Among the items issued to astronauts are Velcro-backed name tags that can be attached to their flight suits and jackets. This name tag was a spare for Ronald E. (Ron) McNair, one of the first African Americans selected into the astronaut corps. He flew as a mission specialist on the Space Shuttle in 1984 (STS 41-B mission) and died in the Challenger launch accident in 1986 (STS 51-L mission) before reaching space a second time. Astronauts chose the version of their name on these tags and used different ones for different occasions. This one shows the familiar form of McNair's first name. NASA transferred a number of spare astronaut name tags to the Museum over the years.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Accessories
Astronaut
Ronald E. McNair
Dimensions
2-D - Unframed (H x W): 5.1 x 10.2cm (2 x 4 in.)
Materials
leather, Velcro, adhesive, silver embossing
Inventory Number
A19970597001
Credit Line
Transferred from NASA, Johnson Space Center
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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