This is a commercial copy of the Apollo 15 mission patch. Apollo 15 was launched on July 26, 1971, and returned after a little over eleven days carrying David Scott, Alfred Worden, and James Irwin. It was the eighth human spaceflight and the fourth set of Moon walks in the Apollo program.
According to command module pilot Al Worden, Italian dress designer Emilio Pucci contributed the basic idea for this patch. The crew modified his suggestion by changing his square design into a circular one and swapping red, white, and blue, for the Pucci-esque colors of blue, purple, and green. The lunar surface (added by the crew) behind the three stylized birds shows the landing site next to Hadley Rille at the foot of the Appenine Mountains. Also, a crater formation directly behind the birds spells "15" in Roman numerals (XV).
This replica was made for commercial sale. Mance Clayton donated it to the National Collection in 1982.
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
MEMORABILIA-Events
Dimensions
2-D - Unframed (H x W): 10.2cm (4 in. dia.)
Materials
Synthetic fabric, natural fabric
Inventory Number
A19820405000
Credit Line
Gift of Mance Clayton
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.