NASA’s Worm Designer Receives Exceptional Public Achievement Medal

Richard Danne, the designer behind NASA’s iconic worm logotype, was awarded the Exceptional Public Achievement Medal by NASA Associate Administrator Bob Cabana. The award recognizes Danne’s outstanding contribution to design and his ability to inspire the world through his work for the benefit of humanity.

The presentation took place at NASA Headquarters in Washington, following a panel discussion featuring Danne and industry design experts. The worm logotype, a simple yet striking red type style spelling out NASA, replaced the agency’s logo for several decades starting in the 1970s. Although it was retired, the worm has made a comeback for limited use alongside the agency’s official insignia, known as the meatball.

Danne expressed his gratitude for being part of the NASA family and helping the agency achieve its missions and goals. The worm design, created by Danne & Blackburn, won prestigious design awards and became an enduring symbol of NASA’s achievements. The worm logo has since appeared on signage, spacecraft, spacesuits, and even a giant sculpture outside NASA’s Earth Information Center.

The original NASA logo, designed by James Modarelli in 1958, remains a powerful global symbol. Both the worm and meatball logos have inspired generations of engineers, scientists, and innovators, including the Artemis Generation. NASA’s brand is highly recognized worldwide, and the agency’s graphics continue to be in high demand for various applications.

To watch the panel discussion featuring Richard Danne and learn more about the worm logo’s cultural influence, visit NASA’s YouTube channel. www.youtube.com/NASA