KSC-98pc983

A KSC worker paints the NASA logo on the port wing of the orbiter Endeavour, which is scheduled to launch in December for STS-88. The paint is a special pigment that takes 18 hours to dry; the whole process takes approximately two weeks to complete. The NASA logo, termed "meatball," was originally designed in the late 1950s. It symbolized NASA’s role in aeronautics and space in the early years of the agency. The original design included a white border surrounding it. The border was dropped for the Apollo 7 mission in October 1968, replaced with royal blue to match the background of the emblem. In 1972 the logo was replaced by a simple and contemporary design the "worm" which was retired from use last year. NASA reverted to its original logo in celebration of the agency’s 40th anniversary in October, and the "golden age" of America’s space program. All the orbiters will bear the new logo