NASA ESA Hubble Space Telescope Anniversary Patch

NASA ESA Hubble Space Telescope Anniversary Patch - Available from the Spaceboosters Online Store

Celebrating 21 Years of the NASA-ESA Hubble Space Telescope - This full colour patch measures approx 10cm x 7.5 cm (4" x 3")

A limited edition of only 100 patches - a 'Spaceboosters' exclusive.

Mission

The Hubble Space Telescope (HST), a collaboration between ESA and NASA, is a 2.4 m-diameter space telescope optimised to observe from the ultraviolet to the infrared. Launched in 1990 and designed to be refurbished in space by astronauts, Hubble is one of the greatest scientific projects of all time. Since launch, it has opened our eyes to the wonders of our ‘planetary’ backyard and beyond. In so many ways, Hubble has revolutionised modern astronomy, not only by being an efficient tool for making new discoveries, but also by changing the way astronomical research is done.

Spacecraft

At the heart of HST is a 2.4 m-diameter primary mirror. This supplies light to a collection of five science instruments that work across the entire optical spectrum: from infrared, through the visible, to ultraviolet light.

It has three cameras, two spectrographs and a set of Fine Guidance Sensors that allow Hubble to accurately point to targets on the sky. HST was placed in a low orbit and was designed to be serviced in space by astronauts on the Space Shuttle, thus allowing instruments to be replaced as technology improved, and observatory subsystems to be repaired and modernised.

Power for the computers and scientific instruments is provided by two solar wings. The solar wings also charge six nickel-hydrogen batteries that power the spacecraft for about 25 minutes per orbit while it flies through Earth's shadow.

The telescope uses an elaborate system of attitude controls to improve its stability during observations. Reaction wheels manoeuvre the telescope into place, and gyroscopes monitor its position in space. Fine Guidance Sensor units are used to lock onto guide stars to ensure the extremely high pointing accuracy needed to make precise observations.

For more info visit:

ESA Hubble


NASA Hubble

NASA Apollo Era Mission Control Patch

Just released by Spaceboosters – NASA Apollo Mission Control Embroidered Patch.


This patch is one of limited edition of only 200 patches. Full colour and fully embroidered – Limited Edition Apollo NASA Space Patch

Apollo Mission Control PatchWe have also had a small number autographed on the reverse side by NASA Apollo Flight Controller Sy Liebergot - Limited quantity of handsigned patches.NASA Apollo EECOM Sy Liebergot hand signed limited edition embroidered patch

For more information on Sy Liebergot and his book please visit: Sy Lybergot, Apollo Flight Controller and EECOM.

About the Mission Control Patch

The Mission Control Patch




This emblem was developed for the Mission Control team to recognize their unique contribution to the Manned Space Program. To date, we have flown 47 missions during the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo Programs. These missions have succeeded due to the efforts of the Mission Control Team.



In selecting the theme of the emblem we centered upon the Sigma as the dominant element. This sigma has been used once before on the Mercury 8 spacecraft. The sigma represents the total mission team. In addition, it represents the individual flight control teams from all programs past, present and future. Within the teams, it represents all engineering, scientific, and operations disciplines and tasks in support of the spacecraft and aircraft program elements. To a great extent, it can represent many other things as the benefits for all mankind that are possible through space.



The rocket launch represents the dynamic elements of space, the initial escape from our environment and the thrust to explore the universe. The energy of the program must be maintained by the mission team if the space goals are to be achieved.



The remaining elements are the Earth, planets and the stars. The Earth is our home and will forever be serviced by both manned and unmanned spacecrafts in order to improve the quality of life of our present home. The stars and planets represent a major source of scientific study as well as the challenge of exploration for the future mission control teams. At no time should we lower our sights below the quest for the stars, for only in this way are we challenged sufficiently to be better than we are.



The border of the patch contains symbols to represent the three major programs that have been supported by the team. The Mercury, Gemini and Apollo Programs have seen a succession of many great moments. These programs succeeded due to the dedication of the many people who formed the teams and committed their being to the team. The four stars represent the current and future programs: Skylab, Apollo-Soyuz Test program (ASTP), Earth Resources Aircraft Program, and the Shuttle. At the conclusion of these programs, modifications to the emblem will be made to replace the star with an appropriate symbol for the program.



The wording on the patch was chosen to stress the very positive attitude used by the Mission Control team to assure crew safety and mission success. “Achievement through Excellence” is the standard for our work. It represents an individual’s commitment to a belief, to craftsmanship and perseverance. With the above qualities, a positive approach is created that assures objective accomplishment and the return of the crew.



The emblem thus recognizes your contribution to history, and a commitment to current and future programs, and will assure continuity of the great teams of the past.



Eugene F. Kranz-1973