NASA Revives Iconic ‘Worm’ Logo for Next Mission to the Moon
In an exciting development for space enthusiasts and design aficionados alike, NASA has announced the revival of its iconic “worm” logo for its upcoming Artemis II mission. The worm logo, with its bold red letters, is synonymous with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and represents mankind’s interplanetary ambitions.
The Artemis II mission, scheduled for 2025, will mark the return of humans to lunar orbit, while the Artemis III mission, set for 2026, will see astronauts land on the lunar surface for the first time in over 50 years. While these missions are undoubtedly groundbreaking, the real news here is the resurrection of the worm logo, which has captured the imagination of space enthusiasts since its inception in the 1970s.
Designed by Richard Danne of the firm Danne & Blackburn, the worm logo emerged from a nearly 30-year retirement in 2020 for limited use on select missions and products. Now, it will adorn the massive SLS rocket’s boosters and the Orion spacecraft’s crew module for the Artemis II mission. The logo measures approximately 6 feet and 10 inches in height, stretching 25 feet from end to end.
The worm logo replaced the original “meatball” logo, which was the first emblem used by NASA. The meatball logo, designed by James Modarelli in 1958, was deemed inadequate to represent NASA’s growing prominence after the moon landing. According to Danne, the meatball logo was complicated, hard to reproduce, and laden with outdated imagery. In contrast, the worm logo was clean, progressive, easily recognizable, and could be used across various mediums.
The worm logo’s history is intertwined with a federal government initiative called the US Federal Design Improvement Program. Prompted by then-President Richard Nixon and the National Endowment for the Arts, the program aimed to evaluate and redesign the identities of various federal agencies, including NASA. The worm logo was the result of this initiative, reflecting a shift towards modernity and simplicity.
The revival of the worm logo for the Artemis II mission is a fitting tribute to its origins and the visionary designers behind it. As NASA prepares to embark on its ambitious lunar missions, the worm logo serves as a powerful symbol of humanity’s quest for exploration and discovery. It represents NASA’s commitment to the future and its determination to propel us back to the moon.
With the worm logo once again gracing the rockets and spacecraft, NASA is embracing its iconic past while looking towards the future. As we eagerly anticipate the Artemis II mission, let us celebrate the return of this beloved emblem that has come to embody the spirit of NASA and our collective dreams of venturing beyond our home planet.