STS-8, 1983, "Unofficial" Crew Patch (4") This black and white "Ghostly" crew patch was designed by pilot Brandenstein. In the center are two space shuttle windows. In the right window, Commander Richard Truly's eyes, behind his glasses, look out calmly. He was the only veteran on the flight. From the left window, four pairs of eyes peer in wonder (Brandenstein, Gardner, Bluford and Thornton) on their first space voyage. Another background story was that the eyes on the right belong to Dr Bill Thornton, whose mission was to draw blood from his fellow crew members, who were trying to get away from him. The blood was part of Thornton's investigation into space sickness. Whichever story you believe, you should know that this patch is almost never available to collectors and is the first one we have actually seen in person, rather than in pictures. Rare.
Estimated Value $250 - 350.
Shuttle Flights
