MCAD Alumni Designs Artemis II NASA Mission Patch

Gregory Manchess ’77 designed the patch that was worn by the astronauts on the Artemis II mission. Manchess spent nearly two years collaborating with the four-member crew to develop the design as they trained for the mission. He noted that they "spent months and months, between our busy schedules, examining sketches and trying to pin down just what elements should be in the design, what they wanted to express, and how it fit into their mission.”

The final patch design keeps key elements from NASA’s Artemis program branding, including the stylized “A” and swoosh, while prominently featuring the number “2.” The numeral is also meant to resemble the word “all,” symbolizing the mission’s significance for people around the world.

The design highlights the moon and draws inspiration from the historic Apollo 8 patch, incorporating imagery of Earthrise—an iconic moment in space exploration history. The patch was also designed with a reversible layout to reflect the mission’s full journey. One side depicts the crew’s voyage from earth toward the moon, while the other side shows their return home after the lunar flyby.

The design that made it to space and back can be purchased on various collectable items through NASA's online shop.

Learn more

• Special patch feature to honour Artemis II mission revealed
  (bbc.co.uk—April 9, 2026)
• Artemis II mission ends April 10. Why a Kentucky artist can't stop smiling
  (courier-journal.com—April 10, 2026)
• Official NASA Gear
  (officialnasagear.com)