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This embroidered emblem is worn on the right shoulder of U.S. spacesuits used in Extravehicular Activity (EVA) or spacewalks. The original patch displayed three stars, one for each U.S. space program that included spacewalks (Gemini, Apollo, Skylab). Two more stars were added for the Space Shuttle and International Space Station programs. Hamilton Sundstrand, a manufacturer of EVA suits, designed this patch because company logos are not allowed on NASA equipment. The design, by NASA engineer Fred Keune, is based on Leonardo da Vinci's "Vitruvian Man" depiction of the ideal proportions of the human body. NASA presented this flown-on-the-shuttle patch to the Museum before the shuttle program ended in 2012.

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

Designer

Fred Keune

Dimensions

2-D - Unframed (H x W): 10.2 x 10.2cm (4 x 4 in.)

Materials

cotton, plastic, polyester threads

Inventory Number

A20120250000

Credit Line

Transfer from NASA

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonian’s Terms of Use.