NASA's space station National Lab mission patch pays tribute to Rocket Raccoon and Groot

For every mission that the National Aeronautic and Space Administration undertakes, the team receives a unique mission patched. The stitched symbol on the crew members’ jackets help give researchers, both on Earth and in space, a sense of belonging and accomplishment. And one patch in particular this year is a shout out to comic book lovers.

The National Laboratory on the International Space Station (ISS), which is overseen by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) received a patch with two of the most adorable Guardians of the Galaxy. The CASIS patch, designed by Marvel, depicts Rocket Raccoon sitting on Groot’s shoulder, both staring up at the ISS passing overhead.

A representative for CASIS, Patrick O’Neill, unveiled the mission patch at the San Diego Comic Con yesterday, at a special NASA panel discussing plans to send people to Mars. The special symbol acknowledges all of National Lab’s past and future accomplishments in 2016.

According to O’Neill, Rocket and Groot were chosen for the patch thanks to their love of space travel. "Both of those characters already embody some of the characteristics associated with what’s happening on the space station.”

O’Neill also adds that the space agency has plans to use the characters in other initiatives as well in the near future