The Royal Aeronautical Society was founded January 12, 1866 and the first public meeting was held June 27, 1866.

As the only professional body dedicated to aerospace, aviation and space communities, we exist to further the advancement of aeronautical art, science and engineering around the world.

Established in 1866, the Society has been at the forefront of developments in aerospace, seeking to promote the highest professional standards and provide a central forum for sharing knowledge.
History

Manx Post and the Royal Aeronautical Society teamed up to issue an 8 stamp set highlighting watershed achievements in aviation. 7 covers, signed by British astronaut Major Tim Peake accompanied the astronaut on his tour of duty on the ISS. 

Major Peake signed the seven special covers on the 12 January 2016 – the actual day of the Royal Aeronautical Society’s sesquicentennial.

Once back on earth the plan is for five of the seven signed covers to be loaned for display in aviation and science museums around the world – the first being the National Space Centre in Leicester. Two of the covers will be returned to the Isle of Man Post Office.

One hundred and fifty additional covers were signed by Major Peake before he began his ISS mission and are available for purchase from the Royal Aeronautical Society.
British Astronaut Tim Peake to return from space with signed Royal Aeronautical Society/Isle of Man Post Office special 150th Anniversary stamp covers – IoM Post

 

150th Anniversary Royal Aeronautical Society
Ascent Of Vincenzo Lunardi 1784
Sir George Cayley And His 1853 Designs
Wright A At Reims 1909
Yuri Gagarin
Hawker P1127
British Airways Concorde
Rolls-Royce Trent 900
International Space Station
Issued 2016 by Manx Post
Designed by EJC Design