NASA Seal, NASA Insignia, NASA Logotype, NASA Program Identifiers, NASA Flags, and the Agency's Unified Visual Communications System

14 C.F.R. Part ..., Subpart 1221.1
in effectEffective: 2024-07-01

14 C.F.R. § 1221.100 Scope.

This subpart sets forth the policy governing the use of the NASA Seal, the NASA Insignia, NASA Logotype, NASA Program Identifiers, and the NASA Flags. This subpart also establishes and sets forth the concept and scope of the NASA Graphics Standards Manual and prescribes the policy and guidelines for implementation of the system. The NASA Graphics Standards Manual is accessible at https://communications.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/files/NASA_Graphics_Standards_v3-TAGGED-v3.pdf.

14 C.F.R. § 1221.101 Policy.

(a) The NASA Seal, the NASA Insignia, NASA Logotype, NASA Program Identifiers, the NASA Flags, and the Agency's Unified Visual Communications System, as prescribed in § 1221.102 through § 1221.108 of this subpart, shall be used exclusively to represent NASA, its programs, projects, functions, activities, or elements. The use of any devices other than those provided by or subsequently approved in accordance with the provisions of this subpart is prohibited. (b) The use of the devices prescribed in this section shall be governed by the provisions of this subpart. The use of the devices prescribed in this section for any purpose other than as authorized by this subpart is prohibited. Their misuse shall be subject to the penalties authorized by statute, as set forth in § 1221.115 and shall be reported as provided in § 1221.116. (c) Any proposal for a new NASA Insignia, NASA Logotype, NASA Program Identifier, or for modification to those prescribed in this section shall be processed in accordance with § 1221.114.

14 C.F.R. § 1221.102 Establishment of the NASA Seal.

The NASA Seal was established by Executive Order 10849 (24 FR 9559), November 27, 1959, as amended by Executive Order 10942 (24 FR 4419), May 22, 1961. The NASA Seal, established by the President, is the Seal of the Agency and symbolizes the achievements and goals of NASA and the United States in aeronautical and space activities. The NASA Seal shall be used as set forth in § 1221.109.

14 C.F.R. § 1221.103 Establishment of the NASA Insignia.

The NASA Insignia was designed by the Army Institute of Heraldry and approved by the Commission of Fine Arts and the NASA Administrator. It symbolizes NASA's role in aeronautics and space and is established by the NASA Administrator as the signature and design element for visual communications formerly reserved for the NASA Logotype. The NASA Insignia shall be used as set forth in §§ 1221.108, the NASA Graphics Standards Manual, and any accompanying style guides or related NASA directive or specification approved by the NASA Administrator and published subsequent hereto.

14 C.F.R. § 1221.104 Establishment of the NASA Logotype.

The NASA Logotype (also called “the Worm”) was approved by the Commission of Fine Arts and the NASA Administrator. It symbolizes NASA's role in aeronautics and space from 1975 to 1992 and was retired between 1992-2020. The NASA Logotype shall be used as set forth in § 1221.111.

14 C.F.R. § 1221.105 Establishment of NASA Program Identifiers.

A separate and unique identifier may be designed and approved in connection with or in commemoration of a major NASA program. Each approved identifier shall be officially identified by its title such as “Apollo,” “Skylab,” “Viking,” “Space Shuttle,” “Space Station,” or a major NASA anniversary. NASA Program Identifiers shall be used as set forth in § 1221.112 pursuant to approval as set forth in § 1221.114.

14 C.F.R. § 1221.106 Establishment of the NASA Flag.

The NASA Flags for interior and exterior use were created by the NASA Administrator in January 1960. Complete design, size, and color of the NASA interior and exterior flags for manufacturing purposes are detailed in U.S. Army QMG Drawing 5-1-269, revision September 14, 1960. The NASA Flags shall be used as set forth in § 1221.113.

14 C.F.R. § 1221.107 Establishment of the NASA Administrator's, Deputy Administrator's, and Associate Administrator's Flags.

(a) Concurrently with the establishment of the NASA Flag in January 1960, the NASA Administrator also established NASA Flags to represent the NASA Administrator, Deputy Administrator, and Associate Administrator. Each of these flags conforms to the basic design of the NASA Flag except for the following: (1) The size of the flag is 3 feet x 4 feet; (2) The Administrator's Flag has four stars; (3) The Deputy Administrator's Flag has three stars; and (4) The Associate Administrator's Flag has two stars. (b) Flags representing these senior officials shall be used as set forth in § 1221.113.

