Mission Patch

The Tradition of the Mission Patch

Each human-flight mission into space requires a hand picked crew of astronauts. Long before the launch, the astronaut crew works with a graphic designer to create a patch that represents the names of the crew and represents some part of the crew's mission and their lives that are important. Each mission patch comes with a detailed description to explain the choice of the design. You are on a mission this week as you work your way through our ASTRO CAMP activities. Your first task is to work with a family member to design your own mission patch that represents your family's mission this week. Use the information included on this page to help you come up with ideas and learn more about the mission patches from past and future NASA missions.

Apollo 11

This was the patch worn by Astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins in July 1969 to commemorate the first steps of man on the Moon. It is the only patch that does not have the astronauts names listed because the men involved felt that the accomplishment of landing on the moon was much greater than just the three of them. They wanted to honor all that had worked to make it happen. The eagle pictured is our national bird and is also the name they gave to their lander. The eagle is carrying an olive branch for peace.

STS - 108

This mission marked a major milestone in the assembly of the International Space Station (ISS). The Endeavour crew brought the Expedition 4 crew to the ISS & returned the E-3 crew to Earth. The patch shows Endeavour & the ISS in the arrival & docking configuration. The 3 ribbons & stars on the left side signify the returning E-3 crew. The red, white & blue order of the ribbons represents the American commander. The ribbons & stars on the right depict the arriving E-4 crew. The white, blue, red order of the ribbon is for the Russian commander.

Artemis 1

In Greek mythology, Artemis was the twin sister of Apollo & goddess of the Moon. It is fitting since these missions will mark our return to the Moon's surface in 2024, including the first woman. "A" symbolizes an arrowhead from Artemis' quiver & represents launch. The red ribbon represents how we go to the Moon as a stepping stone to Mars which is the focus of all Artemis efforts. Artemis 1 will be our final SLS unmanned mission and is set to launch at the end of 2020. There are no names on this patch because it will be unmanned.

Investigate other NASA Mission Patches to Get Ideas

Patches from the Gemini Program Missions https://history.nasa.gov/gemini_patches.html

Patches from the Apollo Program Missions https://history.nasa.gov/apollo_patches.html

Patches from the Shuttle Program Missions https://history.nasa.gov/shuttle_patches.html

Patches from other NASA Missions https://history.nasa.gov/other_patches.html

TO CREATE YOUR MISSION PATCH YOU WILL NEED:

paper to write on
markers, crayons, or colored pencils
a ruler and other drawing tools (optional)
stickers and other decorations (optional)
scissors and tape (optional)

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