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Author
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Topic: Artemis II 'Freedom 250' commemorative patch
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Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 56130
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 01-17-2026 01:11 PM
   
The Artemis II crew sported a new patch today (Jan. 17) as their rocket rolled out to the launch pad. The patch appears to be in commemoration of the country's semiquincentennial, with "America 250" and "The Rocket's Red Glare" as part of the design. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 56130
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 01-22-2026 07:28 AM
Phillip Elkins designed the above patch: I'm incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to help design a commemorative patch for the NASA Artemis II launch — a patch that will be worn by the crew during this historic mission honoring America's 250th anniversary.The theme, "Rocket's Red Glare," draws from a lyric that has echoed through generations, and realizing that I quite literally designed something that will travel out of this world is both humbling and surreal. Space has always represented something bigger than ourselves — curiosity, courage, and the quiet belief that we're meant to keep exploring. A heartfelt thank you to my art director and dear friend David Rager for trusting me with this opportunity and for the guidance along the way. I don't take a single moment of this for granted. Grateful. Inspired. Still a little in awe.  |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 56130
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 01-22-2026 12:47 PM
collectSPACE Artemis II crew wears 'Freedom 250' patch for America's semiquincentennialhe next astronauts to fly to the moon are now wearing their pride for America's history on their sleeves. NASA on Thursday (Jan. 22) formally revealed the Freedom 250 commemorative patch and announced that the Artemis II astronauts will wear the emblem "during their historic launch."  |
MOL
Member Posts: 223
From: Los Angeles, CA
Registered: Oct 2004
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posted 01-23-2026 08:26 AM
When I saw the Artemis crew unveil their "Rocket's Red Glare" patch, it reminded me of this NASA MFA poster in my collection which has the same theme — albeit with a Saturn V!Will AB Emblem be selling this patch to the public?  |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 56130
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 01-23-2026 08:30 AM
I had not seen that poster before... indeed, right on point!I spoke to A-B Emblem yesterday. As soon as they know if they can offer the patch to the public, it will be shared here. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 56130
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 02-19-2026 10:13 AM
The Freedom 250 ("NASA The Rockets Red Glare 250") patch is now available from A-B Emblem. Design no. 482754. |
dogcrew5369
Member Posts: 766
From: Statesville, NC
Registered: Mar 2009
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posted 02-19-2026 06:31 PM
Sold out. I literally had one just a few minutes ago in my cart and it disappeared before I could check out. Guess I'll have to wait till March. Dang so close! Please note the next restock for the Freedom 250 will be at the end of March. |
KSCartist
Member Posts: 3110
From: Titusville, FL
Registered: Feb 2005
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posted 02-25-2026 03:49 PM
I received mine today. Truly a fantastic patch! |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 56130
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 03-01-2026 10:21 AM
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman seen wearing the patch with other NASA employees: NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, left, speaks with NASA employees Megan Vansant, chief architect and demolition program manager at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, second from left; James Hamilton, propellant and pressurant manager at NASA's Stennis Space Center, third from left; and Brittany Bouché, acting deputy chief of facility engineering services at NASA's Stennis Space Center, right, following an employee incentive flying event using Isaacman's personal F-5 aircraft, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  |
OV-105
Member Posts: 944
From: Ridgecrest, CA
Registered: Sep 2000
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posted 03-05-2026 03:42 PM
Interesting paint job on the T-38. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 56130
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 03-05-2026 04:56 PM
That is Jared Isaacman's personal F-5, which he had repainted after he was confirmed as NASA Administrator. Here's a better view: |
OV-105
Member Posts: 944
From: Ridgecrest, CA
Registered: Sep 2000
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posted 03-06-2026 03:32 AM
That is not an F-5 in the photo. There are two canopies that are open. Maybe they painted a T-38 for him? |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 56130
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 03-06-2026 07:37 AM
Isaacman has said these are not government-owned, nor is the government paying for his flights. He owns these (and others).NASA identified these three as F-5 aircraft.  |
GACspaceguy
Member Posts: 3287
From: Guyton, GA
Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 03-06-2026 07:56 AM
The two seaters are most likely retired CF-5A aircraft. The Canadian Air Force used those as they were built by Canadair in Montreal under license from Northrup. |
onesmallstep
Member Posts: 1560
From: Staten Island, New York USA
Registered: Nov 2007
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posted 03-06-2026 08:25 AM
Yes, the RCAF flew their CF-116s (official designation) from 1968-1995, chosen as a low-cost alternative to augment the CF-104 and CF-101 in service at the time. Originally intended to serve in Europe, it instead equipped two squadrons who would forward-deploy from Canada in time of war to central Europe, then later to Norway. A third, the jet lead-in training/aggressor squadron, would be the last RCAF unit to operate it. |
Kevin T. Randall
Member Posts: 1711
From: Chesham, Bucks UK
Registered: Dec 2008
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posted 03-10-2026 10:41 AM
The details on the embedded label are as follows;- 482754 A-B Emblem Made In USA 02/2026
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Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 56130
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 03-12-2026 03:05 PM
quote:
Originally posted by dogcrew5369:
Guess I'll have to wait till March.
The patch is back in stock at A-B Emblem. We currently have a new stock run of the NASA Freedom 250 patch. Get yours today to celebrate America's 250th anniversary today!! |
dogcrew5369
Member Posts: 766
From: Statesville, NC
Registered: Mar 2009
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posted 03-12-2026 07:24 PM
Thanks Robert for the heads up. Just purchased one and it's a beautiful patch. |
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