Obverse. Photo © Coinsberg.com
  • 50 Kwacha 2009, Malawi, Milestones in Space Travel, Space Shuttle Columbia
  • 50 Kwacha 2009, Malawi, Milestones in Space Travel, Space Shuttle Columbia
Description

Space Shuttle Columbia (OV-102) was NASA’s first spacefaring shuttle orbiter, debuting on April 12, 1981, as part of the Space Shuttle program. It was named after the first American ship to circumnavigate the globe and became the first spacecraft to be reused after a mission. Columbia completed 28 missions over 22 years, contributing to significant scientific research and technological achievements, including deploying the first satellites by shuttle and carrying notable astronauts like the first female commander of an American spaceflight and the first Israeli astronaut. On its final mission, STS-107, Columbia tragically disintegrated during reentry in 2003, leading to the loss of its seven-member crew. The disaster prompted NASA to refocus its human spaceflight programs and retire the Space Shuttle in 2011.

Obverse

Depicts the coat of arms of Malawi dividing the date, and country name in Chichewa above. Metal and purity below.

Malawi's coat of arms is based on Nyasaland's earlier heraldic arms. It features a shield supported by a lion and a leopard, standing on a representation of Mount Mulanje. The shield is divided into three parts: wavy lines symbolizing water, a central stripe with a lion representing strength, and a rising sun, symbolizing hope and new beginnings. Above the shield is a fish eagle in front of a rising sun, symbolizing freedom. The scroll below the shield bears the national motto, "Unity and Freedom," reflecting Malawi's goals of harmony and independence.

REPUBLIC OF MALAŴI
20 09
UNITY AND FREEDOM
NIOBIUM 999 / 1000

Reverse

Depicts a silver Space Shuttle dividing the earth and moon with stars in the background, the series title "Milestones in Space Travel" at left, the shuttle name with lunching date at right, and the denomination above right.

The Space Shuttle orbiter was the reusable spaceplane component of the Space Shuttle program. Operated by NASA, the U.S. space agency, this vehicle could carry astronauts and payloads into low Earth orbit, perform in-space operations, then re-enter the atmosphere and land as a glider, returning its crew and any on-board payload to the Earth.

MILESTONES IN
SPACE TRAVEL
50
KWACHA
COLOMBIA
12-IV-1981

Edge

50 Kwacha

Republic
KM#
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Niobium
Weight 7.78 g
Diameter 13 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal

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