TIROS-1/8 type

TIROS
and ESSA
series

TIROS/ESSA type
TIROS-1/8 type
(camera on bottom)
TIROS/ESSA type
(camera thru side)

This page contains philatelic information on the TIROS (Television and InfraRed Observation Satellite) series and the Environmental Science Services Administration (ESSA) series satellites. Catalog numbers, years of issue, and notes on the satellites featured are given when available. If readers know of additional information or images, please contact the authors using the e-mail addresses at the bottom of this page.

Launch information
(found elsewhere)
Launch covers
(including anniversary-of-launch covers, and launch-related event covers)
(farther below)
Other postal items
(stamps, souvenir sheets, aerogrammes, postal cards, etc.)
(immediately below)
TIROS TIROS TIROS and ESSA
TIROS or ESSA (on other than TIROS or ESSA launch covers)
ESSA ESSA


Below is a list of TIROS-series postal items (stamps, souvenir sheets, aerogrammes, postal cards, etc.).

CountryCatalog NumberType of ItemYear of IssueNotes on Content
TIROS and ESSA
Argentina977 cover (Mi1127 cover)(Black rubber-stamp) cachet on (airmail) cover1972TIROS; also APT
ArgentinaC133 cover (Mi1076 cover)(Black rubber-stamp) cachet on cover (different)
Argentina977 cover (Mi1127 cover)(Black printed) cachet on (airmail) cover1973TIROS; also APT
ArgentinaNoneAerogramme, also back1973TIROS; also APT
Australia431 fdc1 (Mi395 fdc1)(Parade Covers red/cyan) cachet on FDC (GPO Brisbane QLD cancel)1968TIROS-1/8 type1
Australia431 fdc2 (Mi395 fdc2)(Parade Covers black/green) cachet on FDC (Lane Cove NSW cancel)
Australia431 fdc3 (Mi395 fdc3)(Parade Covers black/grey-green) cachet on FDC (Edgeworth NSW cancel)
Australia431 fdc4 (Mi395 fdc4)(Parade Covers black/pink) cachet on FDC (Russell Street Philatelic VIC cancel)
Australia431 fdc5 (Mi395 fdc5)(Parade Covers brown/cyan) cachet on FDC (Ararat VIC cancel)
Australia431 fdc6 (Mi395 fdc6)(Parade Covers dark-blue/cyan) cachet on FDC (Russell Street Philatelic VIC cancel)
Australia431 fdc7 (Mi395 fdc7)(Parade Covers orange-brown/grey) cachet on FDC (Russell Street Philatelic VIC cancel)
Australia431-432 fdc1(Excelsior yellow/blue/gold) cachet on FDC (GPO Perth WA cancel)TIROS/ESSA type2
Australia431-432 fdc2(Excelsior yellow/blue/gold) cachet on FDC (GPO Melbourne VIC cancel)
Australia431-432 fdc3(Excelsior yellow/blue/gold) cachet on FDC (Geelong VIC cancel)
Australia431-432 fdc4(Excelsior orange/blue/gold) cachet on FDC (Geelong VIC cancel)
Australia431-432 fdc5(Excelsior orange/blue/gold) cachet on FDC (Morwell VIC cancel)
Australia431-432 fdc6(Excelsior orange/blue/gold) cachet on FDC (Hampton East S.7 VIC cancel)
Australia431-432 fdc7(Parade Covers dark-blue/cyan) cachet on FDC (Clarence St. Sydney NSW cancel)TIROS-1/8 type1
Australia431-432 fdc8(Parade Covers red/green) cachet on FDC (Eltham VIC cancel)
Australia431-432 fdc9(Parade Covers brown/grey-green) cachet on FDC (Russell Street Philatelic VIC cancel)
Australia431-432 fdc10(Parade Covers dark-blue/pink) cachet on FDC (Adelaide SA cancel)
Australia431-432 fdc11(Parade Covers red/cyan) cachet on FDC (Adelaide SA cancel)
Australia431-432 fdc12(Parade Covers orange-brown/cyan) cachet on FDC (Adelaide SA cancel)
Australia431-433 fdc1(Excelsior orange/blue/gold) cachet on FDC (RAAF Sale East VIC cancel)TIROS/ESSA type2
Australia431-433 fdc2(Parade Covers dark-blue/cyan) cachet on FDC (Adelaide SA cancel)TIROS-1/8 type1
Australia431-433 fdc3(Parade Covers red/green) cachet on FDC (? NSW cancel)
Australia432 fdc (Mi396 fdc)(Parade Covers dark-blue/cyan) cachet on FDC (Russell Street Philatelic VIC cancel)TIROS-1/8 type1
Australia433 fdc1 (Mi397 fdc1)(Parade Covers red/green) cachet on FDC (Clarence St. Sydney NSW cancel)
Australia433 fdc2 (Mi397 fdc2)(Parade Covers red/cyan) cachet on FDC (Russell Street Philatelic VIC cancel)
Australia433 fdc3 (Mi397 fdc3)(Parade Covers black/pink) cachet on FDC (Moree NSW cancel)
Australia433 fdc4 (Mi397 fdc4)(Parade Covers green/pink) cachet on FDC (GPO Brisbane QLD cancel)
Australia433 fdc5 (Mi397 fdc5)(Parade Covers green/pink) cachet on FDC (Wollengong NSW cancel)
Australia433 fdc6 (Mi397 fdc6)(Parade Covers red/green) cachet on FDC (Ballarat VIC cancel)
Australia433 fdc7 (Mi397 fdc7)(Parade Covers red/cyan) cachet on FDC (Ballarat VIC cancel)
Australia433 fdc8 (Mi397 fdc8)(Parade Covers green/cyan) cachet on FDC (Russell Street Philatelic VIC cancel)
Australia433 fdc9 (Mi397 fdc9)(Parade Covers black/pink) cachet on FDC (Russell Street Philatelic VIC cancel)
AustraliaNone(Excelsior) cachet on cover1968TIROS/ESSA type2
Bahamas346 (Mi354)1973TIROS-1/8 type1
BelgiumNoneIn (upper-left) margin of imperforate MS2 cinderella1963?TIROS
Belgium836 fdc (Mi1714 fdc)(SonyStamp) cachet on FDC1980TIROS
Belgium836 card (Mi1714 card)(SonyStamp) cachet on FDC card
BeninUnknown b (Mi none)One of MS4 (a-d) [known illegal issue]2017"ESSA-8" (also launch date)
BeninUnknown fdcMS4 on FDC
Burma276 (Mi277)1980TIROS
Burma285 (Mi286)1983TIROS
Burma286 (Mi287)
Burma287 (Mi288)
Burma288 (Mi289)
Chad707d (Mi1502A)
i707d (Mi1502B)
One stamp and in selvedge of MS6 (707 (a-f)) (Mi1499A-1504A)
One stamp and in selvedge of imperforate MS6 (i707 (a-f)) (Mi1499B-1504B)
1997"TIROS-6" (early-type)1 (in selvedge text)
China (Taiwan)1338 fdc (Mi453 fdc)(Purple rubber-stamp) cachet on FDC, also information cutout (insert?)1962TIROS/ESSA type2
Congo RepublicUnknown ss (BL none)On stamp and (lower-right) margin of SS1 [known illegal issue]2014"TIROS 1" (in stamp); "Images 'TIROS 1' 1960" (in margin)
Czechoslovakia1295 (Mi1521)1965TIROS (on left)
Czechoslovakia1291-1292+1295 fdcOne of three stamps on FDC
Czechoslovakia1291+1293+1295 fdcOne of three stamps on FDC card
DahomeyC25 fdc (Mi246 fdc)(Éditions P.J.) cachet on FDC1965TIROS-1/8 type1
Dominica354 (Mi354)1973TIROS launch
Dominica354-360 fdcOne of seven stamps on FDC
Dominica354-360 proofs1Proof sheet
Dominica354-360 proofs2Proof sheet (different)
Dominica2238a (Mi2896)One of MS6 (2238 (a-f)) (Mi2896-2901)2000TIROS-1/8 type1 (not "ESSA-8", as in text)
Dominican Republic673 (Mi960)1970TIROS/ESSA type2
Dominican RepublicC178 (Mi961)
Dubai123 (Mi367)1970TIROS-1/8 type1
Equatorial GuineaBL266A
BL266B
On stamp of SS1
On stamp of imperforate SS1
1977TIROS
Equatorial GuineaBL266A o/pOn stamp of SS1, overprinted in blue1989TIROS
Ethiopia663 (Mi749)1973TIROS-1/8 type1
Ethiopia661-663 proofs1One of three proofs (color-shifted)
Ethiopia661-663 proofs2One of three proofs (color-shifted, different)
Ethiopia661-663 proofs3One of three proofs (partial-color)
Ethiopia661-663 fdc1One of three stamps on FDC (Amhara cancel)
Ethiopia661-663 fdc2One of three stamps on FDC (Addis Ababa cancel)
Ethiopia661-663 fdc3One of three stamps on FDC (same, except red cancel and red cachet printing)
France1863+label cover (Mi2387+label cover)(Pictorial) cancel on cover1983(possible) TIROS or ESSA type
Franklin Mint (USA)None(Bronze) medallion, also reverse1970s"TIROS-I" (TIROS-1)
Franklin Mint (USA)None(Silver) medallion, also reverse
FujeiraMi77A
Mi77B

