Space Shuttle Program Astronaut Payload Commander Patch

Astronauts hold a variety of ranks and positions, and each of these roles carries responsibilities that are essential to the operation of a spacecraft. A spacecraft's cockpit, filled with sophisticated equipment, requires skills differing from those used to manage the scientific equipment on board, and so on.

Payload Commander (PLC)

A Mission Specialist with additional responsibility for the management of the science or other major payload elements of the mission.