NASA’s Iconic “Meatball” Logo Turns 65!

NASA’s iconic “meatball” logo is celebrating its 65th birthday today, 15 July. This simple yet powerful design has been representing America’s space dreams for over six decades now. You’ve probably seen this logo countless times without giving it much thought. But today, let’s take a moment to appreciate this little piece of space history.

Who, How, Why?

This enduring symbol of scientific discovery and human achievement has become one of the most recognized brand icons worldwide, representing the United States Space Agency since 1959. The round blue, white, and red emblem, affectionately nicknamed the “meatball,” has a fascinating history that began right here on Earth. James Modarelli, a Cleveland Institute of Art graduate and employee of what was then called the Lewis Research Center (now NASA Glenn) in Cleveland, Ohio, was the chief designer of this iconic logo. Modarelli, who started his career at the centre as an artist and technical illustrator, created a design that would come to symbolize America’s aspirations in space exploration for decades to come.

The logo’s design incorporates elements representing NASA’s dual mission in space and aeronautics. It serves as a simplified version of the agency’s formal seal, featuring a blue sphere representing a planet, white stars symbolizing space, a red chevron depicting aeronautics, and a white orbital path showcasing space travel.

Magic Wing

In 1958, as NASA was taking shape, a group of officials toured the newly acquired NACA facilities, including the Ames Research Center. During their visit to the Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel’s 8-by-7-foot supersonic test section, they encountered an innovative Mach 3 cambered wing design. This cutting-edge model caught the eye of James Modarelli, who was tasked with creating NASA’s new logo. Inspired by the wing’s sleek, forward-thinking design, Modarelli incorporated its distinctive red chevron shape into the NASA insignia to represent the agency’s ongoing commitment to aeronautics research

Nickname

The “meatball” gained its quirky nickname in 1975 to differentiate it from NASA’s “worm” logotype, which was briefly used in the 1970s and 1980s. Despite the introduction of alternative designs over the years, the “meatball” has remained a constant, beloved symbol of NASA’s mission and achievements.

The logo’s popularity extends far beyond the realm of space exploration. NASA receives requests to merchandise more than 10,000 NASA-inspired items annually, showcasing the enduring appeal of this iconic design. From t-shirts to coffee mugs, the “meatball” has become a part of popular culture, inspiring generations to look up and dream big.

To commemorate this special occasion, NASA Glenn Research Center is hosting a series of celebratory events, including a free admission day at the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland.