posted June 20, 2011 08:55 AM               

NASA's Space Shuttle Program Medallions

NASA has commissioned two commemorative medals, each minted using flown-in-space metal, to recognize the end of its 30-year space shuttle program.

The two medallions, both to be produced by Winco International, NASA's supplier of mission insignia lapel pins throughout the course of the shuttle program, feature in full color the space agency's Space Shuttle Commemorative Emblem as designed by Blake Dumesnil but otherwise differ in design and inscription.

The NASA Award Medallion (1.75" diameter) is "in recognition of all who played a vital role in supporting the shuttle program." In addition, this limited edition medallion celebrates the program's 135 missions during 30 years of innovation and service.

NASA Award Medallion. Click on image to enlarge.

Metal ingots produced for this program were flown on a space shuttle mission and then included in production so each medallion would contain flown material.

On the reverse, a space shuttle launch is rendered dimensionally in antique silver. The award medallion was designed by NASA artist Sean Collins.

Th Mission Complete Medallion (1.75" diameter) "commemorates the completion of NASA's shuttle program." In addition, this limited edition medallion celebrates the exceptional accomplishments and missions of the first winged orbital spacecraft.

NASA Mission Complete Medallion. Click on image to enlarge.

Minted with the same shuttle-flown ingots included in the NASA Award Medallions, this medallion features a dimensionally rendered reverse showing the space shuttle at work through a launch, on-orbit operations and landing.

These medallions, designed by Andy Boston of Winco with additional artwork provided by Dumesnil, will be plated in antique bronze.

Both medallions will be distributed by NASA and its contractors to employees as well as will eventually be available to the public. (A special version of the NASA Award Medallion will be limited to agency presentation only.)