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History of the NASA Logo Design: From Meatball to Worm

Stuart Crawford

Welcome
Explore the evolution of the NASA logo design, from the iconic meatball to the sleek worm. Discover the meanings behind the symbols.

History of the NASA Logo Design: From Meatball to Worm

If you're a fan of NASA, you're probably familiar with the agency's iconic logos. There's the classic Meatball, the ever-popular Seal, and the futuristic Worm – which sounds like a sci-fi creature straight out of Star Trek.

But did you know that NASA doesn't just stick to these three designs? That's right, folks – sometimes, the space agency likes to mix things up with new emblems for special projects.

Take the Artemis program, for example. NASA's ambitious mission to send humans back to the Moon by 2024 has its unique logo, featuring a bold “A” and an arrow pointing towards the Moon. It's like the Bat-Signal but for space exploration. Or how about the Perseverance rover, which landed on Mars in February 2021? Its mission patch features a stylised rover with the word “Perseverance” written in Morse code. It's like a secret message to the universe – we come in peace but are also really smart.

In 1992, Daniel Goldin took the helm of NASA, appointed by President George H. W. Bush. Known for his nostalgia and preference for the original NASA logo, affectionately called the “Meatball,” Goldin did not like the then-current “Worm” logo.

Upon starting his tenure, Goldin made it a point to visit various NASA centres. During these visits, he gathered employee feedback on how to boost morale within the agency. The director of the Langley Research Center suggested that replacing the controversial Worm logo with the beloved Meatball would lift spirits.

Eager to create a positive change and heed his team's concerns, Goldin took this advice to heart. As a result, he reinstated the Meatball logo, aligning with his personal preferences and the wishes of many NASA employees.

What Did the Original NACA Logo Look Like?

First Nasa Logo Design Naca Orginisation

The original logo of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), established in 1915, served as a precursor to NASA's iconic branding. While it may not be as renowned as today's NASA logo, it was essential to the organisation's early visual identity.

  • Imagery: The logo featured a distinct design of yellow wings, suggesting motion and progress. These wings appeared to emerge from a central badge, symbolising aviation and innovation.
  • Colour and Outline: The badge was outlined in black, providing a clear contrast that emphasised the symbol's elements.
  • Typography: At the heart of the emblem was the text “NACA” in a straightforward, black font, illustrating the organisation's no-nonsense approach to aeronautical research and development.

Overall Impression

The NACA logo was professionally crafted to reflect the organisation's mission and values, balancing simplicity with a touch of elegance. This badge, with its clean design, effectively represented NACA's dedication to advancing aviation technology.

History of the NASA Logo Design: From Meatball to Worm

If you're a fan of NASA, you're probably familiar with the agency's iconic logos. There's the classic Meatball, the ever-popular Seal, and the futuristic Worm – which sounds like a sci-fi creature straight out of Star Trek. But did you know that NASA doesn't just stick to these three designs? That's right, folks – sometimes, the space agency likes to mix things up with new emblems for special projects.

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The Main Logos

Today, NASA primarily uses three prominent logos: the “official” NASA Seal, the Meatball, and the Worm. Each of these serves its unique purpose and context:

  • The Seal: Often used for formal and official documents, this logo features an eagle carrying a banner with NASA's name. It harks back to the early days of the Apollo program, serving as a superhero emblem for rocket scientists.
  • The Meatball: With its red, white, and blue colours and starry design, this logo has been a symbol of NASA since 1958. It's frequently seen on spacecraft and public-facing materials.
  • The Worm: Sleek and stylised, this wordmark was used from 1975 to 1992 and has returned for specific promotional circumstances. It's a font from the future that looks fantastic on a t-shirt.

Special Project Logos

In addition to these chief icons, NASA has developed new emblems for particular projects and endeavours, adding a unique touch to each mission.

Take the Artemis program, for example. NASA's ambitious mission to send humans back to the Moon by 2024 has its unique logo, featuring a bold “A” and an arrow pointing towards the Moon. It's like the Bat-Signal but for space exploration.

Or how about the Perseverance rover, which landed on Mars in February 2021? Its mission patch features a stylised rover with the word “Perseverance” written in Morse code. It's like a secret message to the universe – we come in peace but are also really smart.