14 C.F.R. § 1221.108 Establishment of the NASA Unified Visual Communications System.

(a) The NASA Administrator directed the establishment of a NASA Unified Visual Communications System. The system, which is comprised of the NASA Graphics Standards Manual and any accompanying style guides or related NASA directive or specification, was developed under the Federal Design Improvement Program initiated by the President in May 1972. This system is the Agency-wide program by which NASA projects a contemporary, business-like, progressive, and forward-looking image through the use of effective design for improved communications. The system provides a professional and cohesive NASA identity by imparting continuity of graphics design in all layout, reproduction art, stationery, forms, publications, signs, films, video productions, vehicles, aircraft, and spacecraft markings and other items. It creates a unified image which is representative and symbolic of NASA's progressive attitudes and programs. (b) The Associate Administrator for Communications is responsible for the development and implementation of the NASA Graphics Standards Manual and any accompanying style guides for the Agency or related NASA directive or specification. (c) The Associate Administrator for Communications has designated staff to implement and monitor Agency-wide design improvements in consonance with the NASA Graphics Standards Manual. Designated staff will develop and issue changes and additions to the Manual as required and as new design standards and specifications are developed and approved. The NASA Graphics Standards Manual can be downloaded at https://communications.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/files/NASA_Graphics_Standards_v3-TAGGED-v3.pdf. (d) NASA Centers and Headquarters have designated staff to implement NASA's graphics standards and ensure compliance of the NASA Graphics Standards Manual and any accompanying Style Guides or related NASA directive or specification.

14 C.F.R. § 1221.109 Use of the NASA Seal.

(a) The Associate Administrator for Communications shall be responsible for custody of the NASA Impression Seal and custody of NASA replica (plaques) seals. The NASA Seal is restricted to the following: (1) NASA award certificates and medals. (2) NASA awards for career service. (3) Security credentials and employee identification cards. (4) NASA Administrator's documents; the Seal may be used on documents such as interagency or intergovernmental agreements and special reports to the President and Congress, and on other documents, at the discretion of the NASA Administrator. (5) Plaques; the design of the NASA Seal may be incorporated in plaques for display in Agency auditoriums, presentation rooms, lobbies, offices of senior officials, and on the fronts of buildings occupied by NASA. A separate NASA seal in the form of a 15-inch, round, bronze-colored plaque on a walnut-colored wood base is also available, but prohibited for use in the above representational manner. It is restricted to use only as a presentation item by the Administrator and the Deputy Administrator. (6) The NASA Flag and the NASA Administrator's, Deputy Administrator's, and Associate Administrator's Flags, which incorporate the design of the Seal. (7) NASA prestige publications which represent the achievements or missions of NASA as a whole. (8) Publications (or documents) involving participation by another Government agency for which the other Government agency has authorized the use of its seal. (b) Use of the NASA Seal for any purpose other than as prescribed in this section is prohibited, except that the Associate Administrator for Communications may authorize, on a case-by-case basis, the use of the NASA Seal for purposes other than those prescribed when the Associate Administrator for Communications deems such use to be appropriate.

14 C.F.R. § 1221.110 Use of the NASA Insignia.

The NASA Insignia is authorized for use on the following: (a) NASA articles. (1) NASA letterhead stationary. (2) Films, videotapes, and sound recordings produced by or for NASA. (3) Wearing apparel and personal property items used by NASA employees in the performance of their duties. (4) Required uniforms of contractor employees when performing public affairs, guard or fire protection duties, and similar duties within NASA Installations or at other assigned NASA duty stations, and on any required contractor-owned vehicles used exclusively in the performance of these duties, when authorized by NASA contracting officers. (5) Spacecraft, aircraft, automobiles, trucks and similar vehicles owned by, leased to, or contractor-furnished to NASA, or produced for NASA by contractors, but excluding NASA-owned vehicles used and operated by contractors for the conduct of contractor business. (6) Equipment and facilities owned by, leased to, or contractor-furnished to NASA, such as machinery, major tools, ground handling equipment, office and shop furnishings (if appropriate), and similar items of a permanent nature, including those produced for NASA by contractors. (7) NASA publications, including pamphlets, brochures, manuals, handbooks, house organs, bulletins, general reports, posters, signs, charts, exhibits, and items of similar nature for general use, as specified in the NASA Graphics Standards Manual and the NASA Insignia Standards Supplement. (8) Briefcases or dispatch cases issued by NASA. (9) Certificates covering authority to NASA and contractor security personnel to carry firearms. (10) NASA occupied buildings when the use of the NASA Insignia is more appropriate than use of the NASA Seal. (b) Personal articles—NASA employees. (1) Business calling cards of NASA employees may carry the imprint of the NASA Insignia. (2) Limited usage on automobiles. If determined appropriate by the cognizant Installation official, it is acceptable to place a NASA Insignia sticker on personal automobiles where such identification will facilitate entry or control of such vehicles at NASA Installations or parking areas. (3) Personal items used in connection with NASA employees' recreation association activities. (4) Items for sale through NASA employees' nonappropriated fund activities subject to paragraph (c) of this section. (5) NASA employees shall not use the NASA Insignia in any manner that would imply that NASA endorses a commercial product, service, or activity or that material of a nonofficial nature represents NASA's official position. (c) Miscellaneous articles. (1) The manufacture and commercial sale of the NASA Insignia as a separate and distinct device in the form of an emblem, patch, insignia, badge, decal, vinylcal, cloth, metal, or other material which would preclude NASA's control over its use or application is prohibited. (2) Use of the NASA Uniform Patches, which incorporate the NASA Insignia, is authorized only as prescribed in the NASA Graphics Standards Manual and the NASA Insignia Standards Supplement, for NASA personnel and NASA contractor personnel identification. (3) No approval for use of the NASA Insignia will be authorized when its use can be construed as an endorsement by NASA of a product or service. (4) Items bearing the NASA Insignia and NASA Logotype such as souvenirs, novelties, toys, models, clothing, and similar items (including items for sale through the NASA employees' nonappropriated fund activities) may be manufactured and sold only after the a request has been submitted to, and approved by, the NASA Office for Communications, NASA Headquarters, Washington, DC 20546. (d) Use of the NASA Insignia for any other purpose than as prescribed in this section is prohibited, except that the Associate Administrator for Public Affairs may authorize on a case-by-case basis the use of the NASA Insignia for other purposes when the Associate Administrator for the Public Affairs deems such use to be appropriate.

