Original NASA embroidered patch with the logo of the ISA (Israel Space Agency), made of flame-resistant Nomex. Manufactured in 1999 on behalf of NASA, the American space agency, in preparation for the launch into space of Israeli Air-Force Colonel Ilan Ramon, the first Israeli astronaut and a crew-member on board the ill-fated Flight Mission STS-107 on the Space Shuttle Columbia. Manufactured by the official NASA military supplier for this equipment.
An identical patch was worn by Colonel Ramon on his blue Columbia flight suit. The patch was positioned on the left side of Ramon’s flight suit, over his heart.
Flight Mission STS-107 launched in January 2003 on board NASA’s Space Shuttle Columbia. While in orbit the crew conducted a variety of scientific experiments, and after almost 16 days in outer space the shuttle returned to Earth. Upon re-entry into the atmosphere Columbia disintegrated and burned. The seven crew members on board perished, including Ilan Ramon. After his death Ramon was awarded the US Congressional Space Medal of Honor. He is the only foreign recipient of this prestigious award.
The logo on this patch serves to this day as the logo of the ISA, a government body that is part of the Israeli Ministry of Science and Technology. The ISA is responsible for initiating and coordinating all of Israel’s space research programs with scientific and commercial goals.
8x8.5cm. Excellent condition.