Perseverance Rover Logo Nasa Mars 2020

But let's remember the classics. The Meatball, with its red, white, and blue colours and starry design, has been a symbol of NASA since its inception in 1958. It's like a patriotic fireworks show but on a logo. The Seal, which features an eagle carrying a banner with the agency's name, has been around since the early days of the Apollo program. It's like a superhero emblem but for rocket scientists.

When NASA enters the spotlight at presentations and ceremonies, whether as the main act or a distinguished guest, it dons this unique, stylised version of its emblem. This isn't just any logo; it's a cosmic badge of honour.

Imagine classic elements like the iconic ‘meatball' logo, stars twinkling in the vastness of space, a sweeping orbital path, and dynamic vector elements. Add two mysterious planets to the mix, bordered by the proud inscription: “The National Aeronautics and Space Administration U.S.A.” This seal encapsulates the spirit of exploration and innovation, making it the perfect symbol for such high-profile events.

Essentially, it's not just a seal; it's a representation of NASA's legacy and mission to reach for the stars.

And then there's the Worm. This logo, which features a sleek, stylised wordmark, was used by NASA from 1975 to 1992. It's like a font that only exists in the future. Some people loved and hated it, but one thing's for sure – it looks fantastic on a T-shirt.

But what's the real significance of these logos in representing NASA?

Enduring Legacy and Recognition

The fact that NASA's logos haven't mostly stayed the same over the years speaks volumes about their staying power. These designs aren't just nostalgic; they're iconic. The Meatball and the Seal are more than just creative designs; they're a testament to NASA's rich history and its continuous journey of exploration.

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Flexibility in Branding

NASA's unique adoption of two official logos gives the agency a dynamic edge in branding. Whether it's the futuristic flair of the Worm or the classic appeal of the Meatball, NASA can choose the emblem that best suits a particular mission or initiative. This flexibility is a branding dream, allowing NASA to adapt its public image while maintaining a strong identity.

Symbolic Representation

Regarding official functions, NASA opts for the traditional Seal, representing all the organisation stands for. It's a symbol that communicates NASA's enduring values and mission to explore the unknown.

Inspiration to Reach for the Stars

In the end, NASA's logos do more than look good on merchandise—they remind the organisation of its powerful message: to set your sights on the stars. With a legacy of innovation and discovery, NASA's logos inspire us to dream big and reach further than ever before.

Naca Logo Nasa Logo Design History

Once upon a time, before NASA was NASA, it was known as NACA, an acronym for The National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics. It was so long ago; some of us weren't even born yet! However, as the agency started to dive into spaceflight and develop newfangled space shuttle capabilities, they needed a new name to reflect their interstellar ambitions. And thus, NASA was born.

But what does NASA stand for? National Aeronautics and Space Administration. It's not just a name; it's a declaration of purpose. This legendary agency is responsible for the civil space program and is a trailblazer in aeronautics and space research.

NASA's Stellar Mission

  • Civil Space Program: Leading the charge in exploring the cosmos, NASA's civil space program is at the forefront of space exploration.
  • Aeronautics Research: Pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the skies with cutting-edge research.
  • Space Research: Unlocking the mysteries of the universe, NASA provides groundbreaking insights that continually reshape our understanding of space and our home planet.

Through its remarkable achievements, NASA has consistently transformed the way we perceive our world and the universe beyond.

But how did this transformation happen? In 1958, the U.S. recognised the need for a dedicated effort in space development with a civilian focus. The goal was to explore the cosmos with peaceful applications in mind, advancing space science and technology for the benefit of all.

This marked a significant shift from NACA's original focus on aeronautics as NASA set its sights on the stars.
So, while NACA laid the groundwork with its aviation expertise, NASA took off on a new trajectory, leading the charge into the final frontier.

Nowadays, NASA has some fierce competition in the space race, with Elon Musk and other private companies trying to one-up each other with rockets and space exploration. At least NASA has a cool name, right?

Let's travel back to the 1950s when NASA was still in its infancy, and its logo was just a twinkle in the eye of James Modarelli, the agency's in-house illustrator. Modarelli was an artist ahead of his time, reflected in the round shape of the NASA logo and the colour scheme that screams “modern America.”

Unfortunately, as with all fashion trends, the logo's design has aged worse than milk left in the sun. But let's cut James some slack – he didn't have the benefit of hindsight like we do today.

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One sure thing is that placing the title behind “NASA” in a spherical shape was no coincidence. With NASA receiving massive funding from the US government, it's no wonder the logo unintentionally resembles the Oval Office.

