The emblem depicts Enterprise on a final glidepath to the carrier USS Intrepid, backdropped by the New York City Skyline. Three stars shine in the carrier's wake for the three decades of service by the orbiter so far, as well as her three captive active flights aboard the shuttle carrier aircraft in 1977. The five stars above represent the five spaceworthy orbiters whose careers were preceded by Enterprise's five active free flights. Enterprise's airframe number (101) and the tailnumber of NASA's carrier plane (905) adorn the outside of the emblem, as do the years of Enterprise's service with NASA (1977-1985) before her release to the National Air & Space Museum.
- Nathan Moeller
