Actor Seth Green Designs Mission Patch for Space Station Science

Looking at the latest mission patch bound for the International Space Station, you would never know it was designed by actor Seth Green.

The six-sided emblem displays no apparent references to the celebrity's well-known roles and projects. There are no call outs to "Austin Powers," "Family Guy" or even "Robot Chicken." But, in fact, the patch does include a subtle nod to Green's personal character.

"Honestly, my first thought was the yellow and blue from BSG [Battlestar Galactica]," Green explained, describing what inspired him to choose the patch's colors in a video released by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS). The non-profit invited the actor to design the insignia representing its payload of sponsored science experiments flying to the space station in 2015.

"That's the nerd in me," Green said. "I was like '[the space station is] obviously the modern Battlestar,' so that was it. I took the blue and the yellow from all the uniforms."

CASIS, as the organization responsible for the use of the International Space Station as a U.S. National Laboratory, has manifested an "abundance" of science investigations to be conducted onboard the orbiting outpost next year. Its Advancing Research Knowledge (ARK) 3 series of studies include research into bone density and muscle loss, non-embryonic stem cells, and enhancing materials in space.

"It's been a great experience collaborating with CASIS to better understand their role in making use of this incredible research facility," Green stated, referring to the station. "If my promoting space-based research through this patch in some small way drives additional thoughts and ideas to improve life on Earth, I'm happy to help."

Green's ARK3 patch, which follows previous ARK patches designed by street artist Shepard Fairey and Cobra Puma Golf, borrows its shape from the station's mulit-windowed Cupola.

"My immediate inspiration was the Cupola," Green stated. "That's the point [on the space station] where you can see the farthest by the human eye."

The other elements on the patch were based on CASIS's motto, "Science in Space for Life on Earth."

"I love the idea of collecting data and information and then disseminating it to the planet," said Green, describing the emblem's design. "You see the ISS, you see the planet — though it is the CASIS logo — and it has got 'Advancing Research Knowledge' emanating down to the planet."

Green, who on Monday (Dec. 8) guest hosted the WWE's "Monday Night Raw" on the USA Network, has starred in numerous films and television series, including all three "Austin Powers" and the 2003 movie "The Italian Job." He is the co-creator, executive producer, primary voice talent and a writer/director on "Robot Chicken," the 2010 Emmy-winner for Outstanding Short Format Animation Program, and, in addition to Chris Griffin on "Family Guy," voices A-Bomb on Disney XD's "Marvel's Hulk and the Agents of SMASH" and Leonardo on Nickelodeon's "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles."

"Seth Green has been an outspoken advocate on the need to explore beyond Earth's horizons for years," said Brian Talbot, CASIS director of marketing and communications. "We are excited to have this opportunity to engage him in a fun and meaningful partnership to promote the benefits of conducting research in space."

In addition to his work with CASIS, Green has previously attended NASA social networking events and recorded an outreach video for the space agency about how its space technology spinoffs benefit everyday life on Earth.

Click through to collectSPACE to watch a video of Seth Green describing his space patch.

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