NASA's colour choice for their logo may have been a nod to the American flag, but it also served as a reminder that they weren't secretly working for some intergalactic overlord (as far as we know).

The Apollo missions were a testament to NASA's close relationship with the US government, but as time passed, people started questioning the logo's relevance.

After all, should the logo reflect its time or aim for something more timeless and iconic?

Modarelli listened to the criticism and got to work on a new, futuristic take on the logo. Who knows, maybe he was inspired by a sci-fi movie or two. After all, NASA is no stranger to Hollywood.

The NASA Meatball

Nasa Meatball Logo Design

Regarding logos, the NASA team indeed runs smoothly. They underwent a makeover phase in the 1960s when James Modarelli, the in-house illustrator, decided to take the reins and create a more modern and recognisable visual identity.

His first attempt may have fallen short of expectations, but Modarelli wasn't one to give up easily. He went back to the drawing board, quite literally, and crafted a new logo that would become a classic – or as we like to call it, the “meatball.”

This new and improved logo was a hit with the public and even had its fun nickname. Modarelli had taken a page from the fast food industry and created a delicious logo.

From that day forward, Meatball has been synonymous with NASA and its outstanding achievements. So, the next time you look up at the stars and marvel at the wonder of the universe, remember that it all started with a simple meatball logo.

This new NASA logo is about reaching for the stars and exploring the unknown, so it features a red stripe representing the agency's mission and vision. With stars and a shooting star in the centre, it's clear that NASA is always moving forward and embracing the unknown.

The blue background rounds out the logo in a controlled spherical shape, giving it a stable stance. It's like NASA is saying, “We got this. We're not just exploring space; we control it.”

Modarelli was given carte blanche to create the new logo, and boy, did he deliver. It symbolises a possible future where we're the masters of space and our fate. But as with any good logo, it needed a catchy nickname, and that's where the comically titled “meatball” came in.

The NASA logotype

Nasa Vintage Logos Worm

The 80s were a tumultuous time for fashion and design, with bold colours, funky patterns, and more hairspray than anyone knew what to do with. So naturally, NASA wanted in on the action and decided to revamp its logo again.

This time, they brought in the dynamic duo of Richard Danne and Bruce Blackburn, who were like the Batman and Robin of graphic design (minus the capes, sadly). These guys had a vision for the future of this world, and NASA was all about it.

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Their new logo was a departure from the previous spherical design and instead went for a more geometric and modern look. The red chevron shape was meant to represent a wing and embody the agency's mission of pushing the boundaries of flight and exploration.

Some people were sceptical of the new design, saying it looked more like a corporate logo than something representing space exploration. But NASA was like, “Hey, we can be corporate AND cool simultaneously!”

Ultimately, the logo became known as the “worm” because of its sleek, slim design. And let's be honest; it's much more fun to say you work for NASA's Worm Program than its Meatball Program.

The NASA redesign of the 1980s was as surprising as a UFO sighting in Times Square. Danne and Blackburn, the creative duo behind the new logo, presented a bold vision of the future that left the board reeling.

They were hesitant about how the agency's employees would react to the new design, which lacked any flashy shapes or illustrations to cling to. So, they kept it hush-hush from everyone in lower management until it was too late. The redesign was a covert operation that left NASA staff seeing stars.

However, not everyone was thrilled with this futuristic leap. Older NASA staffers, in particular, were not fans of the stripped-down aesthetic. The new red logo seemed cold and impersonal to them, starkly contrasting the traditional “meatball” they'd grown to love.

They were the ones who began calling this new red logo “the worm” and openly stated their desire for NASA to bring back the beloved emblem of the past. The discontent was palpable as if the worm had burrowed into the heart of NASA's identity, leaving a trail of debate in its wake.

The logotype, or as some critics referred to it, a “logon't,” was nothing more than a stylised “NASA.” Sure, it represented the agency's adventurous spirit, but it lacked the pizzazz of its predecessor. It won the Award of Design Excellence, but that was like getting a participation trophy at a school science fair. After 17 years of use, the logotype was tossed aside like yesterday's space debris.

What followed was a sight for sore eyes and a welcome change for those who missed the “meatball.”

Nasa Logo Design 1974

The Impact of Fonts in NASA's Logos

The fonts in NASA's logos communicate the agency's identity and mission. The “meatball” and “worm” logos utilise bold typography to project strength and clarity.

