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

The International Space Station (ISS) is a collaborative project involving NASA, Roscosmos, ESA, JAXA, and CSA. It orbits Earth at an average altitude of 400 kilometers, completing about 15.5 orbits per day. Divided into the Russian Orbital Segment (ROS) and the US Orbital Segment (USOS), the ISS is designed for scientific research in microgravity. It features a large Integrated Truss Structure that connects solar panels and radiators to various pressurized modules for research, habitation, and spacecraft control.

Launched in 1998, the ISS combines elements from the U.S.'s planned Space Station Freedom and the Soviet Union's Mir-2 project. It has been continuously occupied since November 2000, with more than 279 astronauts from 22 countries visiting. The ISS is expected to remain operational until 2030, after which it will be decommissioned and de-orbited.

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 International Space Station showing Russian solar arrays and Pressurised modules between them 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.

Operationally, the station is divided into two sections: the Russian Orbital Segment (ROS) assembled by Roscosmos, and the US Orbital Segment (USOS), assembled by NASA, JAXA, ESA and CSA. A striking feature of the ISS is the Integrated Truss Structure, which connects the large solar panels and radiators to the pressurized modules. The pressurized modules are specialized for research, habitation, storage, spacecraft control, and airlock functions. Visiting spacecraft dock at the station via its eight docking and berthing ports. The ISS maintains an orbit with an average altitude of 400 kilometres (250 mi) and circles the Earth in roughly 93 minutes, completing 15.5 orbits per day.

MILESTONES IN
SPACE TRAVEL
50
KWACHA
INTERNATIONAL
SPACE STATION
12.XI.
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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