Artist-supplied caption:
The design creates the continuous motion of the six Space Shuttles orbiting the beautiful Earth as reflected by the view seen by the Astronauts. The hands symbolizes mankind who has benefited by the technology developed utilizing the innovative experiments performed by the Astronauts throughout the Space Shuttle Program. The Space Shuttle Program has provided both significant scientific and technical knowledge for all of mankind. The patch symbolizes the end of a magnificent program that will be remembered forever. (One giant leap for mankind captured forever in time).