Offered here is an original vintage “Chix in Space” embroidered patch—one of the more unusual and historically layered artifacts from the Space Shuttle era.
From my ‘Space Soup Patches’ collection—built on the idea that you never quite know what you’ll find in the mix—this patch tells a small but important part of the space story…
This patch commemorates a NASA student-designed experiment conceived by John Vellinger, studying chicken embryo development in microgravity. The project was sponsored by Kentucky Fried Chicken and selected as part of NASA’s student payload program.
The experiment was originally scheduled to fly aboard Space Shuttle Challenger (STS-51L) in January 1986. Following the tragic loss of Challenger and its crew, the project was later successfully flown on Space Shuttle Discovery (STS-29) in March 1989, where the experiment completed multiple Earth orbits and demonstrated successful development of embryos in space conditions.
Patches like this were distributed in limited numbers, often as promotional or press-related souvenirs tied to the original Challenger mission timeframe. As such, they occupy a unique place at the intersection of NASA history, student scientific achievement, and a rarely seen corporate-sponsored space experiment.
The design features a cartoon chick piloting a shuttle over a stylized Earth, with “Chix in Space” text and Kentucky Fried Chicken branding, including the Colonel Sanders likeness.
A fascinating and conversation-worthy piece of Shuttle-era history.
Condition
Very good vintage condition.
- Colors remain strong and well-defined
- Embroidery intact with no major thread loss
- Minor edge wear consistent with age (see photos)
- A small piece of tape is present on the reverse, likely applied to secure a loose thread tail—this appears removable if desired
- No adhesive backing or Velcro present
Please review all photos carefully as they are part of the description.
Store Note:This item is part of my ongoing “Space Soup Patches” collecting and research focus, with additional pieces from the collection being listed over time.
NASA patch, Challenger STS-51L, Discovery STS-29, space shuttle memorabilia, student experiment NASA, Chix in Space patch, KFC space collectible, space history artifact, shuttle era patch, unusual NASA payload,1980s NASA souvenir, aerospace collectible
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