Imperforate
1966TIROS
FujeiraMi70A-77A fdcOne of eight stamps on FDC
FujeiraBL4A
BL4B
On one of MS2 (Mi76A-77A)
On one of imperforate MS2 (Mi76B-77B)
FujeiraBL4A fdcMS2 on FDC
FujeiraMi156A
Mi156B
Mi77A overprinted new currency
Mi77B overprinted new currency
1967TIROS
FujeiraMi344A
Mi344B
Mi77A overprinted "Apollo-8"
Mi77B overprinted "Apollo-8"
1969TIROS
FujeiraMi341A-348A fdcOne of eight stamps on FDC
FujeiraMiA348A
MiA348B
Mi344A gold foil
Mi344B gold foil
FujeiraBL12Imperforate deluxe sheet, gold foil
FujeiraMiA348A+MiA348B+BL12 fdcStamp and imperforate stamp and deluxe sheet on FDC
FujeiraBL8A
BL8B
On one of MS2 (Mi155A-156A), BL4A overprinted new currency
On one of imperforate MS2 (Mi155B-156B), BL4B overprinted new currency
1967TIROS
FujeiraBL11A
BL11B
On one of MS2 (Mi343A-344A), BL4A overprinted "Apollo-8"
On one of imperforate MS2 (Mi343B-344B), BL4B overprinted "Apollo-8"
1969TIROS
FujeiraBL11AK
BL11BK
On one of MS2 (Mi343-344), BL4A inverted overprint "Apollo-8"
On one of imperforate MS2 (Mi343B-344B), BL4B inverted overprint "Apollo-8"
Germany (East)None(Blue rubber-stamp) cachet on cover1984TIROS/ESSA type2
Germany (West)None(Blue printed) cachet on cover1963TIROS-1/8 type1
Germany (West)None(Blue printed and black types) cachet on cover1964TIROS-1/8 type1
Germany (West)NoneCinderella (poster stamp), one of MS30 cinderella~1966"TIROS-1"
Germany (West)None(Magenta pictorial) meter (from card), also back1968"ESSA-2"
Ghana166a (BL9)In (right) margin of imperforate MS4 (4x 166)1964TIROS
Ghana166a fdcImperforate MS4 on FDC
Ghana504 (Mi521A)
i504 (Mi521B)

Imperforate
1973TIROS-1/8 type1
Ghanai503-i506 fdcOne of four imperforate stamps on FDC
Ghana507a (Mi524A)
i507a (Mi524B)
One of MS2 (507 (a-b)) (BL51A)
One of imperforate MS2 (i507 (a-b)) (BL51B)
Ghanai507 fdcImperforate MS2 on FDC
Grenada1158 (BL114)On stamp of SS11983TIROS/ESSA type2
Grenada1250 (BL134)On stamp of SS1, 1158 overprinted1984TIROS/ESSA type2
India508 (Mi492)1970TIROS-1/8 type1
Indonesia819 (Mi707)1972ESSA-8
Indonesia819-821 fdcOne of three stamps and (Indonesia Post) cachet on FDC
Israel496_cover (Mi563 cover)Cinderella on cover1972TIROS-1/8 type1
Israel952+tab (Mi1050+tab)Stamp and tab, from MS15 (952a (15x 952))1986TIROS3
Israel952 misperfMis-perforated
Israel952+tab fdcStamp and tab on FDC (Israel Post cachet)
Israel952+tab leaflet1Leaflet (USA)
Israel952+tab leaflet2Leaflet (Israel)
Kathiri State of Seiyun (South Arabia)Mi84B-88B+selvedgeOn selvedge of imperforates1966TIROS
Kathiri State of Seiyun (South Arabia)MiA90B+selvedgeOn selvedge of imperforate
Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania262 (Mi250)1973TIROS
Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania259-262 fdc1One of four stamps on FDC (Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania cancel)
Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania259-262 fdc2One of four stamps on FDC (Kampala, Uganda cancel)
Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania259-262 cardPresentation card
Korea (North)1436 (BL29A)
i1436 (BL29B)
In (upper-left) margin of SS1
In (upper-left) margin of imperforate SS1
1976TIROS (but inconsistent with cent. ITU theme)
Korea (North)1506 (Mi1523Ax)
i1506 (Mi1523Bx)
Coated paper
Coated paper, imperforate
1976TIROS
Korea (North)1506_un-coated (Mi1528Ay
i1506_un-coated (Mi1528By)
One of MS7 (1511a (1506-1511+1512a + label)) on un-coated paper (Mi1523Ay-1529Ay)
One of imperforate MS7 (i1511a (i1506-i1511+i1512a + label)) on un-coated paper (Mi1523By-1529By)
Korea (North)1646 (Mi_A1523Ay)
i1646 (Mi_A1523By)
One of MS7 (1651a (1646-1651+1652a + label)), 1511a on un-coated paper overprintedin purple
One of imperforate MS7 (i1651a (i1646-i1651+i1652a + label)), i1511a on un-coated paper overprinted in purple
1977TIROS
Korea (South)858 (Mi865)1973TIROS
Korea (South)858 fdcStamp and (pictorial) cancel and (KPC) cachet on FDC
Korea (South)858a (BL360)MS2 (2x 858)
Liberia653 (Mi896A)
i653 (Mi896B)

Imperforate
1973TIROS
Malagasy RepublicC78 (Mi519)
iC78

Imperforate
1964TIROS-1/8 type1
Malagasy RepublicC78 dsDeluxe sheet (C78)
Malagasy RepublicC78 proof1Signed proof (green)
Malagasy RepublicC78 proof2Signed proof (black)
Malagasy RepublicC78 fdc1Stamp and (pictorial) cancel and (Éditions P.J.) cachet on FDC
Malagasy RepublicC78 fdc2Stamp and (pictorial) cancel and (Éditions J.F.) cachet on FDC
Malagasy RepublicC78 fdc3Stamp and (pictorial) cancel and (Éditions So.Ge.Im.) cachet on FDC
Maldive Islands464 (Mi479)
i464

Imperforate
1974"TIROS"-1/8 type1 (note: mis-spelling of "metereological" instead of "meteorological")
Maldive Islands469 (Mi484)
i469

Imperforate
MauritaniaC25 (Mi219)
iC25

Imperforate
1963TIROS-1/8 type1
MauritaniaC25 dsDeluxe sheet (C25)
MauritaniaC25 fdc1Stamp and (Éditions J.F.) cachet on FDC
MauritaniaC25 fdc2Stamp and (Éditions P.J.) cachet on FDC
MauritaniaC25 proofSigned proof (black)
MexicoC323 (Mi1227)1967TIROS
MexicoC323 fdc1Stamp and (cyan and black printed) cachet on FDC, also detail
MexicoC323 fdc2Stamp on FDC (cyan and black printed cachet, different)
MexicoC323 fdc3Stamp on FDC (multi-color printed cachet)
MexicoC323 folderFDC folder, also outside (front and back)
MexicoC323 program(Mexico Post) FDOI program, also back
Mongolia363 (Mi367)1964TIROS-1/8 type1
Morocco120 (Mi547)
i120

Imperforate
1965TIROS-1/8 type1 (but inconsistent with cent. ITU theme)
NigerC41 (Mi70)
iC41

