Charles Bolden Facts For Kids
Charles Bolden is a retired NASA astronaut and Marine Corps Major General known for his leadership in space missions and as the first African American NASA Administrator.
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Photos of Charles Bolden
STS-61-c mission patch Columbia, which opened the era of the Space Transportation System with four orbital flight tests, is featured in re-entry in the emblem designed by the STS-61C crew representing the seven team members who manned the vehicle for its seventh STS mission. Gold lettering against black background honors the astronaut crewmembers on the delta pattern surrounding colorful re-entry shock waves, and the payload specialists are honored similarly below the sphere.
STS-45 Mission Insignia Designed by the crewmembers, the STS-45 patch depicts the Space Shuttle launching from the Kennedy Space Center into a high inclination orbit. From this vantage point, the Atmospheric Laboratory for Applications and Science (ATLAS) payload can view Earth, the sun, and their dynamic interactions against the background of space. Earth is prominently displayed and is the focus of the mission's space plasma physics and Earth sciences observations. The colors of the setting sun, measured by sensitive instruments, provide detailed information about ozone, carbon dioxide and other gases which determine Earth's climate and environment. Encircling the scene are the names of the flight crewmembers. The additional star in the ring is to recognize Charles R. Chappell and Michael Lampton, alternate payload specialists, and the entire ATLAS-1 team for its dedication and support of this Mission to Planet Earth.
STS-60 crew patch The design of the crew patch for NASA's STS-60 mission depicts the Space Shuttle Discovery's on-orbit configuration. The American and Russian flags symbolize the partnership of the two countries and their crew members taking flight into space together for the first time. The open payload bay contains: the Space Habitation Module (Spacehab), a commercial space laboratory for life and material science experiments; and a Getaway Special Bridge Assembly in the aft section carrying various experiments, both deployable and attached. A scientific experiment to create and measure an ultra-vacuum environment and perform semiconductor material science – the Wake Shield Facility – is shown on the Remote Manipulator System (RMS) prior to deployment.
Bolden speaking at a USMC recruiting event in 1982.
Bolden on the flight deck of Columbia during STS-61-C
Bolden on the flight deck of Discovery during STS-60
Bolden speaks after landing of the last Space Shuttle mission, STS-135.
Naval Astronaut insignia , worn by pilots in the U.S. Navy that pass astronaut training. See U.S. Navy Uniform Regulations: 5201 - Breast Insignia .