Marc Garneau's personal patch for mission STS-97

This emblem commemorates the participation of Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Marc Garneau in the STS-97 mission. In 1984, Marc Garneau became the first Canadian to fly in space and, in 1996, the first Canadian to return to space.

He also became the first Canadian to enter orbit for a third time when he flew aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour during mission STS-97 to help assemble the International Space Station (ISS).

The Canadian emblem for the STS-97 mission, created by a team that included Philippe Garneau, Marc's brother, is simple but striking. It evokes the power of teamwork, a concept in which Marc strongly believes. The five hands representing the five crew members grip lightning bolts, which symbolize the mission's key objective to install solar panels on the Space Station to supply it with electricity.

As Flight Engineer on this mission, Garneau used the Canadarm and the Canadian Space Vision System to lift the solar panels from the Shuttle's cargo bay and move them to where they were secured to the Space Station.

As a former CSA astronaut, Marc Garneau is an inspiration for generations of Canadians, a fine example of determination and a native son in whom Canadians may take pride. (Credit: Canadian Space Agency)