Imperforate
1964TIROS4
NigerC41 fdc1Stamp and (blue and brown and black printed) cachet on FDC
NigerC41 fdc2Stamp on FDC (brown cachet)
NigerC41 dsDeluxe sheet (C41)
NigerC41 proof1Signed proof (black)
NigerC41 proof2Signed proof (brown)
Panama457C (Mi781)
i457C

Imperforate
1964"TIROS-2" (early-type)1
Panama460D (Mi816)
i460D (Mi822)

Imperforate with changed color
1965TIROS
Panama460D pair460D pair (2x 460D)
Panama460Ef (BL34)
i460Ef (BL35)
On one of MS2 (460D-460E)
On one of imperforate MS2 (i460D-i460E), changed colors
PanamaC334a (BL36)
iC334a (BL37)
In (right) margin of MS2 (C333-C334)
In (right) margin of imperforate MS2 (iC333-iC334), changed colors
TIROS-1/8 type1
Panama491 (Mi1101a)
i491 (Mi1102a)
459 overprinted in black
i459 overprinted in black, changed colors
1968TIROS
Panama491_var (Mi1101b)
i491_var (Mi1102b)
459 overprinted in gold
i459 overprinted in gold, changed colors
Panama491A (Mi1103a)
i491A (Mi1104a)
459G overprinted in black
i459G overprinted in black, changed colors
Panama491A_var (Mi1103b)
i491A_var (Mi1104b)
459G overprinted in gold
i459G overprinted in gold, changed colors
Panama491Ab (BL97a)
i491Ab (BL98a)
On stamp of SS1, 459Gh overprinted in black
On stamp of imperforate SS1, i459Gh overprinted in black, changed colors
Panamai491Ab fdcImperforate SS1 on FDC (Panama Dirección General Correos y Telecomunicaciones cachet)
Panamai491Ab_var (BL98b)On stamp of imperforate SS1, i459Gh overprinted in gold, changed colors
Panama492 (Mi1105aA)472 overprinted in black1968TIROS
Panama492_var (Mi1105bA)472 overprinted in gold
Panama492A (Mi1106AaA)472A overprinted in black
Panama492A_var (Mi1106AbA)472A overprinted in gold
Panama492B (BL99a, Mi1106Ca+1107a)
i492B (BL100a, Mi1108a+1109a)
MS2 (492+492x), contains two stamps similar to 492A and 492x except with different perforations, 472Bc overprinted in black
Imperforate MS2, contains two stamps similar to i492A and i492x except with changed colors, i472Bc overprinted in black
Panama492B_var (BL99b, Mi1106Cb+1107b)
i492B_var (BL100b, Mi1108b+1109b)
MS2 (492_var+492x_var), contains two stamps similar to 492A_var and 492x_var except with different performations, 472Bc overprinted in gold
Imperforate MS2 (i492_var+i492x_var), contains two stamps similar to i492A_var and i492x_var except with changed colors, i472Bc overprinted in gold
Paraguay816 (Mi1313)
i816 (Mi1321)

Imperforate with changed colors
1964"TIROS-7" (early-type)1
PhilippinesBLIIA
BLIIB
In (upper) margin of SS1
In (upper) margin of imperforate SS1
1968TIROS-1/8 type1
PhilippinesBLIIA snvIn (upper) margin of SS1, BLII overprinted "SNV"
PhilippinesBLIIB airIn (upper) margin of imperforate SS1, BLII inscribed "airmail"
Qatar327 (Mi524)1972TIROS-1/8 type1; also APT
Ras Al Khaima36 (BL7)In (upper-right) margin of imperforate SS11966TIROS-1/8 type1
Ras Al Khaima36 fdcImperforate SS1 on FDC
Ras Al Khaima100 (BL19)In (upper-right) margin of imperforate SS1, 36 overprinted new currency
Rwanda136 (BL5A)
i136 (BL5B)
In (upper-right) margin of MS2 (136 (a-b))
In (upper-right) margin of imperforate MS2 (i136 (a-b))
1965TIROS-1/8 type1
St. Pierre and MiquelonC60 (Mi516)
iC60

Imperforate
1976TIROS-1/8 type1
St. Thomas and Prince Islands906 (BL221)In (upper-right) margin of SS11989TIROS-1/8 type1
Salvador, El781 (Mi947)1968TIROS
Salvador, El782 (Mi948)
Salvador, ElKessler no.1Aerogramme (20c value)1968TIROS
Salvador, ElKessler no.2Aerogramme (35c value)
Satellite Beach FL (USA)LocalSet-C06 (blue)1964"TIROS"
Satellite Beach FL (USA)Local fdcSet-C06 (blue) (in cachet position) on local post FDC
Satellite Beach FL (USA)Local o/pSet-C06 (blue) overprinted new value in gold1965"TIROS"
SerbiaMi1250 (Sc?)like Yugoslavia 8712024
Sharjah48A (BL4)Imperforate SS11964"TIROS-3" (early-type)1
Togo501 (Mi447A)
i501 (Mi447B)

Imperforate
1964TIROS-1/8 type1
Togo503 (Mi449A)
i503 (Mi449B)

Imperforate
Togo500-501+503 fdcTwo of three stamps on FDC
Togo500-505 fdcTwo of six stamps on FDC
Togo501-502+505 fdcOne of three stamps on FDC
Togo505a (BL17)Imperforate MS4 (502-505)
Togo505a fdcImperforate MS4 on FDC
Tonga786a (Mi1184)One of strip of 3 (786 (a-c)) (Mi1184-1186)1991TIROS-1/8 type1
Tonga786a specimenOne of strip of 3 (786 specimen (a-c))
Tonga786a color-proofChromalin proof
Tonga786a mono-proofMonochrome proof (black)
Tunisia653 (Mi860)1975TIROS; also APT
Tunisia653 fdcStamp on FDC
Turks and Caicos Islands325+329-330 fdc (Mi367+371-372 fdc)(JJF) cachet on FDC1977
Turks and Caicos Islands326-328 fdc (Mi368-370 fdc)(JJF) cachet (different) on FDC
Umm Al QiwainMi79A
Mi79B

Imperforate
1966TIROS-1/8 type1
Umm Al QiwainMi78A-82A+BL5B fdcOne of five stamps on FDC
Umm Al QiwainMi90A
Mi90B
Mi79A overprinted new currency
Mi79B overprinted new currency
1967TIROS-1/8 type1
United Nations112-113 fdc (Mi122-123 fdc)(Orbit Covers) cachet on FDC1962"TIROS-I" (TIROS-1, but Transit-4 depicted)
United Nations113 fdc (Mi123 fdc)(ArtCraft) cachet on FDC1962"TIROS-1" (early-type)1
United Nations188 fdc (Mi204 fdc)(Cover Craft Cachets) cachet on FDC1968TIROS-1/8 type1
United Nations188-189 fdc (Mi204-205 fdc)(Cover Craft Cachets) cachet on FDC, also insert
United Nations189 fdc (Mi205 fdc)(WFUNA) cachet on FDC1968TIROS
United Nations550 fdc (Mi575 fdc)(Artmaster) cachet on FDC1989"TIROS-1" (early-type)1
United Nations551 fdc (Mi576 fdc)(Artmaster) cachet on FDC
United StatesNone d (blue)One of Interpex MS4 (a-d) cinderella (blue)1962"TIROS-1" (early-type)1
United StatesNone d (yellow)One of Interpex MS4 (a-d) cinderella (yellow)
United StatesNone(Astro Covers) cachet on cover1962"TIROS"
United States
United Nations
1193 cover
112 cover
(Orbit Covers) cachet on cover1963"TIROS-1" (but Transit-4 depicted)
United States1237 fdc1 (Mi850 fdc1)(Centennial green earth) cachet on FDC (3-line cancel)1963(possible) TIROS or ESSA
United States1237 fdc2 (Mi850 fdc1)(Centennial green earth) cachet on FDC (4-line cancel)
United StatesNonePostcard back, also front~1965"eight TIROS have been orbited"
United States1260 fdc (Mi875 fdc)(Sarzin metallic) cachet on FDC1966TIROS-1/8 type1
United StatesC76 fdc (Mi990 fdc)(Centennial yellow earth) cachet on FDC1969(possible) TIROS or ESSA
United StatesUX57 fdc1(ArtCraft) cachet on postal card FDC1970TIROS
United StatesUX57 fdc2(Fleetwood) cachet on postal card FDCTIROS-1/8 type1
United StatesUX57 fdc3(THS) cachet on postal card FDC"TIROS-1" (early-type)1
United StatesUX57 fdc4(Black printed and black typed) cachet on postal card FDCTIROS/ESSA type2
United States1435 fdc (Mi1047 fdc)(JJF) cachet on FDC1971TIROS/ESSA type2
United States1395 cover (Mi1832 cover)(Black printed) cachet on cover; also annotated1973[#10] TIROS/ESSA type2
United States
Fort Myers FL (USA)
1501 fdc
local fdc
(Blue rubber-stamp) cachet on dual-cancel local post FDC1973
1973
TIROS-1/8 type1; also APT
United States1759 fdc
1710 cover
(Aeropex'77) cachet on FDC, also annotated1978
1977
"TIROS"
United StatesNone(RCA) cachet on cover1978[#9] TIROS/ESSA type2
United StatesNone(Black printed) cachet on cover, also annotated1978TIROS-1/8 type1
United StatesNone(GSFC multi-satellite blue rubber-stamp) cachet on cover1979"TIROS"-1/10 type
United States1919a fdc (Mi1481-1488 fdc)(Cover Craft Cachets) cachet on FDC1981TIROS-1/8 type
United StatesUC58 fdc1(Extra) cachet on (USPS) aerogramme FDC1985"25th anniv. TIROS-1" (early-type)1
United StatesUC58 fdc2(Two extra) cancels on (USPS) aerogramme FDC
United StatesUC58 fdc3(Extra) cancel on (USPS) aerogramme FDC
United StatesNone(Parforex Station) cancel on cover (blank/no cachet)198525th anniv. "TIROS-1" launch
United StatesNone(Parforex Station) cancel on cover (Parforex-25 cachet)198525th anniv. "TIROS-1" launch
United StatesNone(Parforex Station) cancel and (Space Voyage) cachet on cover198525th anniv. "TIROS-1" launch; also SARSAT
United StatesNone(Parforex-30) cachet on cover (Parforex Station cancel), also cachet detail199030th anniv. "TIROS-1" launch
Upper VoltaC28 (Mi181)
iC28

