SSI Logo - History, Design Elements, Usage Guidelines & Asset Download (2024)
Célestine Rochefour
TL;DR (Bottom-Line Up Front)
The SSI logo is the official visual identifier of the Stanford Spaceflight Initiative (SSI) - a student-run space engineering organization - and, separately, the Safe Superintelligence Inc. brand. It signals credibility, protects trademark rights, and ensures consistent branding across all media.
Example: On a conference poster, the 2020-styled SSI logo (blue-gray wordmark with a stylized satellite orbit) instantly tells the audience the work is backed by SSI’s rigorous engineering standards.
1. What Is the SSI Logo?
- Definition: A vector-based graphic that combines a stylized “S” (originally the Stanford “S”) with mission-specific icons (rocket, satellite, excavator) and a surrounding star.
- Why It Matters:
- Guarantees brand integrity across print, web, and merchandise.
- Provides legal protection under trademark law.
- Communicates SSI’s mission - safe, innovative spaceflight and, for Safe Superintelligence, responsible AI development.
2. Evolution Timeline (2012 → 2024)
| Version | Year | Visual Highlights | Who Designed | Why It Changed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proto-Logo | 2012 | Stanford “S” + rocket | Kyle Anderson (concept) | First branding for a fledgling student group |
| First Official | 2013 | Stanford “S” + star + satellite & excavator orbit | Omar Diab (execution) | Added project symbols (PhoneSat, Lunabotics) |
| Post-Stanford Rebrand | 2015 | Stand-alone “S” (no Stanford) + star, satellite, excavator | Kirill Safin (200 concepts) | Stanford name removed, legal compliance |
| Modern SSI (2020-present) | 2020 | Simplified “S” + clean orbit line, monochrome palette | In-house design team (brand guide) | Align with corporate-grade visual identity, improve scalability |
Key takeaway: Each redesign responded to a legal, aesthetic, or strategic shift while preserving the core motif of an “S” encircled by space-related icons.
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| Element | Description | Symbolic Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Stylized “S” | Bold, slightly italicized, geometric | Represents Science and Stanford heritage (now a generic “Spaceflight” symbol) |
| Star (center) | Five-pointed, solid | Guidance, ambition, and the “reach for the stars” ethos |
| Orbit Line | Thin curve encircling the “S” | Orbit, continuous innovation, and the global reach of SSI projects |
| Satellite Icon | Small box with solar panels | Communication, technology development |
| Excavator/Drill | Minimalist silhouette on orbit | Lunabotics and planetary surface exploration |
| Color Palette (2020) | Primary: #003366 (deep navy) - Secondary: #A0B8D1 (light steel) | Conveys professionalism, trust, and technical depth |
4. Official Usage Guidelines (2024)
4.1 Core Rules (Never Violate)
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| No Color Alteration | Use only the approved navy/steel palette unless a monochrome (black/white) version is explicitly required. |
| Maintain Clear Space | Keep a margin equal to the height of the “S” on all sides; no text or graphics may intrude. |
| Prohibited Transformations | No stretching, rotating, or adding effects (shadows, gradients). |
| Minimum Size | The logo’s height must be ≥ 12 mm for print or ≥ 48 px for digital to retain legibility. |
| Background Contrast | Place on solid, light-colored backgrounds; avoid busy images that impair visibility. |
4.2 Correct vs. Incorrect Examples
| Correct | Incorrect |
|---|---|
 |  |
| Clear space respected, colors unchanged | Colors altered, aspect ratio skewed |
4.3 Downloading the Official Assets
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- Visit the SSI Brand Portal - https://ssi-corporate.com/brand-assets (requires free account).
- Select “Logo Pack (SVG, PNG, EPS)” - includes 2020, 2015, and 2013 versions.
- Choose the appropriate file type:
- SVG for web & responsive design.
- EPS for high-resolution print.
- PNG (transparent) for presentations.
- Read the accompanying “Brand Guidelines PDF” (2 MB) before use.
Tip: Store the files in a dedicated “/assets/ssi_logo” folder on your server to avoid broken links.
5. SSI Logo vs. Other “SSI” Logos (Quick Disambiguation)
| Brand | Primary Domain | Logo Shape | Typical Color | Key Tagline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stanford Spaceflight Initiative | Student space engineering | “S” with orbit & icons | Navy / Steel | “Innovating Spaceflight” |
| Safe Superintelligence Inc. | AI safety research | Wordmark “Safe Superintelligence” with minimalist shield | Dark teal / White | “Building Safe AI” |
| Supplemental Security Income (US Govt.) | Federal benefits program | Simple “SSI” in blue, rectangular block | Federal blue | “Financial Support for Disabled” |
Use the correct logo to avoid brand confusion, especially in academic publications or media releases.
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- Verify logo version matches the 2020 brand guide (unless historical context needed).
- Confirm clear-space margin equal to logo height.
- Ensure background provides ≥ 4:1 contrast (WCAG AA).
- Use only approved file formats (SVG/EPS/PNG).
- Include a link back to SSI brand page when publishing online.
- Log the asset version and download date for audit trails.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I recolor the SSI logo for a themed event? | No. Recoloring violates the brand guidelines. Use the approved monochrome version if needed. |
| Is the 2015 logo still protected? | Yes. All historical versions are trademarked; use only for archival purposes. |
| Do I need permission to place the logo on merchandise? | Yes. Submit a Brand Use Request via the SSI portal; approval is typically granted within 3 business days. |
| What file format is best for a PowerPoint slide? | PNG (transparent) at 300 dpi; ensures crisp edges on projectors. |
| Can I embed the logo in a mobile app icon? | Only if the app is officially endorsed by SSI; otherwise, a simplified “S” glyph without orbit may be used under a special license. |
8. Final Thought
The SSI logo is more than a graphic; it’s a trust signal for stakeholders ranging from university sponsors to industry partners. By adhering to the 2024 guidelines, you protect SSI’s reputation and ensure your materials look professional, consistent, and legally sound.
Ready to download? 👉 Download SSI Logo Pack (SVG/PNG/EPS)
Need a brand-use approval? 👉 Submit Request Form