14 C.F.R. § 1221.111 Use of the NASA Logotype.

The NASA Logotype which was retired from 1992-2020 can be used only in an authentic historical context, on merchandise in accordance with § 1221.110, paragraph (c), in the NASA graphics standards/style guide or with prior written approval of the NASA Administrator.

14 C.F.R. § 1221.112 Use of the NASA Program Identifiers.

(a) Official NASA Program Identifiers will be restricted to the uses set forth in this section and to such other uses as the Associate Administrator for Communications may specifically approve. (b) Specific approval is given for the following uses: (1) Use of exact reproductions of a badge in the form of a patch made of cloth or other material, or a decal, or a gummed sticker on articles of wearing apparel and personal property items; and (2) Use of exact renderings of a badge on a coin, medal, plaque, or other commemorative souvenirs. (c) The manufacture and sale or free distribution of identifiers for the uses approved or that may be approved under paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section are authorized. (d) Portrayal of an exact reproduction of a badge in conjunction with the advertising of any product or service will be approved on a case-by-case basis by the Associate Administrator for Public Affairs. (e) The manufacture, sale, or use of any colorable imitation of the design of an official NASA Program Identifier will not be approved.

14 C.F.R. § 1221.113 Use of the NASA Flags.

(a) The NASA Flag is authorized for use only as follows: (1) On or in front of NASA buildings. (2) At NASA ceremonies. (3) At conferences (including display in NASA conference rooms). (4) At governmental or public appearances of NASA executives. (5) In private offices of senior officials. (6) As otherwise authorized by the NASA Administrator or designee. (7) The NASA Flag must be displayed with the United States Flag. When the United States Flag and the NASA Flag are displayed on a speaker's platform in an auditorium, the United States Flag must occupy the position of honor and be placed at the speaker's right as the speaker faces the audience, with the NASA Flag at the speaker's left. (b) The NASA Administrator's, Deputy Administrator's and Associate Administrator's Flags shall be displayed with the United States Flag in the respective offices of these officials but may be temporarily removed for use at the discretion of the officials concerned.

14 C.F.R. § 1221.114 Approval of new or change proposals.

(a) Except for NASA Astronaut Mission Crew Badges/Patches, any proposal to change or modify the emblematic devices set forth in this subpart or to introduce a new emblematic device other than as prescribed in this subpart requires the written approval of the NASA Administrator with prior approval and recommendation of the NASA Associate Administrator for Communications. (b) In addition to the written approval of the NASA Administrator, any proposal for a new or for a modification to the design of the NASA Insignia may also be submitted to the Commission of Fine Arts for its advice as to the merit of the design. If approved in writing by the NASA Administrator and advice received from the Commission of Fine Arts, the NASA Insignia and the use of such NASA Insignia must be prescribed in this subpart and published in the Federal Register. (c) Proposals to establish, change, or modify NASA Astronaut Crew Mission Badges/Patches requires the written approval of the Director, Flight Crew Operations, Johnson Space Center; Center Director, Johnson Space Center; and the Associate Administrator for Space Flight. Decals/patches/badges may be produced as soon as the approval cycle is completed.

14 C.F.R. § 1221.115 Violations.

(a) NASA Seal. Any person who uses the NASA Seal in a manner other than as authorized in this subpart shall be subject to the provisions of Title 18 U.S.C. 1017. (b) NASA Insignia, NASA Logotype, and NASA Program Identifiers. Any person who uses the NASA Insignia, NASA Logotype, or NASA Program Identifier in a manner other than as authorized in this subpart shall be subject to the provisions of title 18 U.S.C. 701.

14 C.F.R. § 1221.116 Compliance and enforcement.

In order to ensure adherence to the authorized uses of the NASA Seal, the NASA Insignia, the NASA Logotype, NASA Program Identifiers, and the NASA Flags as provided, in this subpart, a report of each suspected violation of this subpart (including the use of unauthorized NASA Insignias) or of questionable usages of the NASA Seal, the NASA Insignia, the NASA Logotype, NASA Program Identifiers, or the NASA Flags, shall be submitted to the Inspector General, NASA Headquarters, in accordance with NASA Management Instruction 9810.1, “The NASA Investigations Program.”

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