Artist-supplied caption:
The Space Shuttle Commemorative patch represents the life of the shuttle program. The morning sky on the left and the night sky on the right represents the life span of the program symbolized by dawn to dusk. The yellow banners represent the flame of the shuttle rocket boosters. Inscribed in the banners are MCMLXXXI and MMX, representing the time span of the shuttle program from 1981 to 2010. The American Flag behind the shuttle represents the United States being behind the shuttle program throughout its existence. Surrounding the patch are the names of all shuttles flown during the program. The patch itself takes the formation of a peace sign which represents the commitment of the shuttle program's involvement in international space exploration.
