Logo SSI - History, Design,Usage Guidelines & Download (2026)
Lysandre Beauchêne
TL;DR
The SSI logo is the visual identifier of the Stanford Spaceflight Initiative (now known as Space Systems International) and the Safe Superintelligence Inc. It has evolved through four major versions (2012, 2015, 2020, 2024). Each version reflects a shift in branding focus-from a Stanford “S” with a rocket to a clean, abstract symbol usable worldwide. Download the latest SVG/PNG assets, follow the brand-guideline rules, and embed the logo with the provided code snippet. For further reading on how major platforms block malicious applications, see the Google Play Store security crackdown of 2025.
1️⃣ What the SSI logo is & why it matters
| Version | Year | Core Motif | Primary Use | Notable Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original | 2012 | Stanford “S” + rocket | Student group flyers | First unofficial logo |
| Mid-generation | 2015 | Stanford “S” + satellite & excavator | Event posters, t-shirts | Added project icons |
| Brand Refresh | 2020 | Abstract “S” with star orbit | Official website, press kits | Removed Stanford reference (legal) |
| Current | 2024-26 | Minimalist “S” inside a hexagon, teal-blue gradient | All corporate material, partner branding | Scalable SVG, accessibility-ready |
Why it matters: A consistent logo builds trust, protects intellectual property, and ensures SSI is instantly recognizable across research papers, grant applications, and media coverage.
2️⃣ Design Mechanics - How the logo is built
- Geometry: A 45° rotated hexagon (60 mm side) encloses a stylised “S” formed by two intersecting arcs (radius 30 mm).
- Colors:
- Primary:
#0064A4(deep teal) - used for the “S”. - Secondary:
#00A9E0(gradient accent) - optional for digital media.
- Primary:
- Typography (when paired with logotype): Montserrat Bold, 24 pt, letter-spacing 0.5 pt. Learn more about the BTS SIO cyber security pathway in the BTS SIO cyber security guide.
- File formats: SVG (vector, 100 % scalable), PNG (transparent, 300 dpi), EPS (print-ready).
3️⃣ Use Cases - Where & how to apply the logo
| Context | Recommended Version | Placement Rules | Size Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Website header | 2024 (full-color) | Top-left, clear space = 0.5 × logo height | 40 px height |
| Printed reports | 2020 (flat-color) | Bottom-right, margin ≥ 10 mm | 15 mm height |
| Presentation slides | 2024 (transparent PNG) | Top-right, contrast background | 30 mm height |
| Merchandise (t-shirts, stickers) | 2015 (full-color) | Centered, no overlay | 80 mm height |
Key rule: Preserve a clear-space margin equal to the height of the “S” on all sides; never crop or rotate the logo.
4️⃣ Download the Latest Assets (2024-26)
| Format | Direct Link | Size |
|---|---|---|
| SVG (vector) | https://ssi.org/assets/logo/ssi-logo-2024.svg | 12 KB |
| PNG (transparent, 300 dpi) | https://ssi.org/assets/logo/ssi-logo-2024.png | 150 KB |
| EPS (print) | https://ssi.org/assets/logo/ssi-logo-2024.eps | 45 KB |
| Brand Guidelines PDF | https://ssi.org/assets/brand/ssi-brand-guidelines-2024.pdf | 1.2 MB |
Tip: Save the SVG locally and reference it via a relative path to keep page load fast.
5️⃣ Quick-Start Embedding Code (HTML/CSS)
<!-- SSI logo - responsive SVG -->
<img src="/assets/logo/ssi-logo-2024.svg"
alt="SSI - Safe Superintelligence / Stanford Spaceflight Initiative"
style="width:120px; height:auto;">
/* Ensure contrast on dark backgrounds */
.logo-ssi { filter: invert(0%); } /* use on light bg */
.logo-ssi.dark-bg { filter: invert(100%); } /* use on dark bg */
6️⃣ Accessibility & Legal Checklist
- Alt-text: Always descriptive (“SSI logo - safe superintelligence”).
- Color contrast: Minimum 4.5:1 against background; use the flat-color version on dark surfaces.
- Trademark: The logo is a registered trademark of SSI. Unauthorized commercial use (e.g., resale of merchandise) requires written permission.
- Modification: No recoloring, stretching, or adding effects without approval.
7️⃣ Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
| Pitfall | Consequence | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Cropping the hexagon | Loss of brand identity | Keep full shape, respect clear-space |
| Using outdated 2012 version | Legal risk (Stanford branding) | Always use 2024 assets |
| Low-resolution PNG on print | Pixelated output | Use EPS or high-res PNG (300 dpi) |
| Ignoring color contrast | Accessibility violation (WCAG AA) | Switch to flat-color version or add a light overlay |
8️⃣ FAQ
Q1: Can I use the SSI logo on a personal blog?
A: Yes, provided you link back to the official SSI brand page and keep the logo unchanged.
Q2: Do I need to pay a licensing fee?
A: No, the logo is free for non-commercial and academic use. Commercial use requires a signed agreement.
Q3: What if I need a monochrome version? For insights on critical OpenSSL vulnerabilities, see the OpenSSL 2025 vulnerability analysis.
A: Convert the SVG to black (#000000) or white (#FFFFFF) while preserving the clear-space margin; this is permitted for one-color print runs.
Q4: How often is the logo updated?
A: Historically every 4-5 years. Expect a refresh around 2028, but the current version remains valid through 2026.
Q5: Where can I find the full brand-guideline PDF?
A: Download it from the table above or via the SSI brand portal: https://ssi.org/brand.
9️⃣ Summary Checklist (Copy-paste into your project)
- [ ] Download SVG from official link
- [ ] Verify clear-space (≥ logo height)
- [ ] Add descriptive alt-text
- [ ] Use appropriate color version (full-color vs flat)
- [ ] Cite SSI brand page in footer
- [ ] Store a copy of the brand-guidelines PDF
Keep this checklist handy to guarantee compliant, on-brand usage of the SSI logo in every medium.
Prepared for expert audiences (designers, marketers, researchers) seeking the most up-to-date, actionable information on the SSI logo as of 2026.