Why is the NASA logo so popular in fashion?
This publication is also available in: 
Français 
Deutsch 
Italiano 
Español 
English (US)
With the Artemis mission relaunching the race to the moon, NASA is starting a new chapter in its history. An event followed by thousands of enthusiasts around the world, fueling the dreams of many Earthlings. The world of space has fascinated for years, and the popularity of the NASA logo in fashion is a perfect example of this. Let’s take a look back at its history and how this starry logo has made its way into luxury fashion.
Why is the world of space so fascinating?
Space is unattainable and yet it is all around us, enveloping us in its magic and mysteries. Lying on the ground and looking at the stars in the sky, many of us have imagined what it must be like to live in space.
Seeing the thousands of people going to NASA rocket launch sites, the enthusiasm for the aerospace industry has never waned since the first step on the moon in 1969. Like the success of Top Gun for the military aviation industry, films about space have set box office records, highlighting this passion and allowing everyone to experience the stratosphere and access the inaccessible.
Making space accessible
With social media and new technologies, astronauts like Thomas Pesquet have allowed for a new immersive and educational approach to space. Everyone can now discover life on board the ISS and ask questions to members of the ESA. With 82 million followers on Instagram, NASA can reach a wide audience and make space more accessible to enthusiasts.
With the growing number of rocket launches and the emergence of private companies like SpaceX, space exploration and its possibilities are constantly expanding into new horizons, such as space tourism. This is a highly debatable subject, but it gives hope to enthusiasts that one day they might be able to fly among the stars themselves.
NASA: Symbol of space conquest
NASA, which stands for National Aeronautics and Space Administration, is located in Washington, USA. It is the home of the American civil space agency and is responsible for carrying out the American civil space program, including research, development, and exploration… This federal agency is one of the world leaders in space exploration. It took over from the NACA, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics.
NASA was created at the beginning of the great race for space exploration on July 29, 1958, on the order of US President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Its creation took place in the context of the Cold War and a spirit of competition with the USSR, which marked the first launch into space with their Sputnik rocket. Through years of research, innovation, and missions, including the most celebrated Apollo 1 with the first step on the moon by a man, an American man at that… NASA has become a symbol of space exploration, but also of American power.
What is the history of the NASA logo?
Beyond the agency’s achievements, the NASA logo plays a major role in the influence of its image, and this, among different generations. Indeed, anyone seeing the logo, even without being attracted to or knowledgeable about the space industry, will recognize it.
Why has the NASA logo evolved over the years?
Every designer knows how challenging it can be to create a logo that perfectly represents a brand and is approved by everyone. Although we all have the same NASA logo in mind when we think about it, the most popular blue circle was neither the first nor the last logo.
The first version of the NASA logo was created the year after its creation by illustrator James Modarelli. Since NASA took over from NACA, its new identity had to be reimagined and created. This first logo received mixed reviews, mainly because of the presence of symbols that were too closely associated with America. With suspicions of reproducing the Oval Office table, the colors and stars of the American flag, and the mention of USA… Although aesthetically pleasing, this logo was modified by its creator in the early 1960s.
The second logo is the one that belongs to our popular culture and has left its mark on the agency’s iconography. Modarelli redesigned his first NASA logo into a logotype version to make it more simple and effective. While keeping the same color scheme, he only included the agency’s acronym.
In 1975, there was a desire to create a stronger and more unique image for NASA. Designers Richard Danne and Bruce Blackburn infused a ultra-modernist and minimalist vision into the NASA logo, which was reduced to the red acronym on a white background with clean typography.
This NASA logo remained in use for only 17 years and gained the nickname “The worm”.
What is the meaning of the NASA logo?
In 1992, there was a return to the second NASA logo. With a touch of nostalgia and showcasing the values of NASA and America, this logo has remained unchanged until now. The only change was a version created specifically for the 60th anniversary of NASA’s founding in 2018. This version and the second NASA logo, called the “meatball”, both convey the same message.
While the first logo had too many references to America and the third had none, the second logo struck a perfect balance in highlighting NASA’s values and its place in space exploration. Through the use of the red arrow, the logo emphasizes NASA’s ambitions in space exploration, both in known territories and in new ones yet to be discovered. The starry sky, supported by the colors used, delicately references America. This reference is essential because, let’s not forget, the space race is a true competition in which countries have been competing for many years.
The version designed for the agency’s anniversary further emphasizes these points, with rockets representing past and future missions in a film poster aesthetic.
How did the NASA logo become popular in fashion?
The NASA logo is one of those iconic elements that depict an image of trendy America. As one of the most recognized logos in the world, it is also featured on numerous merchandise products in the United States and has gained prominence in pop culture. Thanks to shows like The Big Bang Theory, sales of branded logo t-shirts skyrocketed. Additionally, many celebrities like Anne Hathaway and Rihanna have classified the logo as a must-have by wearing it on a daily basis.
Space as a source of inspiration for designers
The success of the logo is highlighted by its presence in both low-end ready-to-wear brands and luxury brands. Alpha Industries, the company that produces NASA’s actual clothing, has played a major role in the popularity of derivative pieces by releasing NASA sweaters for the general public.
Using both the “meatball” and “the worm” logos, designers have created capsule collections inspired by the space agency, such as Heron Preston in 2016. With high-tech pants, astronaut jacket designs, and backpacks, the designer caused a sensation at fashion week. In 2021, Balenciaga followed suit with a collection featuring the colors of the space agency, designed to make you look like an astronaut in every way. A cutting-edge addition to the new trend of oversized coats coming this fall-winter season.
The NASA logo has also found its place outside of luxury fashion, with brands like H&M, Forever 21, Vans, Urban Outfitters, Célio, and Target.
In 2020, the logo even made its way into interior design by being featured on Ikea lamps and bedside tables.
What are the conditions for using the NASA logo?
What explains the wide range of merchandise with the NASA logo is that it is part of the American public domain. The government organization does not profit from it and allows its use by brands, under certain conditions. As explained by Bert Ulrich, head of NASA communications, any use request will be accepted if the specifications are respected. All it takes is an email to obtain permission to use the logo!
