Imagine a branch of the military that's focused on protecting us—not on land, sea, or in the air—but in space. That’s the Space Force, the newest branch of the U.S. military. It might sound like something from a sci-fi movie, but it’s very real and incredibly important. Established in 2019, the Space Force is responsible for keeping the satellites that power our GPS, communications, and even national defense systems safe. In a world where so much of our daily lives depends on technology orbiting the Earth, the Space Force ensures that we stay ahead in this new frontier. Essentially, they’re the guardians of space, working to protect everything we rely on from above, and as space becomes even more critical, so does their role in keeping it secure for all of us. With its unique focus, the Space Force isn’t just another division of the military; it's actively shaping the future of defense.
Working on projects for the Space Force is particularly noteworthy because it’s so new—just a few years old—yet it’s already shaping the future of the American military in profound ways. This branch is laying the groundwork for how we defend our national interests in space for generations to come, making every design we create feel like contributing to the next chapter in U.S. military history. What stands out most in their visual identity, however, is the Delta triangle—a symbol that perfectly encapsulates their mission of innovation and protection.
Delta Triangle
The Space Force is all about pushing boundaries, and its logo reflects that mission in a powerful way. One of the key elements is the Delta triangle, a symbol that’s been used in military space operations for decades. The Delta, first used in 1961, became an iconic part of the space missions under the United States Air Force and Air Force Space Command. It represents the Space Force's commitment to defending our assets in space and their role in advancing technology to new heights. The sharp angles of the Delta show precision and strength, while its upward orientation symbolizes progress and the never-ending pursuit of excellence. Every time I see that Delta in their logo, I’m reminded of the Space Force’s vital mission to protect the systems we rely on—from satellites to communication networks—and how they’re always looking toward the future.
The Delta triangle isn’t just symbolic in the Space Force logo—it’s become a central element in many of the designs we create for them. Its significance makes it a natural choice to incorporate into challenge coins and other visual representations of the Space Force’s mission. Whether it’s subtly worked into the background or featured prominently, including the Delta in our designs helps tie everything back to their core values of precision, strength, and forward-thinking innovation. Every project we take on for the Space Force feels like we’re contributing to something truly groundbreaking, and the Delta triangle plays a key role in capturing that essence. Another equally significant design element for the Space Force—and other branches—is the use of timeless Latin phrases.
Latin
There’s something timeless and powerful about Latin phrases in the military. They’re like these little reminders of tradition and honor that connect today's service members to centuries of history and values. Whether it's "Semper Fi" for the Marines or "Semper Supra" for the Space Force, these mottos say so much in just a few words. I’ve always loved how they add a sense of weight and meaning to challenge coin designs. It’s more than just a cool saying—it’s a way to capture the spirit and dedication of each branch, showing that while the mission evolves, the core principles remain rock solid.
Incorporating Latin phrases into military challenge coin designs, adds a layer of tradition and meaning that resonates deeply with service members. These phrases aren't just words; they embody the values, missions, and spirit of each branch. When we include mottos like "Semper Supra" or "Semper Fi" in our designs, it’s a way of honoring the rich history while also emphasizing the enduring commitment and excellence that define military service. This timeless element helps create designs that truly connect with those who receive them.
Commander and Command Team
The Space Force's organizational structure is all about precision and leadership, with commanders and their command teams playing pivotal roles in guiding the mission. Commanders are responsible for overseeing their units, making strategic decisions, and ensuring that operations align with the Space Force’s goals of protecting U.S. interests in space. The command team, including senior enlisted leaders and other key advisors, supports the commander in executing missions, managing resources, and fostering a strong team environment. Together, they ensure that every mission is successful, pushing the boundaries of space defense and exploration while keeping the big picture in focus. Working closely with this leadership team is inspiring, as their forward-thinking approach shapes the future of American defense. Their leadership and collaboration inspired us to create two separate but connected coins—one for the Commander and one for the Command Team—that reflect the unity and distinct responsibilities of each.
It’s truly an honor to work with such high-ranking individuals within the Space Force. Collaborating with commanders and their teams not only reflects the trust they place in our expertise, but also highlights how far we've come as a company. Being able to contribute to their mission feels like a significant career milestone—it's a testament to the dedication and passion we’ve poured into our work over the years. There's no greater compliment than knowing our designs help represent the incredible leadership and innovation shaping the future of space defense.
Space Force Delta Challenge Coin
Creating challenge coins for the Space Force Commander and the command team was a distinguished honor for our team at Challenge Design. When we were tasked with this project, we understood that we weren’t just crafting tokens; we were encapsulating the spirit and dedication of those who serve in this pioneering branch of the military. Both coins, shaped like a delta triangle, symbolize the innovative and forward-thinking nature of the Space Force. The larger Commander Coin stands as a representation of leadership and authority, while the smaller Command Team Coin reflects the collaborative effort and unity essential to their mission.
The front design of both coins is strikingly identical, showcasing a black color fill with the Space Force star prominently displayed at the top. Surrounding the star is a raised silver, black, and red geometric globe, complete with circles that represent satellites in motion. Alternating black and red stripes create a dynamic visual effect, with red stars adding a touch of vibrancy. The raised silver “XXI” in the red stripe signifies the 21st century—a nod to the modern era of defense that the Space Force embodies. Every detail has been thoughtfully crafted to reflect the cutting-edge nature of their work and the importance of their mission.
Turning the coins over reveals even more significance. The Commander Coin features custom black numbering at the top, followed by the phrase “from the commander” in raised silver text on the left side. On the right, we included the Latin phrase “Verbum-in-tenebris,” meaning “a word in the darkness.” This phrase suggests a journey from obscurity to clarity, symbolizing how the Commander and their team navigate the complexities of space defense. In the center, the powerful message “Semper Meruit, Non Dedis” or “Always Earned, Never Given” serves as a reminder of the value of hard work and responsibility in achieving recognition and honor.
The smaller Command Team Coin carries its own unique elements, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and collaboration. Its reverse side reads “from the command team: Verbum-in-tenebris,” echoing the sentiment of clarity amidst obscurity. The middle phrase, “Nunquam Semper Meruit,” which translates to “Never Always Deserved,” reflects the paradox of recognition—a reminder that merit is not a constant state and that hard work must be continuously demonstrated. An eagle, accompanied by the Space Force Master Sergeant (MSgt/E-7) symbol, adorns the bottom, emphasizing the pride and dedication of those serving in the command team.
Overall, this project was more than just a design endeavor; it was a celebration of the leadership and dedication inherent in the Space Force. Knowing that these coins would serve as lasting symbols of honor for the Commander and command team made every detail of the design process meaningful. We’re incredibly proud of the final products and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the legacy of the Space Force. Each coin is not only a piece of art but also a heartfelt tribute to the extraordinary individuals who are shaping the future of our nation's defense in the vastness of space.
Closing this chapter on the Space Force challenge coins, we’re left with a deep sense of pride. It’s an incredible honor to know that our designs will serve as symbols of recognition for those who lead and protect our nation’s interests in space. It’s moments like these that remind us why we do what we do—because every coin we create carries a legacy, a story, and a piece of history. We couldn’t be prouder to have contributed to the story of the Space Force and its ongoing mission to safeguard our future.
Contact us today to start creating your own piece of history.
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