This pin and patch are the emblem of the NASA Shuttle Program. It has been in use by NASA since the early 1980's.

They are both made by AB Emblems, the NASA contractor for mission emblems.

Patch in 4 inches in diameter and the pin is 1 inch in diameter.

When purchasing NASA lapel pins, look for the embossed lettering on the back of the pin:

Shuttle

NASA

ABEmblem.com

to make sure you are getting the NASA authorized pin.

The image at the right is the first occurance of the patch that we have been able to find in the NASA Photo archives. This scene shows Astronaut Gordon Fullerton during zero gravity training for mission STS-3 which was launched March 22, 1982.

Note the Shuttle Proram patch on the right shoulder of his space suit.

Although the emblem may have been used on the two missions flown in 1981 (STS-1 and STS-2), we have not been able to find any photographic evidence.

If you know of an earlier record showing the Shuttle Program patch, please drop us a note at contact@galacticvoyager.com