The International Space Station (ISS) Expedition 6 crew patch depicts the station orbiting the Earth on its mission of international cooperation and scientific research. The Earth is placed in the center of the patch to emphasize that work conducted aboard this orbiting laboratory is intended to improve life on our home planet. The shape of the Space Station’s orbit symbolizes the role that experience gained from ISS will have on future exploration of our solar system and beyond. The American and Russian flags encircling the Earth represent the native countries of the Expedition 6 crew members, which are just two of the many participant countries contributing to the ISS and committed to the peaceful exploration of space.