Faith Lo
Few things spark the imagination like the pursuit of the stars, and those bold enough to chase them. That’s why we’re proud to craft custom mugs for NASA, a name that represents exploration, discovery, and the bravest human spirit to explore the unknown. Whether you’ve gazed up at the moon or watched a rocket launch with childlike wonder, NASA has likely played a part in shaping that awe.
From the bold beginnings of the Space Age to today’s ambitious missions to explore Mars and beyond, NASA continues to fuel imaginations and advance science. And now, through our partnership with the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, you can hold a small piece of that legacy in your hands.
What is NASA?
NASA—the National Aeronautics and Space Administration—is America’s space agency, responsible for the nation’s civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research. Created in 1958 as a response to the Soviet Union’s launch of Sputnik, NASA was born in the heat of the Space Race. But over the decades, its mission has evolved beyond Cold War rivalry into something much broader: the peaceful exploration of space and the advancement of scientific knowledge for the benefit of humanity.
Photo Credit: NASA Instagram
From the Apollo moon landings to the creation of the Space Shuttle program and the International Space Station, NASA has helped us better understand our planet, solar system, and the wider universe. Their current mission statement reflects this global outlook: “To drive advances in science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration in order to enhance knowledge, education, innovation, economic vitality, and stewardship of Earth.”(Source: NASA About)
What’s Happening at NASA Today?
Fast forward to 2025, and NASA is busier than ever. Among the most exciting projects is the Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and eventually send astronauts to Mars. The Artemis missions are more than just a return trip; they’re about establishing sustainable lunar exploration and preparing for deep space travel. The goal? To land the first woman and the first person of color on the Moon.
Photo Credit: www.nasa.gov
NASA is also making headlines with its Mars Sample Return Program, a bold international effort to bring samples from the Martian surface back to Earth for the first time. Meanwhile, the James Webb Space Telescope, launched in late 2021, continues to blow our minds with stunning imagery and groundbreaking discoveries about early galaxies and the composition of exoplanets.
Closer to home, NASA is leading the way in climate research, using satellites to track Earth’s changing climate, monitor wildfires, and study weather patterns with unprecedented precision. From tracking CO2 emissions to supporting disaster response, NASA’s work is not just about distant worlds, it’s helping us take better care of our own. (Source: NASA Recently Published News)
Visit the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (And Find a Deneen Mug While You’re There
If you’re looking to experience NASA’s story up close, there’s no better place than the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Known as the “Earth’s largest space museum,” this center serves as the official visitor center for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. It’s a treasure trove of space history, hands-on exhibits, and awe-inspiring artifacts, including the Saturn V rocket, Apollo 16 command module, and lunar rover trainers.
Photo Credit: www.rocketcenter.com
The Space & Rocket Center is also home to Space Camp, a legendary program that gives kids—and adults—a chance to train like astronauts. Visitors can explore what it’s like to live and work in space, simulate a Mars mission, and even experience weightlessness on their multi-axis trainer. (Source: U.S. Space & Rocket Center)
And if you’re lucky enough to walk through the gift shop, you’ll find something that brings space exploration a little closer to home: Deneen Pottery mugs, handcrafted just for NASA. These mugs are available exclusively at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and online through their official store. Each one features NASA-approved designs, shaped and glazed with the same care and tradition we put into every piece that leaves our St. Paul studio.
Holding one of these mugs, you’re not just sipping coffee, you’re holding a piece of history. Whether you’re a lifelong space enthusiast or a first-time visitor, it’s a beautiful reminder of the ingenuity, courage, and curiosity that fuel exploration.
Inspiration: Spark of Imagination
Just like NASA, Deneen Pottery believes in craftsmanship, innovation, and legacy. While we may not be sending rockets to the Moon, we’re proud to contribute in our own small way, one handmade mug at a time. Collaborating with an institution like NASA reminds us that every great endeavor starts with a spark of imagination.
We hope our mugs help commemorate your visit to the Space & Rocket Center or inspire your daily routine with a touch of cosmic wonder. And if you’re planning a trip, make sure to check out the gift shop—or browse their online store—to find your own piece of handcrafted space history.
From the red clay of Earth to the red dust of Mars, cheers to bold missions, shared journeys, and the joy of discovery!
Faith Lo
