STS-51-L Mission Patch - Challenger’s Final Flight | NASA History #2009784 (License: Personal Use)

This circular mission patch for STS-51-L features the Space Shuttle Challenger ascending above Earth, with the bold “USML” acronym stylized in American flag colors to represent the United States Microgravity Laboratory payload. Encircling the design are the surnames of the seven crew members-Dunbar, Richards, Bowersox, Baker, Meade, Delucas, and Trinh-highlighting their roles in this historic and tragic mission. The patch symbolizes both scientific ambition and national remembrance.

Used on NASA archival pages, educational resources, memorial exhibits, and space history articles; it serves users seeking information about the Challenger disaster, mission insignia symbolism, or STEM education materials related to spaceflight.