A new set of stamps from the Isle of Man Post Office marks one of Nasa’s most famous episodes.

’One Giant Leap, Exploring the Moon and Space’ follows the release of ’One Small Step’ in April 2019, which commemorated the missions of Apollo I to Apollo XII and the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing.

April 17 marks the 50th anniversary of the launch of Apollo XIII with astronauts Jim A Lovell, John L Swigert and Fred W Haise on board.

All of them made it to the moon and back but Apollo XIII famously failed to land on the moon when two days into the mission an oxygen tank in the service module was damaged. Astronaut Jim Lovell called it a ’successful failure’.

A film was made about their ordeal.

The stamps, which are a moneyspinner for the Isle of Man Post Office, focus on the technological advancements and human achievements of the past five decades.

Former Nasa astronaut Nicole Stott, whose husband Chris is a space entrepreneur who co-founded the island-based space services company ManSat, said: ’Many missions came before and came after Apollo XI. Fifty years on we are only just now beginning to take those very same steps again, but this time we stay for good and like before for the good of all.’

Maxine Cannon, Isle of Man Stamps and Coins general manager said: ’The history of human space flight remains an interesting topic to humankind and being able to share these fascinating images with the world fills us with pride.

’We are grateful to George Abbey and NASA. Their support was of vital importance in the creation of this collection.

’Without their input and guidance we would not be able to provide our valued customers with such detailed background information.’

The ’One Giant Leap’ collection is available as a set and sheet set, commemorative sheetlet, a presentation pack, first day cover and a prestige booklet. Additional products contain a special limited edition cover signed by Nicole Stott, a special limited edition cover signed by Charles M. Duke Jr. and the ’Nicole Stott: One Giant Leap’ album.