The central globe represents the earth as viewed from space, the earth being the origin and control point for man’s space endeavors. The global lines of latitude and longitude hearken to the original 20th Air Force patch and emphasize the global nature of the Air Force space mission. The thrusts and vectors behind the globe represent the dynamic and infinite space environment. The deltoid symbolizes the Air Force’s upward thrust into space, the reentry vehicles of our Intercontinental Ballistic Missile force and the launch vehicles that place satellites in orbit. The ellipses represent orbital paths traced by satellites in earth orbit; the satellites symbolically depicted as four-pointed stars. The symmetric placement of the satellites signifies the Air Force’s worldwide coverage in accomplishing its mission.