This design features a strong serif typeface, where every letter stands tall in uppercase. The thick, bold letters ensure that the logo is easily identifiable and memorable. Furthermore, the short, sharp serifs contribute to a dynamic and striking appearance, helping to convey the innovative spirit of space exploration.

Distinctive in its minimalism, the worm logo boasts a custom typeface characterised by its thick lettering. This simplicity promotes clarity and exudes a modern and futuristic vibe, aligning well with NASA's forward-thinking ideals.

Customised Typeface

Both logos employ tailored fonts that fall between generic typefaces like Queskile Voyage Medium and Fiducia Serif. These modifications ensure that the fonts align precisely with NASA's specifications, giving the logos their unique flair that resonates with space enthusiasts and professionals alike.

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Through these carefully chosen and modified typefaces, NASA's logos effectively embody the essence of exploration and innovation, capturing the imagination and attention of audiences worldwide.

The Time of Nostalgia

Nasa Brand Guidelines 2025

NASA was back to its old tricks when it decided to bring back the “meatball” logo in 1992, and boy, did it feel like a reunion. The agency had finally come to its senses and realised that its old logo was the cat's pyjamas.

After 17 long years of wandering in the wilderness, the agency returned to its roots and brought back the magic of exploration. It's like they could finally take off their restrictive space suits and breathe in the fresh air of the past.

The reason for the change was clear as day – the “meatball” was way ahead of its time in design, aesthetics, and groundbreaking ideas. It was the Michael Jordan of logos, if you will.

Even though the agency tried to move on with the “worm” design, the public still couldn't get enough of the “meatball.” People still imagine it when they think of NASA, even though the “worm” design is more recent.

And don't even get us started on the miniature printed items that still use the “meatball” logo. It's just too good to give up, even if it's too detailed for those tiny elements that need to be printed.

NASA continues experimenting with new designs for space shuttles, aircraft, departments, and teams. But really, nothing relatively measures up to the “meatball.” It's like trying to replace Michael Jordan with a rookie – good luck with that.

The Power of Two Logos

But herein lies the genius of NASA's branding strategy: adopting two official logos. This approach signifies staying power and grants the agency unmatched flexibility. The “worm” design, with its sleek and modern appeal, fits seamlessly alongside today's logos, while the “meatball” evokes nostalgia and tradition.

NASA can strategically choose which logo to deploy depending on the mission. Whether it's the futuristic vibe needed for a cutting-edge space mission or the historical gravitas of an official function, NASA's logos are equipped for both. And when it's time to represent the agency's core values and history, the traditional seal steps in, reinforcing everything NASA stands for.

This dual-logo system ensures that NASA remains adaptable and relevant, no matter the audience or context, allowing them to traverse time and space with style.

NASA takes its team branding seriously, like a sports team or the army. After all, it's essential for rocket scientists and astronauts to feel like they're part of a fantastic club. And what's cooler than exploring the unknown depths of space, am I right?

The Columbia space shuttle proudly displayed its team patch, featuring a spherical shape representing the agency's never-ending quest to reach for the stars. It was a fitting symbol for a craft that circles the earth and then shoots into space, like an expensive frisbee.

The team patch is just one example of how NASA incorporates its logo into various operations. And if you look closely, you can see how the agency's visual identity has evolved, with each iteration reflecting the era's zeitgeist.

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Designing for the Future

Designing for the future is always challenging, especially regarding NASA's visual identity. The “meatball” versus “worm” debate rages on, with supporters of each side bickering like cats and dogs. Some believe returning to the old design is like reheating your leftovers in the microwave, while others think the current logo is too plain and boring.

Let's face it; it's only possible to please some people regarding design. We'll never see a world where everyone agrees on the perfect logo. However, NASA can constantly update its logo and surprise us with a new design we never thought possible.

Until then, we should focus on the present and do our part to educate ourselves on the history and evolution of design. Who knows? Maybe we'll be the ones to come up with the next big thing in visual identity.

Photo of author
Written By
Stuart Crawford
Stuart Crawford is an award-winning creative director and brand strategist with over 15 years of experience building memorable and influential brands. As Creative Director at Inkbot Design, a leading branding agency, Stuart oversees all creative projects and ensures each client receives a customised brand strategy and visual identity.

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