NASA Missions and the American Flag (Photos)

By Christine Lunsford
published

For the Successful

NASA

Crewmembers of the STS-117 mission and John Space Center's director Michael L. Coats, at right, stand in front of large United States flag as they are welcomed home after their successful mission.

For the Brave

NASA

The first American Spacewalker, Ed White, set himself adrift in the microgravity of space. The U.S. flag patch shows clearly on his left shoulder.

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Christine Lunsford
Christine Lunsford
Producer and Contributing Writer

Christine Lunsford joined the Space.com team in 2010 as a freelance producer and later became a contributing writer, covering astrophotography images, astronomy photos and amazing space galleries and more. During her more than 10 years with Space.com, oversaw the site's monthly skywatching updates and produced overnight features and stories on the latest space discoveries. She enjoys learning about subjects of all kinds.