Imperforate
1966TIROS/ESSA type2
Upper VoltaC28 proofSigned proof (black)
Upper VoltaC28 dsDeluxe sheet (C28)
Upper VoltaC28 fdcStamp and (Éditions So.Ge.Im.) cachet on FDC
Uruguay740 fdc (Mi1065 fdc)(Black and red printed) cachet on FDC1967TIROS-1/8 type1
Yemen Arab RepublicMi4581966TIROS/ESSA type2
Yemen Arab RepublicBL43Imperforate SS1 (Mi458)
Yemen Mutawakelite KingdomMi741A-745A_ms10
Mi741B-745B_ms10
In (upper-left) margin of MS10 (2x (Mi741A-745A))
In (upper-left) margin of imperforate MS10 (2x (Mi741B-745B))
1969TIROS
Yemen Mutawakelite KingdomMi746A-750A_ms10
Mi746B-750B_ms10
In (upper-left) margin of MS10 (2x (Mi746A-750A))
In (upper-left) margin of imperforate MS10 (2x (Mi746B-750B))
Yemen Mutawakelite KingdomMi950A-954A_ms10
Mi950B-954B_ms10
In (upper-left) margin of MS10 (2x (Mi950A-954A)), Mi741A-745A overprinted
In (upper-left) margin of MS10 (2x (Mi950B-954B)), Mi741B-745B overprinted
1969TIROS
Yemen Mutawakelite KingdomMi955A-959A_ms10
Mi955B-959B_ms10
In (upper-left) margin of MS10 (2x (Mi955A-959A)), Mi746A-750A overprinted
In (upper-left) margin of MS10 (2x (Mi955B-959B)), Mi746B-750B overprinted
YugoslaviaNone(Black printed) cachet on WMD cover1966TIROS
Yugoslavia871 (Mi1217)1967"TIROS"
Yugoslavia870-875 fdcOne of six stamps on FDC (green and black printed cachet)
Yugoslavia870-871+875 fdcOne of three stamps on FDC (cyan and blue and tan printed cachet)
Yugoslavia1046 (Mi1410)1971TIROS-1/8 type1
Yugoslavia1045-1047 fdcOne of three stamps on FDC

1TIROS-1/8 type includes early-type TIROS-1 — TIROS-8, with cameras on the bottom of the spacecraft.
2TIROS/ESSA type includes (later) TIROS-9 and TIROS-10 and ESSA-1 — ESSA-9, with cameras through the side of the spacecraft.
3Rocket-like nozzle centered on bottom of satellite is not typical of TIROS.
4The TIROS on Niger C41 is most likely an early-type TIROS-1/8 with a camera through the bottom (not a rocket nozzle), but it also appears to have a camera through the side, confusing the identification of the type of TIROS, whether early-type TIROS-1/8 (camera through the bottom only) or later TIROS-9/10/ESSA type (camera through the side only).


Below is a list of TIROS and ESSA series launch covers (including anniversary-of-launch covers, and launch-related event covers).

