Mission Patch Design Activity
*This activity is open to all Primary school students*
Mission
For each space flight that occurs, astronaut crews design unique, personalized mission
patches to represent their mission. Patches include elements that describe the mission's
purpose, as well as the name of the space vehicle and the mission number. Each patch is
unique in its shape and colors. Your objective is to design your own mission patch.
Things to Consider
Imagine being part of a future NASA mission. What will your mission accomplish? Will
you run any experiments? If so, what type? A Patch might contain
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A picture that shows the purpose of your mission and your space launch vehicle
A statement of your mission objective
A mission number
Crew names
Example of Mission Patches
This is the patch from STS-77. This was Australian astronaut Andy
Thomas’ first flight. The patch contains the names of all the
astronauts, the flight number, the launch vehicle, the Southern Cross,
the Earth and a representation of the inflatable antenna experiment
(IAE) which was a major achievement of the mission.
This mission patch is from Gemini 4. This mission was undertaken by
two astronauts in a Gemini capsule and included the first American
extra vehicular activity, or EVA, conducted by Ed White. This was
the first time an American astronaut left their spaceship during a
mission.
This mission patch is from Apollo 8. This mission was undertaken in
an Apollo capsule containing three Astronauts. This was the first
time a manmade spaceship left Earth’s gravitational field and orbited
the Moon.
Apollo 11 is probably the most famous mission. This was the first
time that man stepped on the moon. The astronauts made this
journey “For all mankind” so no names appear on the patch. The
patch shows an eagle landing on the moon as this was the name
given to the Lunar Lander by the crew. The eagle is also a
recognizable symbol of the USA.
STS-79 was the first mission where American and Soviet vehicles
docked. The cold war and the race for the moon was a time of fierce
competition between two super powers, this was the first co-operative
mission. STS-79 was the beginning of continued collaboration which
eventually led to the International Space Station.
Activity
• Study a range of mission patches and discuss the different designs and the use of
symbols
• Discuss the types of activities that may be undertaken in space
• Divide students into groups or work individually
• If working in groups allocate students different nationalities or roles (it has often
been commented that the hardest part of any mission is getting a crew of
astronauts to agree on a mission patch)
• Ask students to design a mission patch on a piece of paper 10cm x 10cm (patches
can be of any shape)
• Remind students that patches are stitched and that intricate detail cannot be shown
• Have each group present their mission patch to the class, describing the symbols
chosen and the reasons for each choice.
• Collect all the mission patch designs from your school
• Scan mission patches onto a CD (six patches per page) or send hard copies
• If sending hard copies please take a photo before sending because patches cannot
be returned.
• All patches sent on CD will be flown. If patches are sent as a hard copy at least
three from each school will be flown
• Send the designs to:
Victorian Space Science Education Centre (VSSEC)
400 Pasco Vale Rd
Strathmore 3041.
• Patches will be launched on a Zuni rocket at Woomera in October 2006 by Cate
Bourne of RMIT University and the Australian Space Research Institute (ASRI)
• Video footage of the launch will be available via the VSSEC website
www.vssec.vic.edu.au and a certificate to commemorate the launch will be sent to
each participating school containing the launch profile and a selection of relevant
data.
Extension Activities
• Study the history of the Woomera Rocket Range
• Use Google Earth to explore the terrain around Woomera, discuss the use of
satellite images and resolution
• Discuss Zuni rockets (size, weight, flight profile)
• Launch water rockets to explore the flight profile of a rocket, thrust, weight and
the effect of gravity. To learn about the history, scientific principles and
mathematics of rockets through exciting problem-solving and cooperative
learning activities refer to - Rockets: An Educators Guide with Activities in
Science, Mathematics and Technology K-12
http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/58269main_Rockets.Guide.pdf