After serving 15 galactic months on board the International Space Station (ISS), Disney Parks and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced they are celebrating Buzz Lightyear’s historic space journey with a Mission Patch Design Challenge for children 6-12 years of age in the 50 United States and District of Columbia at www.DisneyParks.com/Buzz. The 12-inch action figure returned to Earth in September aboard NASA space shuttle Discovery mission STS-128.
For nearly 40 years, NASA astronauts have designed patches to symbolize their individual space missions and flight accomplishments. Carrying on this tradition, Disney Parks and NASA have launched a search for the most creative mission patch design to honor Buzz Lightyear as America’s first and longest serving space ranger.
Beginning Oct. 2, through Nov. 6, children and parents can go online and download materials to design a custom Buzz mission patch. Kids can choose design templates and art work inspired by previous NASA badges as well as NASA and Disney Parks creative elements and other fun add-ons. Along with their patch, children must also submit a brief essay (up to 100 words) discussing the inspiration for their design. The winner, parent and two guests will receive a three day, two night vacation to Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. as well as a VIP tour of the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla.
The Mission Patch Design Challenge commemorates Buzz Lightyear’s achievement and builds on NASA’s educational goals of encouraging students to pursue studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects. As part of the Buzz Lightyear Mission Patch Design Challenge, children will get the opportunity to learn about the requirements of space flight and the science surrounding NASA programs, helping to create a strong understanding about the importance of space exploration.
October 2nd , Disney Parks celebrated Buzz’s momentous feat with a “Welcome Home” ticker-tape parade down Main Street USA in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort. Buzz was joined by International Space Station Expedition 18 crewmate Michael Fincke as well as former Apollo 11 moonwalker, Buzz Aldrin.
“Now that Buzz Lightyear is back home, we are truly excited for the next phase – designing a real NASA mission patch to recognize his historic accomplishment,” said Disney’s Duncan Wardle, Vice President, Disney Destinations. “Disney Parks and NASA feel it’s only fitting that Buzz’s biggest and true fans are given the opportunity to design a one-of-a-kind mission patch to celebrate his dream-come-true. We have no doubt the submissions will be unique and creative – if anything, a very hard decision to make!”
How to Enter:
Children and parents can visit www.DisneyParks.com/Buzz for official Mission Patch Design Challenge rules, templates, examples of elements required for each design as well as judging criteria. Entrants shall:
- Download and print mission patch templates (with the help of parents)
- Using various elements, design a Mission Patch to commemorate Buzz Lightyear’s time in space aboard the ISS
- Write a brief description of the design (up to 100 words)
- Submit artwork and design description (with the help of parents)
- Entries may be submitted via e-mail or mail to specific address
Entries will be judged based on originality, creative execution, appropriateness of theme and clarity of expression of idea. For additional information on the Disney Parks and NASA Mission Patch Design Challenge or to enter, guests may visit www.DisneyParks.com/Buzz.
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