Wednesday 10 November 2010

STS-76 Space Shuttle Mission Patch




The STS-76 crew patch depicts the Space Shuttle Atlantis and Russia's Mir Space Station as the space ships prepare for a rendezvous and docking. The "Spirit of 76," an era of new beginnings, is represented by the Space Shuttle rising through the circle of 13 stars in the Betsy Ross flag. STS-76 begins a new period of international cooperation in space exploration with the first Shuttle transport of a United States astronaut, Shannon W. Lucid, to the Mir Space Station for extended joint space research. Frontiers for future exploration are represented by stars and the planets. The three gold trails and the ring of stars in union form the astronaut logo. Two suited extravehicular activity (EVA) crew members in the outer ring represent the first EVA during Shuttle-Mir docked operations. The EVA objectives are to install science experiments on the Mir exterior and to develop procedures for future EVA's on the International Space Station. The surnames of the crew members encircle the patch: Kevin P. Chilton, mission commander; Richard A. Searfoss, pilot; Ronald M. Sega, Michael R. ( Rich) Clifford, Linda M. Godwin and Lucid, all mission specialists. This patch was designed by Brandon Clifford, age 12, and the crew members of STS-76. The NASA insignia design for Shuttle flights is reserved for use by the astronauts and for other official use as the NASA Administrator may authorize. Public availability has been approved only in the form of illustrations by the various news media. When and if there is any change in this policy

Crew Patch of the STS-73 Space Shuttle Mission


The crew patch of STS-73, the second flight of the United States Microgravity Laboratory (USML-2), depicts the Space Shuttle Columbia in the vastness of space. In the foreground are the classic regular polyhedrons that were investigated by Plato and later Euclid. The Pythagoreans were also fascinated by the symmetrical three-dimensional objects whose sides are the same regular polygon. The tetrahedron, the cube, the octahedron, and the icosahedron were each associated with the "Natural Elements" of that time: fire (on this mission represented as combustion science); Earth (crystallography), air and water (fluid physics). An additional icon shown as the infinity symbol was added to further convey the discipline of fluid mechanics. The shape of the emblem represents a fifth polyhedron, a dodecahedron, which the Pythagoreans thought corresponded to a fifth element that represented the cosmos.

STS-69 Space Shuttle Mission Patch

Designed by the crewmembers, the patch for STS-69 symbolizes the multifaceted nature of the flight's mission. The primary payload, Wake Shield Facility (WSF), is represented in the center by the astronaut emblem against a flat disk. The astronaut emblem also signifies the importance of human beings in space exploration, reflected by the planned space walk to practice for International Space Station activities and to evaluate space suit design modifications. The two stylized Space Shuttles highlight the ascent and entry phases of the mission. Along with the two spiral plumes, the stylized Space Shuttles symbolize a NASA first - the deployment and recovery on the same mission of two spacecraft (both the Wake Shield Facility and the Spartan). The constellations Canis Major and Canis Minor represent the astronomy objectives of the Spartan and International Extreme Ultraviolet Hitchhiker (IEH) payload. The two constellations also symbolize the talents and dedication of the support personnel who make Space Shuttle missions possible. The NASA insignia design for Shuttle flights is reserved for use by the astronauts and for other official use as the NASA Administrator may authorize. Public availability has been approved only in the form of illustrations by the various news media. When and if there is any change in this policy, which we do not anticipate, it will be publicly announced.

STS-68 Space Shuttle Mission Patch




Exploration of Earth from space is the focus of the design of the insignia, the second flight of the Space Radar Laboratory (SRL-2). SRL-2 is part of NASA's Mission to Planet Earth (MTPE) *project. The world's land masses and oceans dominate the center field, with the Space Shuttle Endeavour circling the globe. The SRL-2 letters span the width and breadth of planet Earth, symbolizing worldwide coverage of the two prime experiments of STS-68 - The Shuttle Imaging Radar-C and X-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SIR-C/X-SAR) instruments, and the Measurement of Air Pollution from Satellites (MAPS) sensor. The red, blue and black colors of the insignia represent the three operating wavelengths of SIR-C/X-SAR, and the gold band surrounding the globe symbolizes the atmospheric envelope examined by MAPS. The flags of international partners Germany and Italy are shown opposite Endeavour. The relationship of the Orbiter to Earth highlights the usefulness of human space flights in understanding Earth's environment, and the monitoring its changing surface and atmosphere. In the words of the crewmembers, "the soaring Orbiter also typifies the excellence of the NASA team in exploring our own world, using the tools which the Space Program developed to explore the other planets in the solar system". This STS-68 patch was designed by artist Sean Collins.

