NASA is nearing its 50th birthday, and the celebration is already beginning. The space agency unveiled its anniversary logo in a ceremony in Los Angeles on Thursday. NASA turns 50 on October 1, 2008.

The logo presentation was a part of NextFest, which features the latest innovations in products and technologies in many areas where NASA plays a leading role. Also on hand for the event, recent shuttle astronauts and future NASA technology were in the spotlight.

NASA’s Deputy Administrator Shana Dale and astronaut Scott Kelly introduced the space shuttle’s STS-118 crew, including mission specialist and former educator Barbara Morgan, at NextFest opening ceremonies. Morgan and the other crew members of the STS-118 mission later signed autographs