CountryCancel DateCancel LocationType of ItemNotes on Content
Television and InfraRed Observation Satellite (TIROS)
1960-04-01: TIROS-1
United States1960-04-01Port Canaveral FL(Sarzin green rubber-stamp) cachet on coverTIROS-1 launch
United States1960-04-01Port Canaveral FL(Sarzin black rubber-stamp) cachet on coverTIROS-1 launch
United States1960-04-01Port Canaveral FL(Goldcraft rubber-stamp) cachet on coverTIROS-1 launch
United States1960-04-01Patrick AFB, FL(blank/no) cachet on coverTIROS-1 launch
United States1960-04-01Patrick AFB, FL(Swanson purple and black rubber-stamp) cachet on (airmail) coverTIROS-1 launch
United States1960-04-01Patrick AFB, FL(Black printed) cachet on coverTIROS-1 launch
TIROS-1 (anniversaries)
Austria1965-04-01Gmond, Niederosterreich 1(Pictorial) cancel and (blue printed) cachet on postcard5th anniv. TIROS-1 launch, "TIROS-I (TIROS-1) — TIROS-VIII" (TIROS-8) (in cachet text)
Austria1965-04-01Gmond, Niederosterreich 1(Pictorial) cancel and (black and red printed) cachet on postcard5th anniv. TIROS-1 launch
Austria1965-04-01Gmond, Niederosterreich 1(Pictorial) cancel on cover5th anniv. TIROS-1 launch
United States1975-04-01Kennedy Space Center FL(MoF no.26) cachet on cover, also insert1, insert1 back, and insert215th anniv. TIROS-1 launch
United States1980-04-01Washington DC(NASA/NOAA/RCA multi-color printed) cachet on cover20th anniv. TIROS-1 launch
United States1985-03-30Washington DC(Washington Int. Stamp Expo) cancel and (NOAA Space Philatelic Society) cachet on cover25th anniv. TIROS-1 launch
United States1985-04-01Washington DC(Pictorial) cancel and (NOAA) cachet on cover25th anniv. TIROS-1 launch
United States1985-04-01Washington DC(Pictorial) cancel and (NOAA) cachet (different) on cover25th anniv. TIROS-1 launch
United States1985-04-01Washington DC(Pictorial) cancel and (NOAA Space Philatelic Society) cachet on cover25th anniv. TIROS-1 launch
United States1985-04-01Washington DC(Pictorial) cancel and (GSFC Stamp Club) cachet on cover25th anniv. TIROS-1 launch
United States1985-04-01Washington DC(Pictorial) cancel and (NASA/NOAA/RCA) cachet on cover25th anniv. TIROS-1 launch
United States1985-04-01Washington DC(Pictorial) cancel on cover25th anniv. TIROS-1 launch
United States1985-04-01Washington DC(Pictorial) cancel and (NOAA Space Philatelic Society) cachet (different) on cover25th anniv. TIROS-1 launch
United States1990-03-31Arlington VA(Washington Int. Stamp Expo) cancel on cover30th anniv. TIROS-1 launch2
United States1990-04-01Arlington VA(Washington Int. Stamp Expo) cancel and (sticker?) cachet on cover30th anniv. TIROS-1 launch2
Romania1990-04-01Botosani(Pictorial) cancel and (blue and brown printed) cachet on cover30th anniv. TIROS-1 launch
Romania1990-04-01Botosani(Pictorial) cancel and (blue and brown and black printed) cachet on cover30th anniv. TIROS-1 launch
United States1990-09-01San Jose CA(Silicon Valley) cancel and (black printed) cachet on cover30th anniv. TIROS-1 launch2
United States1990-09-02San Jose CA(Silicon Valley) cancel on cover30th anniv. TIROS-1 launch2
1960-11-23: TIROS-2
United States1960-11-23Port Canaveral FL(Sarzin) cachet on coverTIROS-2 launch
United States1960-11-23Port Canaveral FL(Goldcraft Cachets) cachet on coverTIROS-2 launch
United States1960-11-23Port Canaveral FL(Zaso printed) cachet on coverTIROS-2 launch
United States1960-11-23Port Canaveral FL(Black typed and multi-color picture) cachet on coverTIROS-2 launch
United States1960-11-23Patrick AFB, FL(Jim Fitzpatrick red and black rubber-stamp) cachet on coverTIROS-2 launch
United States1960-11-23Patrick AFB, FL(Jim Fitzpatrick magenta and black rubber-stamp) cachet (different arrangement) on coverTIROS-2 launch
United States1960-11-23Patrick AFB, FL(Jim Fitzpatrick blue and black rubber-stamp and black typed and hand-written) cachet on coverTIROS-2 launch
United States1960-11-23Patrick AFB, FL(Jim Fitzpatrick magenta and black rubber-stamp) cachet (and signature) on coverTIROS-2 launch
United States1960-11-23Patrick AFB, FL(Jim Fitzpatrick red and black rubber-stamp) cachet (and signatures) on cover, also backTIROS-2 launch
United States1960-11-23Patrick AFB, FL(Black typed) cachet on cover, also insertTIROS-2 launch
1961-07-12: TIROS-3
United States1961-07-12Patrick AFB, FL(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover, also insertTIROS-3 launch
United States1961-07-12Patrick AFB, FL(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet (and signature) on cover, also insertTIROS-3 launch
United States1961-07-12Patrick AFB, FL(Swanson magenta rubber-stamp) cachet on coverTIROS-3 launch
United States1961-07-12Patrick AFB, FL(Swanson green rubber-stamp) cachet on coverTIROS-3 launch
United States1961-07-12Port Canaveral FL(Orbit Covers, no logo) cachet (and signature) on (airmail) coverTIROS-3 launch
United States1961-07-12Port Canaveral FL(Sarzin) cachet on coverTIROS-3 launch
United States1961-07-12Port Canaveral FL(blank/no) cachet on coverTIROS-3 launch
United States1961-07-12Port Canaveral FL(Goldcraft Cachets) cachet on coverTIROS-3 launch (but Mercury boilerplate capsule depicted)
United States1961-07-12Port Canaveral FL(C. Swanson red-brown rubber-stamp and blue hand-printed) cachet on coverTIROS-3 launch
1962-02-08: TIROS-4
United States1962-02-08Patrick AFB, FL(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover, also insertTIROS-4 launch; (also "TIROS-I" (TIROS-1), "TIROS-II" (TIROS-2), and TIROS-III" (TIROS-3) in insert text)
United States1962-02-08Patrick AFB, FL(C. Swanson purple rubber-stamp) cachet on coverTIROS-4 launch
United States1962-02-08Port Canaveral FL(Orbit Covers, no logo) cachet on coverTIROS-4 launch
United States1962-02-08Port Canaveral FL(Goldcraft Cachets/Space Age Cover) cachet on coverTIROS-4 launch
United States1962-02-08Port Canaveral FL(Sarzin) cachet on coverTIROS-4 launch
United States1962-02-08Cleveland OH(Blue-green printed) cachet on coverTIROS-4 launch
1962-06-19: TIROS-5
United States1962-06-19Port Canaveral FL(Boerger/AB Covers blue printed and black typed) cachet on coverTIROS-5 launch
United States1962-06-19Patrick AFB, FL(Boerger/AB Covers blue printed and purple rubber-stamp) cachet on coverTIROS-5 launch
United States1962-06-19Patrick AFB, FL(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover, also insertTIROS-5 launch
United States1962-06-19Patrick AFB, FL(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet (and signature) on cover, also insertTIROS-5 launch
United States1962-06-19Patrick AFB, FL(C. Swanson purple rubber-stamp) cachet on coverTIROS-5 launch
United States1962-06-19Port Canaveral FL(Sokalsky black) cachet on coverTIROS-5 launch
United States1962-06-19Port Canaveral FL(Goldcraft Cachets/Space Age Cover) cachet on coverTIROS-5 launch
United States1962-06-19Port Canaveral FL(Sarzin?) cachet on coverTIROS-5 launch
United States1962-06-19Port Canaveral FL(Cyan rubber-stamp) cachet on (airmail) coverTIROS-5 launch
United States1962-06-19Port Canaveral FL(Orbit Covers, no logo) cachet on coverTIROS-5 launch
United States1962-06-19Port Canaveral FL(Harry A. Gordon sticker and red rubber-stamp) cachet on (airmail) coverTIROS-5 launch
United States1962-06-19Port Canaveral FL(Astro Covers, no logo) cachet on coverTIROS-5 launch
1962-09-18: TIROS-6
United States1962-09-18Patrick AFB, FL(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover, also insertTIROS-6 launch
United States1962-09-18Patrick AFB, FL(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet (and signature) on cover, also insertTIROS-6 launch
United States1962-09-18Cape Canaveral FL(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover, also insertTIROS-6 launch
United States1962-09-18Cape Canaveral FL(Centennial) cachet on coverTIROS-6 launch
United States1962-09-18Cape Canaveral FL(Rank velvet) cachet on coverTIROS-6 launch
United States1962-09-18Cape Canaveral FL(Picture and maganta rubber-stamp) cachet on coverTIROS-6 launch
United States1962-09-18Cape Canaveral FL(C. Swanson purple rubber-stamp) cachet on coverTIROS-6 launch
United States1962-09-18Cape Canaveral FL(Swanson blue rubber-stamp and black typed) cachet on coverTIROS-6 launch
