On July 15, 2024, NASA\u2019s logo is turning 65. The iconic symbol, known affectionately as \u201cthe meatball,\u201d was developed at NASA\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
The red, white, and blue design, which includes elements representing NASA\u2019s space and aeronautics missions, became the official logo of the United States\u2019 new space agency in 1959. A simplified version of NASA\u2019s formal seal, the symbol has launched on rockets, flown to the Moon and beyond, and even adorns the International Space Station.<\/p>\n
Along with its importance as a timeless symbol of exploration and discovery, the logo is also one of the world\u2019s most recognized brand symbols. It gained its nickname in 1975 to differentiate it from NASA\u2019s \u201cworm\u201d logotype. The \u201cmeatball\u201d and these other NASA designs have made waves in pop culture.<\/p>\n
Aimee crane<\/p>\n
Merchandising and Branding Clearance Manager<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\u201cNASA\u2019s brand elements are wildly popular,\u201d said Aimee Crane, merchandising and branding clearance manager for the agency. \u201cEvery year, the agency receives requests to merchandise more than 10,000 NASA-inspired items.\u201d <\/p>\n
To mark the \u201cmeatball\u201d logo\u2019s birthday and highlight the center\u2019s contributions to its design, NASA Glenn will host a free admission day at Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET on July 15. A birthday celebration and cake-cutting ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. and feature remarks from center leadership, a visit from the Modarelli family, and special presentations from the city and state.<\/p>\n
A host of additional activities will celebrate the intersection of science and art. Visitors can meet NASA Glenn\u2019s award-winning photographers and videographers, show off their artistic skills by participating in a coloring contest, hear more about the history and symbolism behind the logo, and learn about creative careers within the agency.<\/p>\n
![\"KRISTEN](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/kristen-parker-e1720028487940.png?w=150&h=150&crop=1\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nKRISTEN PARKER<\/p>\n
NASA Glenn Communications Director<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not just rocket scientists here at NASA,\u201d said Kristen Parker, NASA Glenn\u2019s communications director. \u201cAs we celebrate the legacy of this iconic logo, we acknowledge the essential contributions of all the career fields involved in making the agency\u2019s missions possible. We hope this inspires the next generation of students in every discipline to explore opportunities with NASA.\u201d<\/p>\n
NASA\u2019s logo is everywhere. If you\u2019re not in the Northeast Ohio area, join the logo\u2019s birthday celebration online by engaging with NASA Glenn on social media and sharing photos of where you\u2019ve seen the logo in your own life.<\/p>\n
NASA Glenn designs and develops innovative technology that\u2019s revolutionizing air travel, advancing space exploration, and improving life on Earth. Beyond designing the logo, the center has played a part in nearly every NASA mission since the agency\u2019s inception and continues to have a crucial role in advancing the Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n