SpaceX - POPACS Mission - LOGO CONCEPT & DESIGN

the ASK

Mission Specialists from SpaceX asked me create a mission logo for POPACS (Polar Orbiting Passive Atmospheric Calibration Sphere), to be affixed to the side of a FALCON 9 rocket. What’s POPACS? The short answer is, a group of three small aluminum balls which orbit the earth, helping us study solar flares and similar activity that can damage satellites and other important, expensive things we put in space. Also, (and we found this out along the way) the logo should avoid colors that burn up upon re-entry.

the ANSWER

Working with a Designer, I concepted a logo that spoke to the mission above, with a subtle homage to the physicist who conceived the mission. It’s one of the most exciting projects I’ve ever been a part of.

my ROLE

Creative Director, Art Director, Client Lead.

TRIVIA

POPACS is comprised of three spheres, weighing 1, 1.5 and 2 kilograms, respectively, named Phyllis, Gilbert and Moore.

Read more about the mission here: https://earth.esa.int/web/eoportal/satellite-missions/p/popacs

Track the satellite in real time here: https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=39268