This emblem memorializes the three U.S. human space flight accidents – <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_1" class="extiw" title="en:Apollo 1">Apollo 1</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Shuttle_Challenger" class="extiw" title="en:Space Shuttle Challenger">Challenger</a>, and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Shuttle_Columbia" class="extiw" title="en:Space Shuttle Columbia">Columbia</a>. The words across the top translate to: “To The Stars, Despite Adversity – Always Explore“
NASA
2003-08
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbia_Accident_Investigation_Board_Report" class="extiw" title="en:Columbia Accident Investigation Board Report">Columbia Accident Investigation Board Report</a>