The meaning behind some of Nasa pins for astronauts

Following NASA’s first launch over 50 years ago, they have found a unique way to celebrate missions and honor its astronauts by presenting them with specific astronaut pins signifying the vital work that they have done. 

Many of NASA’s pins are very recognizable, and NASA fans with an affection for history are able to tell you what each pin represents accurately.

Replica NASA pins are considered valuable items of memorabilia. And they allow us to feel like we are stepping into the shoes of our heroes who travel far into space to tell us more about our Solar System. 

With NASA pins remaining collectors’ items, we give you some acumen to the most recognizable achievements and highly sought after the ones in the history of the space travel business.

Nasa pin for astronauts of Mercury 7

In the year of 1959, the first of NASA’s astronauts were launched into space to complete, perhaps the most crucial space mission of all time.

They were determining whether or not humans could safely and efficiently survive in space. 

These seven astronauts were courageous in that they voluntarily entered the spacecraft without knowing whether or not they would survive. 

Pin of Mercury 7
Scott Carpenter wearing a Mercury 7 Pin.

They did survive, and NASA has been able to accomplish many missions utilizing astronauts within its spacecraft. 

Those brilliant seven astronauts were praised with a uniquely designed pin by NASA

The pin is a unique design that blends Mercury’s symbol with the number 7. 

A rather modest design, it was meant to be worn on the lapel of a suit.

The First Astronaut Pin

Ere 1963, NASA proceeded to launch numerous astronauts into space to perform important early missions. 

Before the current NASA astronaut pinin 1963, the design introduced on U.S. Air Force (pictured) and U.S. Navy pilot astronaut wings that to members of the branches who flew into space. (National Air and Space Museum).
Before the current NASA astronaut pinin 1963, the design introduced on U.S. Air Force (pictured) and U.S. Navy pilot astronaut wings that to members of the branches who flew into space. (National Air and Space Museum).

In the year of 1961, the United States Military came up with a pin design to praise every astronaut for setting foot into space. 

The first to get this pin was the crew of Mercury 7. They were members of the military when they selected for the mission. The pin shows a wing design with a star at its center.

The Universal Silver Astronaut Pin

And after 1963, space travel became more frequent, and NASA came up with a new design to give out to astronauts who accomplished space missions. 

The new design resembles a vertically shooting star with a ring round its base. 

The logo is now one of the most recognizable of all within NASA and represents great renown. 

It’s constructed from high-quality metal and does not have any association with the United States military as its prior design.

 It was due to the separation between NASA and the United States military.

DEKE SLAYTON
DEKE SLAYTON

The most spectacular pin

One of the most unique pin designs of all is referred to as the “Gold and Diamond Pin.”  So one of Nasa’s most unique pins for astronauts was made for Deke Slayton.

Deke Slayton had planned on joining Mercury 7, but at the last minute, he was stopped from taking part due to medical reasons.

And to honor Deke, the wives of the Apollo crew awarded him with a specially designed pin in 1967. 

DEKE SLAYTON’S LAPEL PIN

It highlighted the same design as the universal silver astronaut pin, only made with gold and featuring a diamond at the top. 

That specific pin then traveled to the moon along with Neil Armstrong

NASA enthusiasts

Well, as you all can read in this article, the history of NASA can be enjoyed through its range of pins given to the heroic astronauts who undertook their heroic and essential missions to bring data back to Earth. 

These pins each signify something very important and essential during NASA’s extraordinary history. 

And, to the enjoyment of NASA enthusiasts all over the world, it’s relatively easy to come across replicas of these pins. 

And allowing us to own a piece of NASA history that can be worn with pride.

So, that’s it – I hope you enjoyed the article! Find out more about all Apollo missions to the Moon here.

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