STS-8 – INSIGNIAS

S83-30608 (29 April 1983) --- The night launch of the space shuttle Challenger heading toward its third Earth-orbital mission is featured in the official insignia for STS-8. The eighth flight of the United States Space Transportation System (STS) is represented by eight stars of the constellation Aquila, "The Eagle," astronauts Richard H. Truly, commander; Daniel C. Brandenstein, pilot; Dale A. Gardner, Guion S. Bluford, and William E. Thornton -- all mission specialists -- have their surnames on the border of the insignia. The NASA insignia design for space shuttle flights is reserved for use by the astronauts and for other official use as the NASA Administrator may authorize. Public availability has been approved only in the forms of illustrations by the various news media. When and if there is any change in this policy, which is not anticipated, the change will be publicly announced. Photo credit: NASA