EXPLORATION

90 CHAPTER 5 Controversy, 1975–1991
FIGURE 5-1.
The NASA logotype replaced the insignia in 1975. (NASA C-1997-4062)
high-quality digital printers. In addition, recognition
of some of the elements—for example, the stars—in
the meatball design was difficult for some viewing
conditions. The color of the new insignia was NASA
Pantone 179 (red). When compared to the red wing in
the meatball insignia, the logotype color was more of
an orange-red. Against a white background, the logotype
was shown in red, black, or a warm gray.
Acceptance of the new logotype insignia was far
from universal within the Agency. Many longtime
NASA employees were dismayed by the replacement
of their beloved meatball with the trendy new insignia,
which they called the “worm” in a truly derogatory
sense. The new insignia was never fully endorsed by
the NASA old-timers, leading to a raging controversy.
Nonetheless, the NASA logotype was adopted and
would serve as the Agency’s insignia for the next 17
years. During that period, NASA would continue to
make unprecedented scientific advancements, but the
occurrence of the Challenger disaster, the resulting termination
of Shuttle flights, and other Agency project
problems resulted in a perceived downturn in morale,
especially at the Centers.
The New Insignia
The adoption of the new NASA logotype as a new
insignia at the field Centers was received with surprise
and mixed emotions. The tone of unrest was exemplified
by the announcement of the unanticipated insignia
in Langley’s Researcher News, in-house newsletter,
FIGURE 5-2.
The American bicentennial logo was designed by Bruce
N. Blackburn. It was added to the Vehicle Assembly
Building at the Kennedy Space Center in 1976 and replaced
by the meatball in 1998.
A new graphics design program is being implemented
for NASA. The program is planned to
improve the agency’s ability to communicate,
provide uniformity for all NASA graphics, and
save time and money. The new program, called a