Use of NASA signage in the Martian?

NASA signage has been used on most props and sets in the movie The Martian.

Firstly, why does NASA allow its name to be attached to for profit ventures when it itself is a government agency?

Secondly, does NASA play an active role in any of the films that it grants the use of its signage to, such as consulting or rather just supervision?

Thirdly, does NASA make any money out of such collaborations?

the-martian

Best Answer

NASA can deny movies using their logo and name.

This general permission does not extend to use of the NASA insignia logo (the blue "meatball" insignia), the retired NASA logotype (the red "worm" logo) and the NASA seal. These images may not be used by persons who are not NASA employees or on products (including Web pages) that are not NASA-sponsored.

- NASA Guidelines

Usually they want to give script approval before they allow movies to use their name and logo. In the case of Farscape, they did not allow their logo to be used, so the movie had to make the necessary changes:

Crichton was going to be a NASA astronaut, but NASA requested script approval for the use of their logos, so "NASA" became the "IASA". ("Cool Farscape Facts" - Starburst Edition DVD v1.1)

- Farscape Wiki

NASA's excitement and fondness of the movie The Martian is well documented and reported. As such, it is very likely they gave script approval (especially because there was no drama and close to reality... in a movie kind of way).

Pictures about "Use of NASA signage in the Martian?"

Use of NASA signage in the Martian? - Small signage from restaurants and cafes

Use of NASA signage in the Martian? - Photo of Woman Standing While Holding Silver Tablet Computer

Use of NASA signage in the Martian? - Photo of Woman Smiling While Using Tablet Computer

Can I use a NASA logo in a movie?

The NASA Insignia (the blue "meatball" logo), the NASA Logotype (the "worm" logo) and the NASA Seal may not be used for any purpose without explicit permission.

Can I use the NASA logo?

The NASA Seal is not permitted on merchandise and is only permitted to be used by the NASA Administrator or Administrator's office. The names, logos, devices or graphics of NASA programs may be used on merchandise subject to review and approval by NASA, and subject to the prohibitions on co-branding noted above.

The Martian Hexadecimal Scene

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Ryutaro Tsukata, Ryutaro Tsukata, Ketut Subiyanto, Ketut Subiyanto