Mark Rober’s team sought a logo for “SATGUS,” a project featuring Phat Gus—now known as Phantastic Gus—from Mark’s backyard Squirrelympics series. They envisioned a design that merged the sleek, iconic style of vintage space logos with a playful twist, incorporating a squirrel into the logo. The design needed to exude an 80s NASA aesthetic while staying simple, clean, and professional.

The Challenge:

The logo had to encapsulate the retro-futuristic space theme while honoring the quirky spirit of Phat Gus. It needed to represent a satellite project where users could upload selfies to be sent into space, tying the logo to an interactive and highly unique venture. Additionally, the design would be used for both the satellite itself and an exclusive commemorative patch.

Our Approach

Research & Inspiration: We delved into the aesthetics of vintage space logos from NASA’s golden era and 1960s advertising to capture the retro vibe.

Design Execution: We crafted a single-color emblem that highlighted Phat Gus in a stylized space context. The squirrel imagery was seamlessly integrated into the design, giving it a playful yet polished look.

Versatility: The logo was designed for multiple applications, from appearing on the satellite to being featured on limited-edition patches for participants in the project.

Additional SATGUS Features

• The logo inspired a collectible patch, creating a tangible keepsake for fans who participate in the selfie-to-space experience.
• The design ties seamlessly to CrunchLabs’ broader mission of making STEM fun and accessible.

The SATGUS Result

We delivered a logo that perfectly captured the client’s vision. The design blended the nostalgia of retro space exploration with a whimsical nod to Phat Gus, resulting in a timeless and dynamic visual identity for the SATGUS project. The logo now proudly represents the satellite launch initiative and has become a symbol for Mark Rober’s engaging, out-of-this-world projects.

Learn more about PHAT GUS and the Mark Rober SATGUS satellite project:

• Mark Rober’s Video: “World’s First Selfie from Space!”
• Mark Rober’s Video: “Backyard Squirrel Maze 1.0 – Ninja Warrior Course”