Beginning in the early days of space exploration, a tradition developed of creating an emblem to represent each mission. During Project Gemini in the 1960's, astronauts began wearing these emblems on their uniforms during spaceflight.

In 1969 AB Emblems of Weaverville, North Carolina became the offical NASA contractor for mission emblems.

Today each new Space Shuttle and International Space Station crew designs an emblem that is representative of their mission. These emblems are then made into embroidered patches and lapel pins by AB Emblems.

Collectors from around the world make assemblages of these emblems based on their personal interest.