space exploration and postal history. Explore the work of David S. Ball, author of American Astrophilately: The First Fifty Years and KSC Officials: 1965–1975, alongside resources from other authors and exhibitors.
Explore the Collection and Research
- Reference books on American and Soviet/Russian astrophilately and related collecting subjects.
- Philatelic exhibits exploring spaceflight, recovery ships, rocket mail, aviation, and polar history.
- Articles and research on space covers, postal markings, and the stories behind postal history.
- Videos and presentations about astrophilately, collecting, and space exploration.
- Covers for sale, organized by space program and other collecting areas.
Start with a subject that interests you, then use the books, exhibits, and articles to investigate the postal evidence behind the story. For questions about the material on this site, contact American Astrophilately.
Questions About Space Covers
What is a space cover?
A space cover is postal material associated with a spaceflight or space-related event. Its postmark, cachet, and other markings help explain the connection. A space cover was not necessarily carried aboard a spacecraft.
Can I view exhibits online?
Yes. The Exhibits page links to studies of spaceflight, recovery ships, rocket mail, and other postal history subjects. Many are available as PDF files.
Where can I learn to identify and study space covers?
The reference books provide collecting guidance, while the articles and presentations offer examples and discussions of specific topics.