posted 11-30-2020 12:30 PM               

Women of Space: FEMINAE SPATII

EDIT: After releasing the announcement it was brought to the attention of this former altar boy want to be that my Latin was incorrect. Rather than "Feminae Spatium," it should read: FEMINAE SPATII.

This is why we have to approve samples. My record of incorrect spelling is still going strong.

A few weeks ago I was contacted by my friend Eryn Andrews from Johnson Space Center to ask if I might create a design that represents "Women of NASA." I was flattered and agreed to work pro bono.

Shortly after beginning to research the project, I suggested to Eryn that we broaden our scope to include women from every government space agency, every commercial provider and then even those who promote space and STEM/STEAM education on social media outside of any organization.

The patch

As the main objective of space exploration is to improve life on Earth, the globe is supported by female hands. The iconic symbol of women is in gold. The 13 stars in the sky celebrate the "Mercury 13," who successfully completed the same medical tests as the original Mercury 7 astronauts. While these women did not have the opportunity to fly, their efforts inspired multiple generations of women who came after them.

This design by celebrates women from around the world who are involved in every facet of space related careers: scientists, engineers, physicists, astronomers, technicians, media and communications, meteorologists, photographers, producers, public relations, writers and of course astronauts. Obviously the list is incomplete, but the goal is to foster an "espirit de corps" among women around the world who work together and separately to advance our understanding of the universe. This patch is for all of them.

A-B Emblem, the official NASA patch manufacturer, and the company's authorized retailers will be the only places to purchase this patch. This will allow anyone, anywhere to purchase one patch or any number of patches without having to meet minimum order restrictions.