Symbolism
The dot at the top represents the ultimate interstellar destination, another habitable world. The ladder underneath symbolizes the many steps needed to reach that new world. The narrow central vertical arrow symbolizes three things: Motion, part of an isometric coordinate system, and a compass needle to point the way. The oval that encloses the arrow symbolizes the self-contained spacecraft that will make the journey. The coordinate system itself, with both light and dark axes, has multiple meanings. The first is simply navigational, representing finding our way through space. It is also symbolic of organizational guidance, where the Foundation provides the directions and orientations to guide and gauge credible progress. One of the rings represents the orbit of Earth, with the Sun at the center, while the progressive rings symbolize motion. The glow of the Sun behind is also symbolic of enlightenment. And finally, the stars represent our surrounding space, our cosmic neighborhood.

"ad astra incrementis"
This Latin phrase means: "to the stars in steps, where each is greater than before." This is the essence of the Foundation, where the long-range goal of practical interstellar flight is pursued in terms of affordable steps that are already underway. The Foundation seeks out and directs support to the best practitioners and educates the public about the lessons being learned in their research. Implementing the Foundation is also incremental, starting with grass-roots collaborations amongst leading researchers and journalists, with plans to eventually sponsor research grants through competitive solicitations.

Logo Copyright A.Szames 2006, under exclusive license to the Tau Zero Foundation. All rights reserved.