Some of these observations seem to be splitting hairs in finding the vector image in these space agency logos, The vector is a great representation in
graphic design for a craft launching perpendicular from the Earth (the straight line), and then entering an arc of orbit (the curved line).
Piggy backing, is a great way of marketing. In many mediums using the same silhouettes, composition, or chord progressions to subconsciously promote
a project yield great
results.
However I'm not convinced this is a coincidence or simple piggy backing. Here is why: Say your country just started a new space program, and you
were in charge of logo design. Yes aerodynamic shapes would be a good element, and yes keeping it simple is taught in logo design 101. But there is
no need to piggy back. You really don't need to sell a product, because you already have a new space program, so your citizens, if not over taxed
for the project, are going to be stoked. Also why would you need to use the piggy backing technique to sell yourself to the "big dogs" in space
flight? They would eventually catch on, and mock your agency for being even more inferior, not only for being late in the "Space Race", but now for
copying them as well. It is likely that the country's prerogative would be to come up with a new original inspiring design, showing their
Independence. There are more than enough creative minds out there to accomplish this without copying others, and if you can afford to pay for a rocket
going into space, you can afford a decent graphic designer.
On the logos that don't have vectors
It seems normal that not all the logos for the various space agencies have these vector symbols. I am not sure if this forum is entirely based on
'Moon Rising', but in my recollection of that video, it was stated that the logo was mostly prevalent in the design of the patches for the manned
missions to space, but also appeared in some of the space agencies' main logos Perhaps a good analysis on this topic would be to see if all known
astronauts that have left the Earth's atmosphere, have worn patches, with a vector, that wasn't difficult to discern.
It is strange that these vectors appear so prevalently, and would be surprising if it is in fact just a coincidence and product of Graphic
Designers' lack of creativity.
I guess this is a borderline side note, but what is the explanation, or supposed explanation of the Mercury mission logo? It has the vector in the
"seven" part of it, but it is an especially creepy symbol. Does anyone know any origins of it? Is it Masonic? or Greek? Some symbol of witchcraft?
any ideas?