United States1962-09-18Cape Canaveral FL(Swanson purple rubber-stamp) cachet on coverTIROS-6 launch
United States1962-09-18Cape Canaveral FL(Black printed) cachet on coverTIROS-6 launch
United States1962-09-18Cape Canaveral FL(SpaceCraft printed and purple rubber-stamp) cachet on coverTIROS-6 launch
United States1962-09-18Patrick AFB, FL(SpaceCraft printed and black rubber-stamp) cachet (slightly different) on coverTIROS-6 launch
United States1962-09-18Cape Canaveral FL(Sarzin?) cachet on coverTIROS-6 launch (but Gemini capsule approaching GATV for docking depicted)
United States1962-09-18Cape Canaveral FL(Zaso printed) cachet on coverTIROS-6 launch
United States1962-09-18Cape Canaveral FL(A.B.) cachet on coverTIROS-6 launch
United States1962-09-18Cape Canaveral FL(Goldcraft red) cachet on coverTIROS-6 launch
United States1962-09-18Cape Canaveral FL(Goldcraft orange and extra orange printed) cachet (and signature) on coverTIROS-6 launch
United States1962-09-18Cape Canaveral FL(AB Covers/Boerger blue and red printed) cachet on coverTIROS-6 launch
United States1962-09-18Cape Canaveral FL(Sokalsky purple) cachet on coverTIROS-6 launch
United States1962-09-18Cape Canaveral FL(Cyan rubber-stamp) cachet on coverTIROS-6 launch
1963-06-19: TIROS-7
United States1963-06-19Patrick AFB, FL(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover, also insert or insert variation (slighty different map symbols)TIROS-7 launch
United States1963-06-19Patrick AFB, FL(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet (and signature) on cover, also insert or insert variation (slighty different map symbols)TIROS-7 launch
United States1963-06-19Cape Canaveral FL (hand cancel)(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover, also insert or insert variation (slighty different map symbols)TIROS-7 launch
United States1963-06-19Cape Canaveral FL (machine cancel)(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover, also insert or insert variation (slighty different map symbols)TIROS-7 launch
United States1963-06-19Cape Canaveral FL (machine cancel)(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet (and signature) on cover, also insert or insert variation (slighty different map symbols)TIROS-7 launch
United States1963-06-19Cape Canaveral FL(Centennial) cachet on coverTIROS-7 launch
United States1963-06-19Satellite Beach FL(Centennial) cachet on coverTIROS-7 launch
United States1963-06-19Cape Canaveral FL(Sokalsky purple) cachet on coverTIROS-7 launch
United States1963-06-19Cape Canaveral FL(Sarzin) cachet on coverTIROS-7 launch
United States1963-06-19Cape Canaveral FL(NASA rubber-stamp and black typed) cachet on (airmail) coverTIROS-7 launch
United States1963-06-19Cape Canaveral FL(Swanson purple rubber-stamp) cachet on coverTIROS-7 launch
United States1963-06-19Cape Canaveral FL(Swanson purple rubber-stamp) cachet (slightly different) on coverTIROS-7 launch
United States1963-06-19Cape Canaveral FL(Black printed) cachet on coverTIROS-7 launch
United States1963-06-19Cape Canaveral FL(Orbit Covers, no logo) cachet on coverTIROS-7 launch
United States1963-06-19Satellite Beach FL(Rank) cachet on coverTIROS-7 launch
United States1963-06-19Satellite Beach FL(Rank) cachet (different) on coverTIROS-7 launch
United States1963-06-19Cape Canaveral FL(Astro Covers, no logo) cachet on coverTIROS-7 launch
United States1963-06-19Cape Canaveral FL(Swanson magenta rubber-stamp and black typed) cachet on coverTIROS-7 launch
United States1963-06-19Cape Canaveral FL(Jarrett? purple and black rubber-stamp) cachet (and signature) on coverTIROS-7 launch
United States1963-06-19Cape Canaveral FL(Harry Gordon) cachet on (airmail) coverTIROS-7 launch
United States1963-06-19Cape Canaveral FL(Harry Gordon) cachet (different sticker) on (airmail) coverTIROS-7 launch
United States1963-06-19Cape Canaveral FL(Zaso black-and-white sticker) cachet on coverTIROS-7 launch
United States1963-06-19Cape Canaveral FL(Rank) cachet on coverTIROS-7 launch
United States1963-06-19
1963-12-21
Cape Canaveral FL (machine cancel)
Cape Canaveral FL (hand cancel)
(Rank velvet) cachet on coverTIROS-7 launch
TIROS-8 launch
United States1963-06-19
1966-05-15
Satellite Beach FL
Satellite Beach FL
(Rank silkscreened) cachet on coverTIROS-7 launch
Nimbus-2 launch
1963-12-21: TIROS-8
United States1963-12-21Cape Canaveral FL(Orbit Covers, no logo) cachet on cover, also (newspaper clippings and hand-written) insertTIROS-8 launch; also APT
United States1963-12-21Cape Canaveral FL(Rank blue and pink and purple) cachet on coverTIROS-8 launch
United States1963-12-21Cape Canaveral FL(Rank velvet, pale blue and pink and gold and brown) cachet on coverTIROS-8 launch; also APT
United States1963-12-21Cape Canaveral FL(Rank velvet, blue and pink and gold and brown) cachet on coverTIROS-8 launch; also APT
United States1963-12-21Cape Canaveral FL(Rank velvet, pale blue and tan and gold and red-brown, dense flocking) cachet on coverTIROS-8 launch; also APT
United States1963-12-21Cape Canaveral FL(Sarzin purple) cachet on coverTIROS-8 launch
United States1963-12-21Cape Canaveral FL(Sarzin blue) cachet on coverTIROS-8 launch
United States1963-12-21Cape Canaveral FL(Swanson purple rubber-stamp) cachet on coverTIROS-8 launch
United States1963-12-21Cape Canaveral FL(Swanson blue rubber-stamp) cachet on coverTIROS-8 launch
United States1963-12-21Cape Canaveral FL(Harry Gordon) cachet on (airmail) coverTIROS-8 launch
United States1963-12-21Cape Canaveral FL (hand cancel)(Centennial) cachet on coverTIROS-8 launch; also APT
United States1963-12-21Cape Canaveral FL (machine cancel)(Centennial) cachet on coverTIROS-8 launch; also APT
United States1963-12-21Cape Canaveral FL(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover, also insert or insert variation (slightly different line lengths)TIROS-8 launch; also APT
United States1963-12-21Patrick AFB, FL(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover, also insert or insert variation (slightly different line lengths)TIROS-8 launch; also APT
United States1963-12-21Cape Canaveral FL(Astro Covers) cachet on coverTIROS-8 launch; also APT
United States1963-12-21Patrick AFB, FL(Sokalsky black, and black rubber-stamp) cachet on coverTIROS-8 launch
United States1963-12-21Cape Canaveral FL(Sokalsky black, and black rubber-stamp) cachet on coverTIROS-8 launch
United States1963-12-21
1963-06-19
Cape Canaveral FL (hand cancel)
Cape Canaveral FL (machine cancel)
(Rank velvet) cachet on coverTIROS-8 launch
TIROS-7 launch
1965-01-22: TIROS-9
United States1965-01-22Cape Canaveral FL(Sokalsky blue/by Exquisite) cachet on coverTIROS-9 launch
United States1965-01-22Cape Canaveral FL (machine cancel)(Centennial) cachet on coverTIROS-9 launch
United States1965-01-22Cape Canaveral FL (hand cancel)(Centennial) cachet on coverTIROS-9 launch
United States1965-01-22Cape Canaveral FL(Sarzin) cachet on coverTIROS-9 launch
United States1965-01-22Cape Canaveral FL(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover, also insert or corrected insert (text updated from original) or corrected insert (slightly different line lengths)TIROS-9 launch
United States1965-01-22Cape Canaveral FL(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet (and signatures) on cover, also insert or corrected insert (text updated from original) or corrected insert (slightly different line lengthsTIROS-9 launch
United States1965-01-22Cape Canaveral FL(SpaceCraft/Swanson, missing '9' error) cachet on cover, also insert or corrected insert (text updated from original) or corrected insert (slightly different line lengthsTIROS-9 launch
United States1965-01-22Patrick AFB, FL(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover, also insert or corrected insert (text updated from original) or corrected insert (slightly different line lengthsTIROS-9 launch
United States1965-01-22Cape Canaveral FL(Astro Covers) cachet on coverTIROS-9 launch
United States1965-01-22Satellite Beach FL(Goldcraft Cachets) cachet on coverTIROS-9 launch
United States1965-01-22Cape Canaveral FL(Orbit Covers, no logo) cachet on coverTIROS-9 launch
