STS 61C - CREW INSIGNIA

S85-41917 (October 1985) --- Columbia, which opened the era of the Space Transportation System with four orbital flight tests, is featured in re-entry in the emblem designed by the STS61-C crew to represent the seven team members who will man the vehicle for its seventh STS mission later this year. Gold lettering against black background honors the astronaut crew members on the delta pattern surrounding colorful re-entry shock waves, and the payload specialists are honored similarly below the sphere. Robert L. Gibson is mission commander; Charles F. Bolden, pilot; and mission specialists are George D. Nelson, Steven A. Hawley and Franklin R. Chang-Diaz. Payload specialists are Robert J. Cenker of RCA and Bill Nelson, U.S. Representative (D., Florida). Representations of the U.S. flag and the constellation Draco flank the emblem's core. The NASA insignia design for space shuttle flights is reserved for use by the astronauts and for other official use as the NASA Administrator may authorize. Public availability has been approved only in the forms of illustrations by the various news media. When and if there is any change in this policy, which is not anticipated, the change will be publicly announced. Photo credit: NASA