This 4 inch diameter embroidered patch was the emblem of Space Shuttle Mission STS-8.
Bluford became the first African-American to fly in space. INSAT-1B, a multipurpose satellite for India which was attached to the Payload Assist Module-D (PAM-D) motor, was deployed.
Launch:
August 30, 1983
Land:
September 5, 1983
Vehicle:
Challenger
Crew
Commander:
Richard H. Truly
Pilot:
Daniel C. Brandenstein
Mission Specialist:
Dale A. Gardner
Mission Specialist:
Guion S. Bluford
Mission Specialist:
William E. Thornton
Above: Commander Richard H. Truly, Pilot Daniel C. Brandenstein and Mission Specialists Dale A. Gardner, Guion S. Bluford, Jr. and William E. Thornton. Image Credit: NASA