United States1965-01-22Cape Canaveral FL(Swanson/DuBeau? magenta and purple rubber-stamp) cachet on coverTIROS-9 launch
1965-07-02: TIROS-10
United States1965-07-02Cape Canaveral FL(Sokalsky brown) cachet on coverTIROS-10 launch
United States1965-07-02Cape Canaveral FL(Sokalsky purple) cachet on coverTIROS-10 launch
United States1965-07-02Cape Canaveral FL(Sarzin) cachet on coverTIROS-10 launch
United States1965-07-02Cape Canaveral FL(Orbit Covers, no logo) cachet on coverTIROS-10 launch
United States1965-07-02Cape Canaveral FL(Swanson/DuBeau? blue rubber-stamp) cachet on (airmail) coverTIROS-10 launch
United States1965-07-02Cape Canaveral FL(Swanson/DuBeau? red rubber-stamp) cachet on coverTIROS-10 launch
United States1965-07-02Cape Canaveral FL(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover, also insert or insert variation (slightly different line lengths)TIROS-10 launch
United States1965-07-02Cape Canaveral FL(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet (and signature) on cover, also insert or insert variation (slightly different line lengths)TIROS-10 launch
United States1965-07-02Patrick AFB, FL(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover, also insert or insert variation (slightly different line lengths)TIROS-10 launch
United States1965-07-02Cape Canaveral FL(Artopages) cachet on coverTIROS-10 launch
TIROS or ESSA (on other than TIROS or ESSA launch covers)
There exist a large number of Centennial Covers with generic cachets with multiple satellites depicted, including TIROS/ESSA type. Details about these cachets, as well as images of the covers, are found in the Centennial Covers page.
United States1962-05-24Port Canaveral FL(AW/Boerger) cachet on Mercury-MA-7 launch coverTIROS-1/8 type1
United States1962-06-15Colorado Springs CO(R.E. Nichol black and red and blue rubber-stamp) cachet on (sub-orbital) rocket launch cover, also back, also detail(possible) TIROS or ESSA
United States1962-10-02Cape Canaveral FL(AW/Boerger) cachet on Explorer-14 launch coverTIROS-1/8 type1
United States1964-07-27Houston TX(TD Productions/HJM-like) cachet on Gemini-4 pre-launch cover, also annotated"TIROS"
United States1964-08-19Cape Canaveral FL(Sarzin) cachet on Syncom-3 launch coverTIROS-1/8 type1
United States1965-01-19Cape Canaveral FL(AW/Boerger) cachet on Gemini-Titan GT-2 launch coverTIROS-1/8 type1
Bahamas1965-06-03Freeport(AW/Boerger) cachet (and signatures) on Gemini-4 launch coverTIROS-1/8 type1
United States1965-07-24Cape Canaveral FL(Brown printed) cachet on (sub-orbital) rocket launch cover, also annotatedTIROS
United States1966-03-16Houston TX(AW/Boerger) cachet on GATV-8 launch coverTIROS-1/8 type1
United States1966-05-17Cape Canaveral FL(AW/Boerger) cachet on GATV-9 launch coverTIROS-1/8 type1
United States1966-07-18Cape Canaveral FL(AW/Boerger) cachet on GATV (and Gemini-10) launch cover, also backTIROS-1/8 type1
United States1966-08-10Cape Canaveral FL(AW/Boerger) cachet (and signature) on Lunar Orbiter-1 launch coverTIROS-1/8 type1
United States1966-10-27
1967-01-11
Cape Canaveral FL
Cape Canaveral FL
(Rank silkscreened) cachet on Blue Bird (Intelsat-2-1) [partial failure] and Lani Bird (Intelsat-2-2) coverTIROS-1/8 type1
United States1967-05-29Vandenberg AFB, CA(Sarzin) cachet on ESRO-2A [failed] launch coverTIROS-1/8 type1
United States1967-06-25Satellite Beach FL(Rank velvet) cachet on Early Bird and Intelsat-2-2 and Intelsat-2-3 and ATS-1 event coverTIROS-1/8 type1
United States1968-06-05
1968-06-06
Satellite Beach FL
Satellite Beach FL
(Rank silkscreened) cachet on Early Bird (Intelsat-1) event coverTIROS-1/8 type1
United States1968-11-08Cape Canaveral FL(Sarzin) cachet on Pioneer-9 and TETR-2 launch cover, also annotatedTIROS/ESSA type4
United States1970-12-11Vandenberg AFB, CA(Sarzin) cachet on NOAA-1 and CEP-1 launch cover"Cachet shows TIROS in orbit"
United States1970-12-11Lompoc CA, Vandenberg AFB(Solar Covers no.7) insert from NOAA-1 and CEP-1 launch cover, also front"TIROS Operational Satellite System" and "ESSA spacecraft"
United States1971-10-21Vandenberg AFB, CA(Sarzin) cachet on ITOS-B [failed] launch cover"Cachet shows TIROS satellite in orbit"
Australia1972-12-07Moree NWS(Parade Covers cyan and brown and purple) cachet on Apollo-17 launch coverTIROS-1/8 type1
United States1973-07-16Vandenberg AFB, CA(Sarzin) cachet on ITOS-E [failed] launch coverTIROS
United States1973-11-06Vandenberg AFB, CA(Sarzin) cachet on NOAA-3 launch coverTIROS
Australia1973-11-16Carnarvon WA(Parade Covers green and grey, and magenta rubber-stamp) cachet on Skylab-4 launch coverTIROS-1/8 type1
Australia1974-12-11Moree NSW(Parade Covers cyan and brown, and purple and magenta rubber-stamp) cachet on Helios-1 launch coverTIROS-1/8 type1
Australia1974-12-11Paddington NSW(Parade Covers cyan and red, and purple and magenta rubber-stamp) cachet (different colors) on Helios-1 launch cover
Australia1974-12-11Carnarvon WA(Parade Covers grey and green, and purple and magenta rubber-stamp) cachet on Helios-1 launch cover
United States1975-06-21Cape Canaveral FL(Blue and red rubber-stamp) cachet on OSO-8 launch coverTIROS/ESSA type4
United States1975-08-20Kennedy Space Center FL(Blue and red rubber-stamp) cachet on Viking-1 launch coverTIROS/ESSA type4
United States1975-09-25Kennedy Space Center FL(Blue and red rubber-stamp) cachet on Intelsat-4A-1 launch coverTIROS/ESSA type4
United States1975-10-16Kennedy Space Center FL(Blue and red rubber-stamp) cachet on GOES-1 launch coverTIROS/ESSA type4
United States1975-12-12Kennedy Space Center FL(Blue and red rubber-stamp) cachet on Satcom-1 launch coverTIROS/ESSA type4
United States1975-12-15Kennedy Space Center FL(Blue and red rubber-stamp) cachet on DSP-5 launch coverTIROS/ESSA type4
United States1976-01-15Kennedy Space Center FL(Blue and red rubber-stamp) cachet on Helios-2 launch coverTIROS/ESSA type4
United States1976-01-19Kennedy Space Center FL(Blue and red rubber-stamp) cachet on CTS launch coverTIROS/ESSA type4
United States1976-02-19Kennedy Space Center FL(Blue and red rubber-stamp) cachet on Marisat-1 launch coverTIROS/ESSA type4
United States1976-03-16Auburn MA(GSFC Stamp Club blue printed) cachet on 50th anniv. first liquid fuel rocket flight/launch cover"TIROS"-1/10 type
United States1978-05-20GSFC, MD(GSFC multi-satellite blue rubber-stamp) cachet (same design as immediately above) on Pioneer-12 launch cover"TIROS"-1/10 type
United States1978-10-24GSFC, MD(GSFC multi-satellite blue rubber-stamp) cachet (same) on Nimbus-7 and CAMEO launch cover"TIROS"-1/10 type
United States1983-01-25Greenbelt MD(GSFC multi-satellite blue rubber-stamp) cachet (same) on IRAS and PIX-2 launch cover"TIROS"-1/10 type
United States1986-09-17Greenbelt MD(Space Voyage green and orange) cachet on NOAA-10 launch cover"TIROS-1" (early-type)
United States1986-09-17Vandenberg AFB, CA(Space Voyage brown and orange) cachet on NOAA-10 launch cover
United States1986-05-03Greenbelt MD(Space Voyage black and orange) cachet on GOES-G [failed] launch cover"TIROS-1"
United States1986-05-03Kennedy Space Center FL(Space Voyage green and orange) cachet on GOES-G [failed] launch cover
United States1987-02-26Greenbelt MD(Space Voyage green and blue) cachet on GOES-7 launch cover"TIROS-1"
United States1987-02-26Kennedy Space Center FL(Space Voyage purple and cyan) cachet on GOES-7 launch cover
United States1988-09-24Greenbelt MD(Space Voyage brown and orange) cachet on NOAA-11 launch cover"TIROS-1" (early-type)
United States1988-09-24Lompoc CA, Vandenberg AFB(Space Voyage grey and green) cachet on NOAA-11 launch cover
United States2009-02-06Vandenberg AFB, CA(Mission 57) back of NOAA-19 launch cover, also front"TIROS (Television Infrared Observation Satellite), the world's first weather satellite, was launched by NASA on April 1, 1960 to revolutionize the forecasting industry"
Environmental Science Services Administration (ESSA)
1966-02-03: ESSA-1
United States1966-02-03Cape Canaveral FL(Sarzin) cachet on coverESSA-1 launch (but OV3 depicted)
United States1966-02-03Cape Canaveral FL (hand cancel)(Centennial) cachet on coverESSA-1 launch
United States1966-02-03Cape Canaveral FL (machine cancel)(Centennial) cachet on coverESSA-1 launch
