The STS- 61 crew insignia
depicts the astronaut symbol superimposed against the sky, with the Earth underneath. The
two circles represent the optical configuration of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). Light
is focused by reflections from a large primary mirror and a smaller secondary mirror. The
light is analyzed by various instruments and, according to the crewmembers, "brings
to us on Earth knowledge about planets, stars, galaxies and other celestial objects, allowing
us to better understand the complex physical processes at work in the universe." The
Space Shuttle Endeavour is also represented as the fundamental tool that allows
the crew to perform the first servicing of the Hubble Space Telescope. Lines converging
to a high point are also a symbolic representation of the large-scale Earth-based effort
to reach goals of knowledge and perfection.
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