NASA STS - Space Shuttle - Landing And Tracking Test Patch

This NASA Space Transportation System (STS) patch commemorates the extensive testing and ground-support operations that helped make the Space Shuttle programme possible. The round woven design brings together the NASA and United States Air Force organisations and facilities associated with shuttle testing, flight tracking and landing support. Measuring 115 mm across, it makes a distinctive addition to a collection of NASA memorabilia, space exploration patches and aviation history.

History of the Landing and Tracking Programme

Before the Space Shuttle could begin regular orbital missions, NASA had to demonstrate that the orbiter could return from space and land safely as an unpowered glider. A major part of this work took place in 1977, when the prototype orbiter Enterprise underwent the Approach and Landing Test programme at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Carried aloft by a specially modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, Enterprise completed a series of captive flights before being released for five independent gliding flights. The final tests demonstrated the orbiter's ability to make a controlled approach and runway landing. This was a crucial step towards the first orbital Shuttle flight in 1981.

Landing was only one part of the challenge. The Shuttle also depended on a geographically distributed network of tracking stations, communications facilities and mission-control teams. Johnson Space Center in Houston managed mission operations, while Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland supported the flow of tracking and telemetry information. Facilities at Vandenberg and Edwards in California were among those identified in NASA mission documentation as providing tracking and communications support during flight operations and planned landing phases. The collaboration between NASA centres and Air Force facilities was an important part of the programme's operational infrastructure.

The abbreviations named in the patch reflect this network:
NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration),
STS (Space Transportation System),
USAF (United States Air Force),
JSC (Johnson Space Center),
GSFC (Goddard Space Flight Center),
VAFB (Vandenberg Air Force Base) and
EAFB (Edwards Air Force Base).

The precise origin and original issuing status of this particular patch have not been independently established. It is therefore presented as a commemorative NASA and Space Shuttle-themed collectible, rather than being described as an authenticated official NASA or USAF uniform insignia.

Features

• Round woven Space Shuttle-themed patch
• Commemorates the NASA Space Transportation System
• Features NASA and United States Air Force references
• Includes abbreviations for key NASA centres and Air Force facilities
• 115 mm diameter
• Suitable for space exploration and aviation memorabilia collections

Specifications
Brand: COMMANDO
Product Code: BD0014
Barcode / GTIN: 9357994008323
Design: NASA STS – Space Shuttle Landing and Tracking Test
Construction: Woven patch
Shape: Round
Diameter: 115 mm

A distinctive collectible for NASA enthusiasts, Space Shuttle followers and anyone interested in the engineering, testing and support operations behind America's reusable spacecraft programme.