Space exploration: a terrestrial endeavor

The One Flag in Space idea was launched in 2009 with the publication of "An international symbol for the sustained exploration of space" in the journal Space Policy.

This article is the only peer-reviewed paper that proposes a common symbol for humanity in space: that of the "Blue Marble," the 1972 image of the whole Earth taken by Apollo astronauts as they returned from the Moon. 

The "Blue Marble" symbol requires no political collaboration between countries, yet is an image that anyone, anywhere in the world, can relate to regardless of nationality, ethnic origin or religious beliefs. Placed on the shoulder pads of human 'nauts - ambassadors of planet Earth - or prominently displayed on spacebound hardware, this symbol would send a universal message to present and future generations that, in space, our planet is working together for the benefit of everyone.

Blue Marble Space, the non-profit organization behind this concept, flew the "Blue Marble" flag on STS-131 Space Shuttle mission to the International Space Station in 2010. To our knowledge, this was only the second time that it was flown after flying on MIR in 1998.

To illustrate the power of the Blue Marble symbol at representing humanity, visit the Photos page!