STS-27 Space Shuttle Mission Insignia


This is the official insignia of the NASA STS-27 mission. The patch depicts the space shuttle lifting off against the multi-colored backdrop of a rainbow, symbolizing the triumphal return to flight of our nation's manned space program. The design also commemorates the memory of the crew of Challenger mission STS-51-L, represented by the seven stars. The names of the flight crew members of STS-27 are located along the border of the patch. They are astronauts Robert L. Gibson, commander; Guy S. Gardner, pilot; Jerry L. Ross, Richard M. (Mike) Mullane and William M. Shepherd, mission specialists. Each crew member contributed to the design of the insignia.

Friday 15 October 2010

Looking Forward Expedition 34/35



This crest commemorates Expedition 34/35, Canada’s second long-duration mission on board the International Space Station. The border and living quarters highlighted in red mark the first time that a Canadian will command a spaceship, an honor bestowed on Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Chris Hadfield. The central element portrays the International Space Station—the world’s only space science and research facility supporting long-term studies in the weightless environment of space. Scientific discoveries and technological innovations produced aboard the ISS have applications to both terrestrial science and planetary exploration, represented by the white, silver and red arcs symbolic of the Earth, Moon and Mars. The stars represent Hadfield’s three voyages into space, and his three children. The ring around one of the stars illustrates the recent discovery of hundreds of other stars with planets circling them. The azure pool at the point of the crest signifies water—the fundamental basis for life on Earth and a resource that requires careful management. Bringing attention to the need for fresh water conservation is one of Chris Hadfield’s underlying goals during this mission. The astronaut wings at the top were conferred on Colonel Hadfield by the Prime Minister of Canada in 1995 in recognition of his qualification as Canada's first military pilot astronaut. All these elements are defined by the shape of a guitar pick, symbolic of Chris’s musical interests with an emphasis on science and art, a distinguishing feature of Expedition 34/35. Credit: Canadian Space Agency


This crest commemorates Julie Payette's second spaceflight and her participation as mission specialist on mission STS-127 to the International Space S

This crest commemorates Julie Payette's second spaceflight and her participation as mission specialist on mission STS-127 to the International Space Station.


International Space Station Expedition 26 Mission Patch

International Space Station Expedition 26 Mission Patch

In the foreground of the patch, the International Space Station is prominently displayed to acknowledge the efforts of the entire International Space Station (ISS) team - both the crews who have built and operated it, and the team of scientists, engineers, and support personnel on Earth who have provided a foundation for each successful mission. Their efforts and accomplishments have demonstrated the space station's capabilities as a technology test bed and a science laboratory, as well as a path to the human exploration of our solar system and beyond. The ISS is shown with the European Space Agency's (ESA) Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV-2), the Johannes Kepler, docked to resupply it with experiments, food, water, and fuel for Expedition 26 and beyond. This Expedition 26 patch represents the teamwork among the international partners -- USA, Russia, Japan, Canada, and the ESA - and the ongoing commitment from each partner to build, improve, and utilize the ISS. Prominently displayed in the background is our home planet, Earth - the focus of much of our exploration and research on our outpost in space. The two stars symbolize two Soyuz spacecraft, each one carrying a three -member crew, who for four months will work and live together aboard the ISS as Expedition 26. The patch shows the crewmembers' names, and it's framed with the flags of their countries of origin - United States, Russia, and Italy.

