The border uses the colors of the US Flag to
symbolize the country responsible for the missions, even though not all of the astronauts
originated in the United States. The text on the lower border identifies the three
spacecraft lost in the accidents. Apollo 1 was chosen to represent the AS-204 capsule
since it is more recognizable by the public. The Latin text on the upper border,
translated "To the Stars Despite Adversity -- Always Exploring," represents the
indomitable spirit of exploration that drives us on into space in spite of the tragedies
we must sometimes endure and overcome.
The background of the emblem represents the void of space, the great unknown that is
beckoning the human spirit, challenging us to continue reaching for answers and expanding
our universe. Key elements from each mission patch have been incorporated into the central
region of the emblem, representing each crew and the mission they were dedicated to
accomplish. The seventeen stars scattered across the void represent the members of the
three missions. While these are grouped around the mission specific elements corresponding
to the number in each crew, there is no specific relationship intended between any star
and astronaut. The large Greek "Sigma", borrowed from the Mission Operations
Directorate insignia, represents the entire team responsible for human space flight. It is
only through the sum of all our efforts that we can endeavor to send humans into space,
and safely return them to earth. Stretching across the central portion of the patch is the
NASA Vector, representing the agency of the United States government responsible for these
missions.
More than anything else, this emblem is intended to remind us all that we can never afford
to relax our vigil in conducting human space flight. Every job is critical, whether it is
in the manufacture or maintenance of spacecraft, ground support facilities and related
resources, planning and training for a specific mission, or real time operations of an
ongoing mission. Every decision we make can have an impact on whether the crew joins us in
the post mission festivities, or we get an opportunity to decorate the gates of JSC one
more time!
This emblem was designed through a joint effort by Bill Foster in the Ground Control
Office at the Johnson Space Center and Michael Okuda, Scenic Art Supervisor and Technical
Consultant for Star Trek. "Semper Exploro" was suggested by Kenneth Ham, Lt.
Commander, United States Navy and NASA Astronaut, which adds significantly to spirit of
the emblem. |
