EACH ASTRONAUT RECEIVES THEIR WINGS ON THEIR RETURN TO EARTH.
From your journey, others will grow.
In honour of a universal tradition, each Virgin Galactic Astronaut is presented with their ‘Wings’ upon their safe return to Earth—a wearable piece of jewelry protected within a unique, laser-engraved case made from mature sycamore wood.
YOUR EXPERIENCE LEAVES A LEGACY.
A Winged Sycamore Seed is Sown.
Virgin Galactic’s return-to-Earth system is inspired by the Sycamore seed and its spiraling descent informs the feathering of Spaceship’s own ‘wings’. In tribute, encased within a wood block sits a cast metal seedpod. The Earth element opens to provide a magnetic lapel clasp, and the rocket plume acts as a lapel pin. Cast from a 3D printed mold, Wings are produced in a variety of metals including Brass, 24ct Gold, Silver, and Titanium.
LEFT: BASE. CENTRE: INTERIOR FACE. RIGHT: FRONT COVER
SEEDPOD LIDAR SCANNED IN 3D BY THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, LONDON.
A LEGACY FROM WHICH OTHERS WILL GROW.
A Safe Return to Earth.
The Sycamore is one of the most abundant tree species in both hemispheres. Its seeds spin gyroscopically as they fall to Earth. Each seed is sustained within its moist cocoon—its first leaf already unfurled inside—ready for its first ray of sun. A mature Sycamore can produce more than 30,000 seeds annually, spreading its influence across the globe.
SIR CHRIS HADFIELD AWARDS SIR RICHARD BRANSON HIS WINGS.