Mission Insignia Available now from the SPACEBOOSTERS Online Store

ISS Expedition 25 Mission Insignia



Mission Insignia


The mission patch design for the 25th Expedition to the International Space Station (ISS) pays tribute to the rich history of innovation and bold engineering in the quest for knowledge, exploration and discovery in space. The patch highlights the symbolic passing of the torch to the ISS, as the vehicle that will carry us into the future of space exploration. The Space Shuttle Program emblem is the foundation of the patch and forms the Greek letter 'Alpha' with a new dawn breaking at the center, symbolizing a new vision for space exploration. The Alpha symbol is overlaid by the Greek letter 'Omega', paying tribute to the culmination of the Space Shuttle Program. The mission designation '25' is shown centered at the bottom of the patch, symbolizing the point in time when the Space Shuttle, the workhorse of the ISS assembly process, will make its final visit to the ISS. Between the '25' and the Earth crescent, the orbiter is shown returning to Earth on its final journey, during the Expedition 25 mission. Above Earth and the breaking dawn, the ISS takes center-stage, completed and fully equipped to carry us beyond this new dawn to new voyages and discoveries. The orbit connecting the ISS and the Earth is drawn in the colors of the United States and Russian flags; paying tribute to the blended heritage of the crew. The two largest stars in the field represent the arrival and departure of the crews in separate Russian Soyuz vehicles. The six stars in the field represent the six crew members. The International Space Station abbreviation 'ISS' and 'MKC' -- in English and Russian, respectively- flank the mission number designation, and the names of the crew members in their native languages border the ISS symbol.

International Space Station Expedition 25 Insignia Available From Our Online Store

Expedition 24 Mission Insignia

Expedition 24 Insignia



Science and Exploration are the cornerstones of NASA's mission onboard the International Space Station (ISS). This emblem signifies the dawn of a new era in our program's history. With each new expedition, as we approach assembly complete, our focus shifts toward the research nature of this world-class facility. Prominently placed in the foreground, the ISS silhouette leads the horizon. Each ray of the sun represents the five international partner organizations that encompass this cooperative program. Expedition 24 is one of the first missions expanding to a crew of six. These crews, symbolized here as stars arranged in two groups of three, will launch on Soyuz vehicles. The unbroken flight track symbolizes our continuous human presence in space, representing all who have and will dedicate themselves as crew and citizens of the International Space Station.


ISS Mission Insignia as an embroidered patch or mission lapel pin available from the Spaceboosters Online Store

International Space Station Expedition 23 Insignia


The Story Behind the Expedition 23 Insignia



The focal point of the Expedition XXIII emblem illustrates the beautiful planet Earth in the black expanse of space. The International Space Station (ISS) is shown traveling in its orbit around Earth. The ISS orbital path flies through the XXIII to show that this increment is building upon the missions that have gone on before and laying the groundwork for future missions. This illustrates the work being performed aboard the orbiting complex that will lead the way to eventual missions to the moon, Mars and beyond. The mission designation uses Roman numerals to illustrate the home nations of the crew, which are also represented by their national flags. The two stars represent the two teams that make up this expedition crew.

A second image includes crew names.

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International Space Station Expedition 22 Insignia


The 22nd Expedition to the International Space Station is dedicated to the final stages of assembly and the transition to full utilization as an orbiting laboratory. The sun, providing power and life support to the space station, shines through one of the solar arrays as the ISS orbits above Earth. The oceans and atmosphere, providing life support to Earth, are shown in all their beauty. The moon hovers in the distance as the goal of the next era of exploration. The six stars illustrate the increased capability of the crew complement. In the border are the national flags of the crew members as well as their surnames in their native languages. Expedition XXII continues the effort to acquire the knowledge necessary to extend the reach of exploration from Earth, to the moon and beyond. The insignia design for ISS flights is reserved for use by the astronauts and cosmonauts and for other official use as the NASA Administrator and NASA's international partners may authorize. Public availability has been approved only in the form of illustrations by the various news media. When and if there is any change in this policy, which we do not anticipate, it will be publicly announced.

