The Art of Space Mission Patches and their Origins in Society

Paper number

IAC-06-E5.3.06

Author

Ms. Anne Brumfitt, Space Qualified Ltd, Australia

Coauthor

Prof. Lachlan Thompson, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), Australia

Coauthor

Dr. David Raitt, European Space Agency (ESA)/ESTEC, The Netherlands

Year

2006

Abstract

Space exploration utilizes some of the latest and highest technology available to human kind, synonymous with a space mission is the mission patch. This specialised art form popularizes the exploration of space with millions of mission patches sold around the world. Space tourism and education centers such as the Kennedy Space Center rely heavily on each space shuttle launch, the merchandising of mission patches in a variety of media from the traditional sew on badge to T shirts.  Do mission patches tell a story? Are they Art? What is the origin and role of this art form in Society?
The art form of space mission patches combines the 21st Century relevance with heraldic origins predating the 9th Centaury. The use of symbolism has been traced to Neolithic societies as evidenced by the early forms of armorial decoration used by the Franks during the reign of Charlemagne (742-814 AD).  At first a decoration of tribal association, the armorial decoration had achieved a vital role in warfare by the mid 12th Century. The amour of the time obscured so much of the knight that identification could only be made by the knight’s colors. Thus, the armorial shield was used to identify the bearer and their supporters. In modern times this identification technique is represented in the football team colour or jersey and mascot.
What role does the space mission patch play?  The space mission patch is designed by the astronauts themselves if it is a manned mission. Each team member contributes to the design of the patch. Analysis of the now hundreds of space mission patches show a consistent them if manned the flight crew are individually acknowledged, The mission flight number or name is present as is the spacecraft name. There after abstract symbolism is used to convey what the mission is attempting to accomplish. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the design of the mission patch is an important part of team building and focus on the task ahead.
As an education tool teachers and educators use the space mission patch to engage their students into the excitement of space exploration, the mission patch design is utilized as an education tool in literature, science and art. The space mission patch is a particularly powerful message medium. This paper looks at the origins of the space mission patch, its relevance to art and its impact on society.

Abstract document

IAC-06-E5.3.06.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-06-E5.3.06.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.