Space Exploration Logo Archive: Celebrating 370 logos that reach for the stars

Rome-based designer and art director Davide Mascioli hopes to bring to life SELA—Space Exploration Logo Archive, an extraordinary collection of over 370 logos celebrating the rich visual history of space exploration. Spanning more than eight decades, from 1942 to 2023, the book offers a fascinating insight into how design has shaped humanity's pursuit of the cosmos.

But it's more than just a book—it's an intricate, multi-chapter archive. The series is split into five mini-books, each featuring a distinct colour palette and organised into eight thematic chapters. The logos, including iconic emblems from NASA and rare mission insignias, have all been meticulously redrawn in vector format, ensuring the original designs are preserved with the utmost fidelity. Each logo tells a story of innovation and achievement, reflecting the creativity and vision of graphic designers who have inspired generations of space enthusiasts.

The vision behind SELA comes from Mascioli's passion for the subject and desire to create something he would want to buy. "The goal of SELA is to honour the designers who have made space exploration visually iconic," Mascioli explains. "These logos are more than just symbols; they represent the imagination and achievements of an era."

By archiving these logos, Mascioli hopes the visual history of space exploration is not forgotten but rather celebrated and accessible to all. You could say it's a mission to preserve these designs for future generations.

Mascioli has worked on the project in collaboration with the independent publishing house Oreri and a Risograph printing workshop based in Cagliari, Italy. SELA is printed on natural recycled Fedrigoni paper using eco-friendly Risograph methods. Oreri is known for its dedication to supporting independent artists, so it's great to see this book launch on Kickstarter. Aside from the publication, Oreri is producing space propaganda posters and a set of stickers featuring some of the most iconic logos from SELA, adding that extra touch to an already unique collection.

Why support SELA? Beyond owning a beautifully designed archive—it's about preserving a vital piece of design history. This project highlights how logos, often overlooked as mere visuals, have played a significant role in shaping public fascination with space.

In addition to the book, Mascioli has launched an online archive, which offers free access to the entire collection of logos in vector format. This comprehensive resource means you can download high-quality vector logos, explore detailed descriptions, and view emblematic images that capture key moments in space exploration history. Whether you're a designer seeking inspiration or a space enthusiast eager to learn more, be sure to add it to your bookmarks.

For those who support the Kickstarter campaign, exclusive perks include limited-edition prints, behind-the-scenes access to the project's creation, and even a special mention in the final book. If you fancy helping out, check out the Kickstarter today. However, with 24 days to go and already half of the goal pledged, it looks as though SELA is going to become a reality.