STS‑9 Columbia Embroidered Mission Patch 

A bold 4" embroidered mission patch celebrating STS‑9, the historic first Spacelab mission and the first Shuttle flight to carry six astronauts into orbit. Launched aboard Columbia on 28 November 1983, this mission transformed the Shuttle from a transport vehicle into a fully fledged orbital laboratory, opening the door to long‑duration science in microgravity.

🌌 A Mission Packed With Firsts

STS‑9 carried Spacelab‑1, a joint NASA–ESA laboratory that enabled 73 experiments across astronomy, atmospheric physics, Earth observation, life sciences, materials science, space plasma physics, and technology. It also marked the debut of Ulf Merbold, the first ESA astronaut to fly in space.

Across 10 days, 7 hours, 47 minutes, the crew completed 167 orbits, travelled 4.3 million miles, and demonstrated the Shuttle’s ability to support complex, multi‑disciplinary research. The mission wasn’t without drama—computer failures and APU fires added tension to the landing at Edwards Air Force Base on 8 December 1983—but Columbia delivered a flawless science return.

👨‍🚀 Crew

•     John W. Young — Commander
•     Brewster H. Shaw Jr. — Pilot
•     Owen K. Garriott — Mission Specialist
•     Robert A. R. Parker — Mission Specialist
•     Byron K. Lichtenberg — Payload Specialist
•     Ulf Merbold — Payload Specialist (ESA)

⭐ Collector Appeal

This patch represents a turning point in Shuttle history—the moment NASA proved the orbiter could serve as a world‑class research platform. The crisp embroidery and iconic Spacelab insignia make it a standout collectible from the U.K.’s No.1 NASA Space Store, ideal for framing, jackets, or a full Spacelab mission display.

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