posted 09-25-2020 10:00 AM               

I got funding from NASA to create the Artemis CubeSat Kit, aimed to bring a 1U cubesat and an online spacecraft design course to undergraduate students. I've been working with a student to develop this gorgeous mission patch. Keep reading for all the embedded symbols!

Artemis, the central figure in the patch, is the twin sister of Apollo. An analogy of the Apollo programs bringing all the dudes to the moon; this time we're bringing ladies to the moon. Hoorah!

A plumeria, a common and my favorite flower in Hawai'i, is tucked behind her ear. She is shooting an arrow from her bow. Her bow is the Moon's limb, created from the sun's illumination as it hits the Moon's surface. The arrowhead is a cubesatellite, a product of our project.

The two birds orbiting the Moon are a Native Hawaiian symbol for a long journey. The stars bordering the left side of the patch are constellations in the Native Hawaiian star compass, used for wayfinding. The whole patch emphasizes University of Hawaii at Manoa's colors: Green, Black, Silver, White.

This patch makes me feel really proud of my project right now, even though it's been going for almost five months now. It's incredible how inspiring art can be and I wanted to share some good vibes.