Right on the heals of the SpaceX Dragon Crew 2’s launch, Crew 3 released their mission patch to the world on Monday.
I designed the patch for them, too, working tightly with Col. Raja “Grinder” Chari, a native of Cedar Falls, Iowa.
Similar to the other patches, Grinder and I worked closely together deciding on elements to include in the patch. I drew a bunch of thumbnails of possible designs, some selected below.
Once the crew discussed the variations, I had a better idea of what to focus on. Then we poured over which elements would suit the crew’s needs.
Sometimes talking a few times a week, I would get re-inspired by something Grinder might say, and added even more possibilities. For a time there were too many ideas and this only served to slow the process down. Frankly, it led to some confusion.
You may’ve experienced this yourself when working. Many directions and ideas can slow progress. Only when you concentrate and eliminate everything that isn’t necessary, does the process gain speed again.
So we began eliminating designs. We also wanted to do something different than the other crews’ patches, but also maintain a direction. To make them all distinctive, but familiar. For example, on this one, we developed a full-figure dragon, with the body reflecting the shape of a three, and the tail wrapping the border three times.
It finally got down to two designs. A tough call as they loved both of them. But the crew came through and made the hard decision, as would be expected from NASA astronauts!
They’ll be launching this Autumn, so watch for the patch on the suits, walls, gantry and other places around the pad. They will carry the patch into space with them.
Can’t tell you how exciting it is to have a piece of my art go along.
Greg, congratulations are again in order.
A question: does NASA ever merchandise these patches? I would think a lot of space enthusiasts would be thrilled to get one. Possibly we Manchess fans as well . . .
These are great, Greg! I think all of your designs are so elegant and thoughtfully designed. Congratulations on achieving orbital space art status.
Questions about this one:
(1) In the descriptions for your previous two Crew Dragon patches, you noted how you needed to avoid showing “abort” flames. This one seems to show them present. Can you tell us how that came about? Do the flames have any specific significance to this mission? Did the crew have any comments or specific input regarding the flames?
(2) I feel I may be missing the obvious, but is there a dragon (mythical) depicted on this design? Maybe that or something else hidden in the flames? … Oh, wait! I see the dragon head, now!!! Just needed a second look in a different orientation. 🙂
That’s so cool! Must feel amazing to know your art is going to space with the crew. Love how much thought went into the design.
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This is truly inspiring! The collaborative process and attention to detail in designing the Crew 3 patch are fascinating. It must be incredible to see your art travel into space; learn more about the artist’s work .
This patch design is next-level! I love how every element represents a piece of the mission — it’s like a visual story in itself. As someone who’s always been into space themes (even in the gaming world), this kind of detail really stands out. I recently found or share games on my blog that are space-based and optimized for low storage — and designs like this often inspire cover art or in-game visuals. Great read!
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