We’ve seen the 12 days of Christmas filmed in many different directions and versions, but for those with a passion for space, let’s accompany the “12 Space Patches of Christmas” designed by an artist to the “stars”, Tim Gagnon. .
Before we begin, if you haven’t heard of the “KSC artist,” allow us to introduce you to a person who made a significant contribution to both the space community and history. Tim is a native of East Hartford, Connecticut, and like most of us, his love of space began at an early age and during one of the most exciting eras of exploration. “I remember watching the missions of my childhood heroes on a small black-and-white television with ‘bunny ears’ that could receive several broadcast stations,” Gagnon recalls. on their website.
“For my 16th birthday present in 1972, my parents arranged for my father and me to attend the launch of Apollo 17 as invited guests of NASA.” Over the next decade, she picked up a paintbrush to bring to life a painting of Apollo 13 astronaut Jack Swigert and began creating a scrapbook of female astronauts for her daughter and niece. Gagnon also wrote on his website, “The first response to the contributions came on Saturday, January 25, 1986. The package included a handwritten note, an autographed photograph, and other photographs.” said. “The note read in part: “…if you get a good education you can do anything you want.” It was signed by NASA astronaut Judy Resnik. Three days later, Judy Resnik died. I was stunned by the Challenger tragedy. The message in that letter should not die with her.”
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Since then Tim has started volunteering. Young Astronaut Programand created unforgettable paintings on display. Space Education CenterElmira City Hall, New York and the IMAX Theater Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to name a few. But while this talented painter was putting colors together on a canvas, he also had another big dream in mind: creating a patch for the flight crew.
“Ever since I read about the design of the Skylab 1 patch in an article written by artist Frank Kelly Freas in 1973, I have dreamed of creating a patch for a flight crew to use my artistic talent to contribute to the space program,” Gagnon said. reminded on the website. “I came close to this in 1985 when Bob Crippen invited me to submit designs for the first space shuttle mission, scheduled to launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, STS-62A. This mission was canceled after the Challenger accident.”
But in an inspiring story for those who believe the best is yet to come and those moments are worth the wait, Tim fulfilled his destiny in 2004 when he was chosen by someone else. astronaut John Phillips Imagining the patch design for the Expedition 11 mission to the International Space Station.
His work was so well received that since 2007 he has been employed by another passionate space enthusiast and pen pal from Madrid, Spain, for both the Space Shuttle Program and the International Space Station crew. This led to him taking on more design assignments alongside Jorge Cartes. When asked what advice he had for those with dreams as big as the galaxy, Tim told Space.com: “If I can do this, having dropped out of college, never been to art school, and all the other obstacles I’ve put in my way, if I can do this, then they can do anything.”
Now, as we move past 2023 when the holidays are in full swing, it’s time to present the “12 Space Patches of Christmas” that are sure to be much more valuable to collectors near and far than a plain old gold ring! Tim is sharing his 12 favorites of the year, so let’s get in the spirit with a little rhyme. Enjoy the history and symbolism contained within each, commemorating many moments in time.
12. Virginia Space Flight Academy 25th Anniversary
This year is a silver anniversary for a nonprofit organization in Virginia. Offering Summer Adventure Camps and an online STEM Academy, this program is sure to bring joy to many children. This patch covers the history of Virginia; From Wallops Island to the launches of the US space program and the ISS element to the launches to the ships landing at Jamestown… This is a patch dear to a Virginian’s heart!
11th SPACECOM / 49th Space Congress
If you want to see the view of the Earth from space, this patch is for you! North America and the “Space Coast” seem to shine below, the ISS is almost playing “peek-a-boo”! You see Tim gave us a seat at the front window, adding sunlight to the view, the client didn’t want to use it as a patch so now it still lives on in print and online, woohoo!
10th Tulsa Air and Space Museum Track Run “Ladies’ Launch Since 1983”
For the leading women in space, this patch celebrates you! There’s a space shuttle in the middle, and you also see Canadarm holding on to a dream catcher as another shuttle passes by! The theme behind this patch was for Sally Ride’s anniversary, but the best part for all run participants is you can also get this design as a commemorative t-shirt!
9th Airline Blue Shades Symposium
This symposium helps recruit staff for airlines, starting from children’s school age. So they needed a patch to make it pretty cool for those interested! The design highlights both commercial and military aviation. And then he adds the trilogy, including spaceflight.
8th National Astronaut Day 2023
Every year on May 5, we celebrate “National Astronaut Day”, commemorating Alan Shepard, the first American in Space, who literally broke the ground with his flight. This year also honors the 40th anniversary of the first American Woman, Sally Ride, soaring through space, and the golden “7” also holds a special place to honor the first Mercury crew and STS-7.
7. America’s First Female Astronauts
In this patch you see the last names of the original six ladies of spaceflight. The first U.S. female astronauts, all shuttle program mission specialists; three of them give very positive and glowing advice on this design! On the woman’s left side, she honors Judy Resnik as she wrote to Tim’s daughter earlier on the Challenger in 1986; you can also see the female symbol, the artist’s ghost-stitched monogram, below the Shuttle Orbiter.
6. Lunar Pioneers: First Mission
Since we’re in the Artemis generation, here’s a patch highlighting the moon! Created for a Lunar Pioneers mission to commemorate teamwork and explore the surface there!
5th Outpost First Mission
Welcome to “space frontier”, the theme of the company requesting this patch! A salute to the founder with a street sign near the West Side beach and offices. It features the Outpost’s satellite in flight; The slogan and mission slogan are also emphasized. All to commemorate the inaugural mission and celebrate everything they tried to do!
4. LSI Educators
Boundless Space Institute, this was a special design for you! It’s all about work in STEAM fields, and as a meteorologist, I’d proudly wear this patch on a mission too! If you look closely you can see all the icons of many different fields as careers we can explore. And in the center, the starship “Enterprise” continues its journey to stardom!
3. Kellie Gerardi: “Even the Sky Is Not the Limit”
The personal patch that Kellie Gerardi wore while pursuing her dream of becoming a science researcher in space! You can see his silhouette floating across the galaxy over Earth, “reaching his star” in the perfect location! If you look behind it, you see a group of tiny stars commemorating the women who soared before. The patch features his motto to inspire others; Hoping there will be many more in space after that!
2. Fred Haise’s 90th Birthday Celebration
Every year we celebrate another trip around the sun. So, how about your personally designed patch? I’m sure this was great fun for Tim! Happy 90th Birthday to former US astronaut Fred Haise from Apollo 13. There are so many symbols to see here! There is a reference to his home in Biloxi, which is a replica of his shuttle and F-86D jet. There are stars representing Group 5 astronaut classmates and an “X” front and center on the Experimental Test Pilots Association insignia.
1. Switzerland15th Anniversary of Apollo
And last but not least, another celebration to be designed and brought to light! During the flight, he highlights his spaceflight goals and dreams from Switzerland with a spacecraft heading to the moon. There are 15 solar lights coming next year, celebrating the company’s 15th anniversary. As Apollo looks forward to future success, 12 stars for each of his moonwalkers!