ISS Expedition 16 patch, 2008

ESA astronaut Léopold Eyharts (FR) flew on Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-122 to the ISS, in February 2008. Eyharts replaced Expedition 16 Flight Engineer Daniel Tani, returning over a month later on STS-123 in March 2008.

This patch represents the conjunction of two unique astronomical events: a transit of the ISS across the surface of a full moon, and a nearly complete annular eclipse of the Sun. The ISS is shown in its complete configuration, symbolising the role of this expedition in preparing for the arrival and commissioning of international partner modules and components. The ISS transit across the moon highlights its role in developing the techniques and innovations critical to enable long-duration expeditions to the lunar surface and beyond.