The Space Shuttle Atlantis will launch into space for it’s final time today at 11:26 am EDT.
For only the second time in 135 missions, the space shuttle will lift off with a commemorative emblem painted on its side. (above)
The central element of Artist Blake Dumesnil’s logo, the space shuttle itself, is bounded by panels showing the U.S. flag and two sets of stars: 14 in memory of the astronauts lost aboard orbiters Challenger and Columbia and five symbolizing the shuttle fleet including Discovery, Endeavour and Atlantis.
The emblem’s jewel-shape is cradled by the outline of a blue circle, symbolizing the orbiter’s realm in Earth orbit but also alluding “to the smoothness of the shuttle orbiting the Earth,” according to Dumesnil.
The artwork is finished with the inscription “Space Shuttle Program” and the years that the space planes flew, “1981” through “2011.”
