- ITV Report
Royal Mail celebrates UK contribution to space exploration
Six new stamps celebrating Britain's contribution to space exploration are being released by Royal Mail next week.
The stamps mark the 50th anniversary of the launch of Britain's first satellite, Ariel 1.
The stamps feature images taken from the European Space Agency, including Saturn's rings, cavernous ice craters on Mars and the Sun.
Royal Mail say the stamps are a tribute to the "important role" Britain has played in space exploration and research.
Spokesman Andrew Hammond the company was delighted to bring the "stunning images" to the nation's doorsteps:
Astronomer Dr Stuart Clarke said the stamps are works of art and a timely reminder of the contribution of the space industry to the UK economy. Writing in the Guardian he said: