And, In More Palatable Fare: Yesterday, NASA's Blue Orb / "Meatball" Logo Turned... 65!

Hard to believe that it has been well-over a half century in uninterrupted service, and seen in an amazing variety of uses, original and derivative (as at right). And still as fresh as that first use on a 1959 summer's day.

Wow. Do go read it all, at NASA -- good fun!

. . .On July 15, 2024, NASA’s logo turned 65. The iconic symbol, known affectionately as “the meatball,” was developed at NASA’s Lewis Research Center in Cleveland (now called NASA Glenn). Employee James Modarelli, who started his career at the center as an artist and technical illustrator, was its chief designer.

The red, white, and blue design, which includes elements representing NASA’s space and aeronautics missions, became the official logo of the United States’ new space agency in 1959. A simplified version of NASA’s formal seal, the symbol has launched on rockets, flown to the Moon and beyond, and even adorns the International Space Station.

Along with its importance as a timeless symbol of exploration and discovery, the logo is also one of the world’s most recognized brand symbols. It gained its nickname in 1975 to differentiate it from NASA’s “worm” logotype. The “meatball” and these other NASA designs have made waves in pop culture. . . .

“NASA’s brand elements are wildly popular,” said Aimee Crane, merchandising and branding clearance manager for the agency. “Every year, the agency receives requests to merchandise more than 10,000 NASA-inspired items. . . .”

Now you know -- and this at above right, is the Van-Gogh-ified version. . . yep, its a theme, today. Smile. Out.

नमस्ते