Source : http://www.thisisdisplay.org/features/the_nasa_design_program
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Design Program is a
modernist vision for an optimistic future. The logo (often referred to
as the “worm”) evokes qualities of unity, technical precision,
scientific capabilities and uniqueness. Reduced to its simplest form;
the one width, continuous-stroke letters are as contemporary today as
when the logo was first introduced by Richard Danne (Design Director)
and Bruce Blackburn (Designer) at
Danne & Blackburn,
New York, NY) more than 37 years ago. How then, in 1992, after 19
years, did such an emblematic design program for a future-oriented
Federal Agency be
dropped for it’s previous (now current)
Insignia
(the “meatball”)? What follows is a heartfelt personal account from Mr.
Danne on the obstacles and achievements of one of the century’s most
important and widely published design programs.