mission patch audio

NASA's mission patches are important symbols that tell the story of each space mission. They showcase the mission's purpose and participants through symbols, colors, and shapes. Astronauts wear patches on their flight suits, including the NASA emblem, a flag, a name patch, and a mission patch. These patches are designed by the astronauts themselves and hold great pride. Examples of mission patches include Gemini 7, representing the goal of lengthening time in space, Apollo 1, symbolizing the aim to put a man on the moon, Apollo 11, the first moon landing mission, and Challenger 51L, which tragically ended in disaster but led to the establishment of Challenger Learning Centers worldwide. Mission patches are a tribute to the past and a reminder to keep exploring and learning. While the iconic NASA logo is recognized all over the world, it is the individual mission patch design that best tells the story of NASA's space missions. When astronauts zip into their royal blue flight suits, there are a few patches that decorate the front and the sides. These include the NASA emblem, or the meatball as it's affectionately known, a flag worn on the left shoulder, a name patch, and a mission patch. Mission patches are a symbol of great pride. They use symbols, colors, shapes, and other motifs to show the mission's purpose and participants. Since the 1960s, every mission has had a patch that was designed by the astronauts. When you walk into the Challenger Learning Center, you will be greeted by a model of the Gemini 7 capsule. The goal of the Gemini program was to lengthen the time an astronaut could spend in space so that eventually we could reach the moon. The Gemini 7 mission patch has a prominent Olympic torch between the capsule and the Roman numeral 7. The torch symbolizes a marathon-like 14 days in space, which no one had ever done before. Apollo 1 was the first of the Apollo program. Tragically, a fire in the capsule during a launch rehearsal killed all three of the astronauts that were inside. NASA then took steps to make training and space travel safer for the astronauts. In this patch, the capsule is in orbit around the Earth, proudly showing the Florida Peninsula where a liftoff occurred. The moon in the background is to show the ultimate goal of the Apollo program, which is to put a man on the moon. This picture is surrounded by two rings, one with the astronaut's last name, White, Grissom, and Chaffee, and the second is the American flag. The Apollo 11 mission was piloted by Michael Collins and carried Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to the moon. This was the first of six missions that put humans, specifically Americans, on the moon. The eagle is the focal point of this patch, and it is to represent the United States. There is an olive branch in the talons of the eagle to symbolize bringing peace to the cratered surface of the moon from all mankind. In this patch, the three astronauts chose to leave their names off the patch. Instead, Earth is shown in the foreground to recognize all the people that worked to get the Apollo 11 crew to the moon. This was the first mission using the new space shuttle. Before this mission, all space travel used a one-time rocket. The space shuttle, on the other hand, was a reusable, and this technology would be used for decades. This patch shows the space shuttle Columbia taking off, and in its exhaust is the name Columbia and the names of the astronauts. In the background is the new shuttle completing its mission, orbiting the Earth. The Challenger 51L mission patch shows the Challenger shuttle taking off with the bay doors open towards Halley's Comet, of which they plan to study. The names of the astronauts are again placed in a ring around the patch. An apple was placed next to Krista McCullough, selected to be the first teacher in space. The Teacher in Space project began with a nationwide search to select a teacher who would reignite interest in space exploration by teaching science lessons on board the space shuttle. Tragically, on January 28, 1986, shortly after takeoff, the Challenger shuttle exploded, killing all seven astronauts on board. The Challenger tragedy did not stop this mission to educate and spur interest in STEM. To honor their loved ones, the family of the Challenger crew founded the first Challenger Learning Center. Now, there are over 35 Challenger Learning Centers worldwide, which each continue the Challenger 51L goal of inspiring the next generation of innovators and explorers. Mission patches are a source of great pride for the astronauts and all that work to make the mission a success. They are a testament to the past successes and failures, a visual reminder that curiosity is on our bones and to never stop learning and exploring. As you prepare for your space mission, think about who the crew will be and what the goals of the mission are. Using the real patches you learned about for inspiration, now design your own mission patch that represents your team and your mission goals. The patch design your crew selects will be put on display during your mission.