Brand guidelines
The goal of the NASA Graphics Standards Manual is to establish a clear and consistent visual identity in keeping with general brand standards. Issued under the authority of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1221. The following (comprehensive) guidelines are extracted from the Graphics Standards Manual and are intended to provide basic guidelines for Insignia, Logotype and supporting graphics use.
The NASA Insignia
The NASA Insignia was designed by then–NASA employee James Modarelli and adopted for use in 1959. It was retired between 1976-1992. In 1992, it was reinstated and is presently NASA’s official identifier. The Insignia (commonly referred to as the “Meatball”) reflects the history and tradition of the agency. It must be included on all agency publications, displays, visual communications and markings.
The NASA Insignia contains the following elements:
Designed in 1959 by then–NASA employee James Modarelli, the NASA Insignia contains the following elements: The vector represents aeronautics. The stars represent space. The orbit represents space travel. The sphere represents a planet.
Strict regulations and guidelines govern the use of the NASA Insignia. The standards for the use of the NASA Insignia, the NASA Seal and the NASA Logotype (Worm) are in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations 14 CFR 1221 and the NASA Space Act of 1958 as amended.
NASA Insignia, Logotype and Seal should not be used as branding devices, or used in or for advertising, trade dress, promotions, or similar marketing purposes, on third-party websites or communications material.
The NASA Insignia (the blue “meatball” logo), the NASA Logotype (the “worm” logo) and the NASA Seal may not be used for any purpose without explicit permission. These images may not be used by persons who are not NASA employees or on products, publications or web pages that are not NASA-sponsored. These images may not be used to imply endorsement or support of any external organization, program, effort, or persons.
Insignia Versions
The Insignia has three variations: a full-color Insignia, a one-color Insignia and a one-color Insignia with a white rule. The most appropriate version of the three variations of the Insignia should be used based on production requirements, media qualities, visibility and approved usage.
Designed in 1959 by then–NASA employee James Modarelli, the NASA Insignia contains the following elements: The vector represents aeronautics. The stars represent space. The orbit represents space travel. The sphere represents a planet.
Strict regulations and guidelines govern the use of the NASA Insignia. The standards for the use of the NASA Insignia, the NASA Seal and the NASA Logotype (Worm) are in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations 14 CFR 1221 and the NASA Space Act of 1958 as amended.
NASA Insignia, Logotype and Seal should not be used as branding devices, or used in or for advertising, trade dress, promotions, or similar marketing purposes, on third-party websites or communications material.
The NASA Insignia (the blue “meatball” logo), the NASA Logotype (the “worm” logo) and the NASA Seal may not be used for any purpose without explicit permission. These images may not be used by persons who are not NASA employees or on products, publications or web pages that are not NASA-sponsored. These images may not be used to imply endorsement or support of any external organization, program, effort, or persons.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Questions about NASA logo usage and graphic guidelines can be sent via email to:
HQ-Graphic-Standards@nasa.gov