The "Great Bear" decal on the Atlas rocket's nose cone. Photo: NRO

The Great Bear logo represents the National Reconnaissance Office MLV-11 mission launch dedicated to Daniel M. Potter, deceased. The logo appears on the payload fairing of the Atlas 2AS rocket.

Dan Potter was an employee of the Central Intelligence Agency assigned to the NRO as an engineer. He was an advocate and supporter of the NRO Cub Run Partners in Education Program. Dan tutored at Cub Run Elementary on a regular basis. He motivated and inspired students to excel in math and science.

In memory of Dan and his dedication to the students, the NRO Cub Run Partnership held a design contest for a launch logo. The Ursa Major constellation, the Great Bear, was selected as the theme for the design because it complemented Cub Run's mascot, the bear cub, and symbolized Dan's love and support for the students and the Partners in Education Program.

Samantha Wingo's GREAT BEAR design was selected from over 700 entries. Her winning design is depicted on the fairing of the MLV-11 launch. Samantha is a 13-year-old student at Stone Middle School in Centreville, VA, and very excited to be the first to have her logo bigger than life, painted on a rocket about to be launched into space.