NASA Adds Vintage Logo to Artemis II SLS Rocket
In a nostalgic move, NASA has decided to bring back its vintage worm logo for their Artemis II mission. The logo, which was retired in 2020, will now be used on special missions and projects, including the Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the lunar surface.
The worm logo has been installed on the agency’s Space Launch System (SLS) booster and the Orion spacecraft module adapter. Each letter of the logo measures approximately 6 feet and 10 inches in height, and when combined, stretches 25 feet from end to end. This massive logo serves as a reminder of NASA’s iconic history in space exploration.
The SLS boosters, on which the worm logo is displayed, are the largest and most powerful solid propellant boosters ever flown. They provide a thrust range of 75% at launch, making them crucial to the success of the Artemis missions. The European Space Agency’s logo has also been added to the crew module, symbolizing the collaborative nature of the program.
The history of the worm logo dates back to 1975 when it was first introduced to NASA’s space program. Crafted by Danne and Blackburn, the logo represented NASA’s modern era and was used on their spacecraft for over 30 years. However, it was retired in 2020 and stored for limited use on select missions and products. Its reappearance on the Artemis II mission is a testament to its enduring legacy.
Speaking of the Artemis missions, Artemis II is the next major step in NASA’s lunar exploration program. Astronauts will complete a flight around the Moon lasting approximately 10 days, testing NASA’s ability to send humans into deep space. This mission sets the stage for Artemis III, where NASA aims to land astronauts on the lunar surface once again.
Artemis III will be a historic mission as it will include the first female and person of color to land on the Moon, along with the first astronaut enlisted in an international NASA partnership. With the help of the Orion and SLS spacecraft, NASA is pushing the boundaries of space exploration and paving the way for future missions.
The original launch date for Artemis II was April 2023, but it has been postponed to ensure the mission’s success. The new launch date is set for 2025. Artemis III is scheduled for a September 2026 launch.
As NASA prepares for these groundbreaking missions, the vintage worm logo adds a touch of nostalgia and serves as a reminder of the agency’s rich history in space exploration. The Artemis program represents a new chapter in NASA’s journey to the Moon and beyond, and with each mission, they bring us one step closer to unlocking the mysteries of the universe.
