This T-shirt belonged to Pamela Melroy, who was one of 19 women and men who began training as the 15th class of astronaut candidates in 1995. This 23-member class included five women, two of them pilot astronauts and three scientists. There were also four international astronauts. By tradition in the astronaut corps, the previous class gives the new class a nickname, in this case the Flying Escargot, an allusion to the two French astronauts in the group. The graphic design depicts a snail posed like the shutlle orbiter in launch configuration, and includes the rayed star symbol of the astronaut corps. An astronaut class accepted the nickname as a badge of honor and reflection of their team spirit.
Melroy gave this shirt, which she wore to class picnics and other social events, and various other personal possessions and papers, to the Museum in 2018.
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
Manufacturer
Hanes
Astronaut
Pamela A. Melroy
Dimensions
3-D: 63.5 × 76.5 × 1cm (2 ft. 1 in. × 2 ft. 6 1/8 in. × 3/8 in.)
Size: M [Medium]
Materials
Cotton
Vinyl
Inventory Number
A20180707000
Credit Line
Gift of Pamela A. Melroy
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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