The logo for the MagISStra mission shows how the human presence in space benefits people on Earth. A human figure dominates the scene, embracing the three elements around which the mission revolves: science, technology and education.

The bond between humans and space

This figure, representing the astronaut himself, projects from the International Space Station (ISS) to the planet in a sense of sharing, of bringing back applications to Earth, symbolised by three icons between the arms: a plant as scientific research, mechanical gears as technological development and a book as knowledge. The ISS emerges from its acronym in the mission name and a sunrise seen over the crescent Earth conveys optimism about the extension of the ISS operational life to 2020.

The coded text on the left, ‘ISS/E3-3D/NESPOLI’ is how the mission is identified within the Multilateral Crew Operations Panel, the top-level forum for coordination and resolution of crew matters. E3 stands for the third long-duration European mission to the ISS, and 3D refers to the ESA-developed 3D camera that Nespoli will use to show unprecedented views of the orbital complex.

The six stars represent the six crew, the six months that Nespoli will stay in space and also the European character (the stars are similar to those on the EU flag). The white background symbolises the ingenuity of humans and the willingness to learn more and search for discoveries with an open mind.