Patch, R2-ISS Robonaut, STS-134, Flown

This Robonaut patch was flown into space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour during STS-134 (May 16 - June 1, 2011) in order to create commemorative items for the Robonaut program. Robonaut 2, also known as R2 (in a playful homage to the famous droid from the Star Wars franchise), was delivered to the International Space Station via the Space Shuttle Discovery during STS-133.Described by its creators at the NASA Johnson Space Center as "a dexterous humaniod robot," Robonaut 2 was designed to complement human astronauts by providing a mechanical companion that featured advanced manual dexterity, not just robotic strength. In comparison to the initial Robonaut model, R2 was more compact, faster, and better equipped. The ongoing testing of R2 aboard the International Space Station was designed to demonstrate how robots, either programmed or autonomous, could serve real needs aboard spaceflights.The patch was delivered to the National Air and Space Museum in October 2012, at the same time that a duplicate of R2 was lent to the Museum for display.