STS-134 Embroidered Mission Insignia


STS-134 Embroidered Mission Insignia


The design of the STS-134 crew patch highlights research on the International Space Station (ISS) focusing on the fundamental physics of the universe. On this mission, the crew of Space Shuttle Endeavour will install the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) experiment - a cosmic particle detector that utilizes the first ever superconducting magnet to be flown in space. By studying sub-atomic particles in the background cosmic radiation, and searching for anti-matter and dark-matter, it will help scientists better understand the evolution and properties of our universe. The shape of the patch is inspired by the international atomic symbol, and represents the atom with orbiting electrons around the nucleus. The burst near the center refers to the big-bang theory and the origin of the universe. The Space Shuttle Endeavour and ISS fly together into the sunrise over the limb of Earth, representing the dawn of a new age, understanding the nature of the universe. The NASA insignia design for shuttle flights is reserved for use by the astronauts and for other official use as the NASA Administrator may authorize. Public availability has been approved only in the form of illustrations by the various news media. When and if there is any change in this policy, which we do not anticipate, it will be publicly announced.

STS-134 Insignia Available Here - Visit the Online Store Today!

STS-134 Crew Portrait

STS-133 Mission Insignia T-Shirt

Mission T-Shirt Available from the Spaceboosters Online Store



For the mission T-shirt and other mission collectables visit the store!

STS-133 Space Shuttle Mission Insignia

The STS-133 mission patch is based upon sketches from the late artist Robert McCall; they were the final creations of his long and prodigious career. In the foreground, a solitary orbiter ascends into a dark blue sky above a roiling fiery plume. A spray of stars surrounds the orbiter and a top lit crescent forms the background behind the ascent.

The mission number, STS-133, is emblazoned on the patch center, and crewmembers' names are listed on a sky-blue border around the scene. The Shuttle Discovery is depicted ascending on a plume of flame as if it is just beginning a mission. However it is just the orbiter, without boosters or an external tank, as it would be at mission's end. This is to signify Discovery's completion of its operational life and the beginning of its new role as a symbol of NASA's and the nation's proud legacy in human spaceflight.

The NASA insignia design for shuttle and space station flights is reserved for use by the astronauts and for other official use as the NASA Administrator may authorize. Public availability has been approved only in the form of illustrations by the various news media. When and if there is any change in this policy, which is not anticipated, it will be publicly announced. Photo credit: NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration



Monday 26 July 2010

STS-132 Mission Patch and T-shirt

STS-132 Mission Insignia

The STS-132 mission was the 32nd flight of the space shuttle Atlantis. The primary STS-132 mission objective was to deliver the Russian-made MRM-1 (Mini Research Module) to the International Space Station (ISS). Atlantis will also delivered a new communications antenna and a new set of batteries for one of the ISS solar arrays. The STS-132 mission patch features Atlantis flying off into the sunset as the end of the Space Shuttle Program approaches. However the sun is also heralding the promise of a new day as it rises for the first time on a new ISS module, the MRM-1, which is also named “Rassvet,” the Russian word for dawn.


STS-132 Mission Patch Available here


STS-132 Souvenir T-Shirt Available here




ISS Expedtion 16 Mission Insignia

Beware of cheaper embroidered replica patches!





NASA International Space Station Expedition 16 Patch with Crew Names.

Embroidered International Space Station Expedition Insignia Patch This patch was manufactured as part of a limited set by the official NASA supplier. The patch features the Expedition insignia as well as the names of all participating crew members.

A full colour patch approx 4" diameter.

Limited Edition Collectable brought to you by the SPACEBOOSTERS Online Store.

Expedition 16 was the 16th expedition to the International Space Station (ISS). The first two crew members, Yuri Malenchenko and Peggy Whitson, launched on October 10, 2007, aboard Soyuz TMA-11, and were joined by spaceflight participant Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, the first Malaysian in space.

Expedition 15 Flight Engineer Clayton Anderson did not land with the Soyuz TMA-10, so he was considered part of Expedition 16 for the few weeks prior to the arrival of STS-120. STS-120 launched on October 23, docked on October 25, and replaced Anderson with new Flight Engineer Daniel Tani. Following docking, the Soyuz seat liners for Anderson and Tani were swapped, and Anderson became part of the STS-120 crew. Leopold Eyharts, who came aboard during STS-122, joined the mission on February 9, 2008, replacing Tani.