United States1966-02-03Cape Canaveral FL(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover, also insert or insert variation (slightly different line lengths)ESSA-1 launch
United States1966-02-03Patrick AFB, FL(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover, also insert or insert variation (slightly different line lengths)ESSA-1 launch
United States1966-02-03Patrick AFB, FL(DuBeau? blue and magenta rubber-stamp) cachet on coverESSA-1 launch
United States1966-02-03Patrick AFB, FL(C. Swanson purple rubber-stamp) cachet on coverESSA-1 launch
United States1966-02-03Kennedy Space Center FL(Astro Covers, no logo) cachet on coverESSA-1 launch
United States1966-02-03Cape Canaveral FL(Astro Covers, no logo) cachet on coverESSA-1 launch
United States1966-02-03Cape Canaveral FL(C. Swanson purple rubber-stamp) cachet on coverESSA-1 launch
United States1966-02-03Cape Canaveral FL(Orbit Covers, no logo) cachet on coverESSA-1 launch
United States1966-02-03Cape Canaveral FL(Jarrett? purple rubber-stamp) cachet on coverESSA-1 launch
United States1966-02-03Cape Canaveral FL(HJM black) cachet on coverESSA-1 launch
1966-02-28: ESSA-2
United States1966-02-28Cape Canaveral FL (machine cancel)(Centennial) cachet on coverESSA-2 launch
United States1966-02-28Cape Canaveral FL (hand cancel)(Centennial) cachet on coverESSA-2 launch
United States1966-02-28Patrick AFB, FL(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover, also insertESSA-2 launch; also APT
United States1966-02-28Cape Canaveral FL (machine cancel)(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover, also insertESSA-2 launch; also APT
United States1966-02-28Cape Canaveral FL (hand cancel)(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover, also insertESSA-2 launch; also APT
United States1966-02-28Cape Canaveral FL(Sarzin) cachet on coverESSA-2 launch
United States1966-02-28Cape Canaveral FL(C. Swanson purple rubber-stamp) cachet on coverESSA-2 launch
United States1966-02-28Cape Canaveral FL(Astro Covers, no logo) cachet on coverESSA-2 launch
United States1966-02-28Cape Canaveral FL(Sokalsky green, no logo/Celestial green/Jarrett? purple rubber-stamp) cachet (but spelled "Celistial") on coverESSA-2 launch
1966-10-02: ESSA-3
United States1966-10-02Vandenberg AFB, CA(Sarzin) cachet on coverESSA-3 launch (but TIROS-1/8 type1 depicted)
United States1966-10-02Vandenberg AFB, CA(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover, also insertESSA-3 launch
United States1966-10-02Vandenberg AFB, CA(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet (and sticker) on cover, also insertESSA-3 launch
United States1966-10-02Vandenberg AFB, CA(Vandy?/DuBeau? blue rubber-stamp) cachet on coverESSA-3 launch
United States1966-10-02Vandenberg AFB, CA(Astro Covers, no logo) cachet on coverESSA-3 launch
1967-01-26: ESSA-4
United States1967-01-26Vandenberg AFB, CA(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover, insertESSA-4 launch
United States1967-01-26Vandenberg AFB, CA(Sarzin) cachet on coverESSA-4 launch; also APT
United States1967-01-26Vandenberg AFB, CA(Orbit Covers) cachet on coverESSA-4 launch; also APT
United States1967-01-26Vandenberg AFB, CA(Vandy?/DuBeau? blue rubber-stamp) cachet on coverESSA-4 launch
United States1967-01-26Vandenberg AFB, CA(Astro Covers) cachet on coverESSA-4 launch
1967-04-20: ESSA-5
United States1967-04-20Vandenberg AFB, CA(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover, also insertESSA-5 launch
United States1967-04-20Vandenberg AFB, CA(Centennial) cachet on coverESSA-5 launch
United States1967-04-20Vandenberg AFB, CA(Orbit Covers) cachet on coverESSA-5 launch; also APT
United States1967-04-20Vandenberg AFB, CA(Sarzin) cachet on coverESSA-5 launch
United States1967-04-20Vandenberg AFB, CA(HJM blue-green and Vandy?/DuBeau? blue rubber-stamp) cachet on coverESSA-5 launch
1967-11-10: ESSA-6
United States1967-11-10Vandenberg AFB, CA(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover, also insert1, also insert2 and insert2 backESSA-6 launch; also APT
United States1967-11-10Vandenberg AFB, CA(Centennial) cachet on coverESSA-6 launch
United States1967-11-10Vandenberg AFB, CA(Sarzin) cachet on coverESSA-6 launch (but Syncom depicted)
United States1967-11-10Vandenberg AFB, CA(DuBeau?/Swanson blue rubber-stamp) cachet on coverESSA-6 launch (but ESRO-2A depicted)3
United States1967-11-10Lompoc CA(Orbit Covers) cachet on coverESSA-6 launch; also APT
1968-08-16: ESSA-7
United States1968-08-16Vandenberg AFB, CA(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover, also insertESSA-7 launch; also "ESSA-3" and "ESSA-5" (in insert text)
United States1968-08-16Vandenberg AFB, CA(Centennial) cachet on coverESSA-7 launch
United States1968-08-16Vandenberg AFB, CA(DuBeau?/Swanson blue rubber-stamp) cachet on coverESSA-7 launch (but ESRO-2A depicted)3
United States1968-08-16Vandenberg AFB, CA(DuBeau?/Swanson blue rubber-stamp) cachet on (airmail) coverESSA-7 launch (but ESRO-2A depicted)3
United States1968-08-16Vandenberg AFB, CA(Sarzin) cachet on coverESSA-7 launch
1968-12-15: ESSA-8
United States1968-12-15Vandenberg AFB, CA(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover, also insertESSA-8 launch; also APT
United States1968-12-15Vandenberg AFB, CA(Orbit Covers) cachet on coverESSA-8 launch; also "TIROS"; also APT
United States1968-12-15Vandenberg AFB, CA(Centennial) cachet on coverESSA-8 launch
United States1968-12-15Vandenberg AFB, CA(DuBeau?/Swanson blue rubber-stamp) cachet on coverESSA-8 launch (but ESRO-2A depicted)3
United States1968-12-15Vandenberg AFB, CA(Sarzin) cachet on coverESSA-8 launch (but Syncom depicted)
1969-02-26: ESSA-9
United States1969-02-26Kennedy Space Center FL(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover, also insert1 or insert1 variation (slightly different line lengths), also insert2 and insert2 backESSA-9 launch; also APT
United States1969-02-26Patrick AFB, FL (hand cancel)(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover, also insert1 or insert1 variation (slightly different line lengths) and insert2 and insert2 backESSA-9 launch; also APT
United States1969-02-26Patrick AFB, FL (machine cancel)(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover, also insert1 or insert1 variation (slightly different line lengths) and insert2 and insert2 backESSA-9 launch; also APT
United States1969-02-26Cape Canaveral FL (hand cancel)(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover, also insert1 or insert1 variation (slightly different line lengths) and insert2 and insert2 backESSA-9 launch; also APT
United States1969-02-26Cape Canaveral FL (machine cancel)(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover, also insert1 or insert1 variation (slightly different line lengths) and insert2 and insert2 backESSA-9 launch; also APT
United States1969-02-26Cape Canaveral FL(Orbit Covers) cachet on coverESSA-9 launch; also APT
United States1969-02-26Cape Canaveral FL(Centennial) cachet on coverESSA-9 launch
United States1969-02-26Cape Canaveral FL(Swanson blue rubber-stamp) cachet on coverESSA-9 launch
United States1969-02-26Cape Canaveral FL(HJM black and red typed) cachet on coverESSA-9 launch
United States1969-02-26Cape Canaveral FL(Sarzin) cachet on coverESSA-9 launch (but Syncom depicted)
United States1969-02-26Cape Canaveral FL(Whitney magenta and blue) cachet on coverESSA-9 launch
United States1969-02-26Cape Canaveral FL (machine cancel)(Centennial-like) cachet on coverESSA-9 launch
United States1969-02-26Cape Canaveral FL (hand cancel)(Centennial-like) cachet (different) on coverESSA-9 launch

1TIROS-1/8 type includes early-type TIROS-1 — TIROS-8, with cameras on the bottom of the spacecraft.
3This Swanson blue rubber-stamp cachet has radial antennas like those on ESRO-2A.
4TIROS/ESSA type includes (later) TIROS-9 and TIROS-10 and ESSA-1 — ESSA-9, with cameras through the side of the spacecraft.


Back to Polar-orbiting weather satellites.
Back to Un-manned Satellite Philately.



Copyright © 2001-2025, Colorado State University. All rights reserved.
This Website created and maintained by Don Hillger and Garry Toth.
Updated: 2025-02-02