International Space Station: New ISS Patch Features ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy’ Characters [Video]
Rocket Raccoon and Groot will be heading to space for real, as the International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory’s latest mission patch features the popular characters from the Guardians of the Galaxy.
Reportedly, it took some time to choose which popular characters from the Marvel universe would feature on the patch, but seeing as Rocket Raccoon and Groot are space-related in the movie, they were the most appropriate.
The new emblem was announced by The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) at the San Diego Comic-Con on Friday.
Me needs one! https://t.co/ZiEDuwQHH0 @NASA @ISS_CASIS @JamesGunn Awesome NASA Patch by @juandoe unveiled at @Comic_Con!
— Joe Shonk (@joeshonk) July 23, 2016
As stated in the CASIS press release, Marvel Custom Solutions works with a variety of partners to bring its characters to life outside of the Marvel comic books, and in this case, they will adorn a mission patch for the ISS National Lab.
Reportedly, more than 100 science investigations are intended to launch during 2016 and be conducted on the International Space Station in the ISS National Lab. These investigations represent life and physical sciences, technology development, Earth observation, and student inquiries.
On top of this, later this year CASIS will announce an education flight contest focused on the two characters of Rocket Raccoon and Groot in an effort to “inspire, excite and mobilize the next generation of scientists and engineers.”
In related news on the Inquisitr:
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- Karen Gillan As Nebula Gets Bigger Role And More Merchandise In ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2’
- ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2’ Star Zoe Saldana On Nebula: ‘She’s Just Resentful And Bitter’
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CASIS itself was selected by NASA back in July, 2011, to maximize the use of the International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory through 2020. The organization is dedicated to “supporting and accelerating innovations and new discoveries that will enhance the health and well-being of people and our planet.”
Darren Sanchez, Custom Solutions project manager and editor for Marvel, said that “A patch is a really cool idea, and to utilize a Marvel character on a patch for the space station for CASIS, that’s a very cool project.”
Marvel’s ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy’ Characters On Space Patch https://t.co/S50TglzCsV #CASIS #Marvel
— Immortal News (@immortal_org) July 24, 2016
Speaking in the video included top of article, Ken Shields, Operations’ and Educational Opportunities Director for CASIS, said, “A major mission for us here at CASIS is to find unique and innovative ways to bring notoriety to the International Space Station National Laboratory and the research that is being conducted.”
“There are very few brands in the world who have as large an impact as Marvel and we are thrilled to partner with them on this project.”
Check it out, Groot and Rocket Raccoon are on going to be on the new @ISS_CASIS payload patch. Rock on @NASA! https://t.co/Ha3BNBpLra
— Yuri’s Night (@YurisNight) July 23, 2016
CASIS hopes that using Groot and Rocket Raccoon on the mission patches will be an inspiration for the new generation of scientists.
The patch was drawn and designed by Marvel Comics artist Juan Doe. In the red, white, and blue patch, Rocket Raccoon is sitting on Groot’s shoulder as they gaze up at the International Space Station (ISS).
Meanwhile for Guardians fans, the sequel movie, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, is heading to theaters in May, 2017.
[Photo via Flickr / NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center | Cropped and Resized | CC BY-NC 2.0 — Inset via CASIS]