The crew was then joined by Garrett Reisman, who was launched aboard Endeavour with STS-123, on March 11, 2008, replacing Eyharts. Reisman joined Expedition 16 in progress, and was a part of Expedition 17 as well. Upon reentry, the astronaut's Soyuz TMA-11 spacecraft suffered a minor malfunction, causing the craft to follow a very steep ballistic descent. As a result, the crew experienced forces up to 10 G, ending up about 260 miles (418km) west of the targeted landing site. Roscosmos reported all three crew members were doing just fine and in good health.

Limited Edition Collectable brought to you by the SPACEBOOSTERS Online Store.

ISS Expedition 15 Mission Insignia

NASA International Space Station Expedition 15 Patch with Crew Names and National Flags.

Embroidered International Space Station Expedition Insignia Patch


This patch was manufactured as part of a limited set by the official NASA supplier. The patch features the Expedition insignia as well as the names of all participating crew members. A full colour patch approx 4" diameter.

Limited Edition Collectable brought to you by the SPACEBOOSTERS Online Store.

Expedition 15 was the 15th expedition to the International Space Station (ISS). Four crew members participated in the expedition, although for most of the expedition's duration only three were on the station at any one time. During Expedition 15, the ISS Integrated Truss Structure was expanded twice: STS-117 brought the S3/S4 truss, and STS-118 brought the S5 truss. The crew members featured are: Flight Engineer Sunita Williams, Commander Fyodor Yurchikhin,Flight Engineer Oleg Kotov, and NASA Astronaut / Flight engineer Clayton Anderson.

Limited Edition ISS Expedition 15 Collectable brought to you by the SPACEBOOSTERS Online Store. See our ebay listing.

ISS Expedition 13 Crew Insignia

NASA International Space Station Expedition 13 Patch with Crew Names and National Flags.

Embroidered International Space Station Expedition Insignia Patch This patch was manufactured as part of a limited set by the official NASA supplier. The patch features the Expedition insignia as well as the names of all participating crew members.

A full colour patch approx 4" diameter.



Expedition 13 was the 13th expedition to the International Space Station (ISS), and launched at 02:30 UTC on March 30, 2006.[1] The expedition used the Soyuz TMA-8 spacecraft, which stayed at the station for the duration of the expedition for emergency evacuation. Astronaut Marcos Pontes launched with Expedition 13 on the Soyuz TMA-8 spacecraft and became the first Brazilian in space. He returned with Expedition 12 on Soyuz TMA-7 after a nine-day mission.

Thomas Reiter, from the European Space Agency, became part of the Expedition 13 crew in July 2006. Reiter was launched with the second Return to Flight mission on Discovery (STS-121) on July 4, 2006. Reiter became the first European long-duration crew member on the International Space Station when he officially joined the crew of the ISS at 19:13 UTC on July 6, 2006 upon the complete installation of his Soyuz spacecraft seat liner, allowing him to return to Earth aboard the docked Soyuz craft. Reiter's arrival restored the station crew to three members for the first time since May of 2003.

The station's crew size was reduced to two when shuttle flights were put on hold after the Space Shuttle Columbia accident on February 1, 2003. The patch features the names of all three expedition members with associated national flags.

Limited Edition Collectable brought to you by the SPACEBOOSTERS Online Store. See our ebay Listing

Friday 19 March 2010

STS-131 Mission Insignia


STS-131 Crew Patch/Mission Insignia

The STS-131/19A crew patch highlights the Space Shuttle in the Rendezvous Pitch Maneuver (RPM). This maneuver is heavily photographed by the International Space Station (ISS) astronauts, and the photos are analyzed back on earth to clear the Space Shuttle's thermal protection system for re-entry.

The RPM illustrates the teamwork and safety process behind each Space Shuttle launch. In the Space Shuttle's cargo bay is the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM), Leonardo, which is carrying several science racks, the last of the four crew quarters, and supplies for the ISS. Out of view and directly behind the MPLM, is the Ammonia Tank Assembly (ATA) that will be used to replace the current ATA. This will take place during three Extra Vehicular Activities (EVAs).

The 51.6° Space Shuttle orbit is illustrated by the three gold bars of the astronaut symbol, and its elliptical wreath contains the orbit of the ISS. The star atop the astronaut symbol is the dawning sun, which is spreading its early light across the Earth. The background star field contains seven stars, one for each crewmember; they are proud to represent the United States and Japan during this mission.