The continuous script design was unofficially nicknamed the "worm." It was abandoned in the 1990's but many space enthusiasts still think of it as the defacto NASA emblem.

This gold embroidery on white twill form of the worm was never formally used by NASA. It is favored by space enthusiasts because its narrow verticial dimension and flexible backing makes it adaptable to light weight materials such as shirts. The deep contrast of gold thread on black is very pleasing.