Creating your team patch
This SKILL engages you in designing a space mission patch to understand symbolism, mission planning, and teamwork, inspired by NASA’s crew patch design process. You will define a mission goal, select symbolic elements/colours, and create a visual patch to represent your space adventure
What is a team patch?
A NASA mission patch is an embroidered emblem designed by astronauts to symbolize the objectives, spirit, and crew of a specific spaceflight. Worn on space suits, these artistic patches tell the story of the mission, featuring symbolic imagery, colors, and the crew’s names to create a unique, unified identity.
Artemis Mission Patch
Artemis II – The Mission
NASA is sending astronauts to explore the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and to build the foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars. Artemis II will test NASA’s deep space capabilities, as humans fly on the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft for the first time.
Artemis II – The Patch
The Artemis II test flight begins when a mighty team launches the first crew of the Artemis generation. This patch designates the mission as “AII,” signifying not only the second major flight of the Artemis campaign, but also an endeavour of discovery that seeks to explore for all and by all. Framed in Apollo 8’s famous Earthrise photo, the scene of the Earth and the Moon represents the dual nature of human spaceflight, both equally compelling: The Moon represents our exploration destination, focused on discovery of the unknown. The Earth represents home, focused on the perspective we gain when we look back at our shared planet and learn what it is to be uniquely human. The orbit around Earth highlights the ongoing exploration missions that have enabled Artemis to set sights on a long-term presence on the Moon and soon, Mars.
Your Task
Step A: Define the Mission. What is our mission goal?
(e.g., “Build a Mars Base” or “Find Life on Europa”)
Step B: Brainstorming Symbols. What symbols represent our teamwork?
List symbols for your goal (e.g., planets, tools, animals, flag).
Step C: Colour Selection. What colours capture our identity?
Use colours that signify specific emotions or mission components
(e.g., Gold for excellence, Blue for Earth/space).
Step D: Designing. Draw your design in the space in your workbook.
Step E: Designing. Explain the story behind the symbols of your patch.
Your Team: ___________________________________________________
Mission Commander: ___________________________________________
Engineering Specialist: __________________________________________
Coding Specialist: ___________________________________________
Documenter: __________________________________________________