How a Cartoon Beagle Became a Symbol of Heroism in Space—and Why This Anniversary Matters

When most people think of Snoopy, they picture a whimsical beagle lounging atop his doghouse. But in the world of space exploration and horology, Snoopy is so much more. He’s a symbol of bravery, ingenuity, and mission-critical precision—a legacy immortalized through Omega’s iconic Speedmaster “Snoopy” Editions. As the anniversary of NASA’s legendary Apollo 13 mission draws near, so too does a celebration of Omega’s crucial role in bringing that crew home safely.

From the Moon to Mission Control: Omega’s Spacefaring Journey

Long before Snoopy entered the picture, Omega had already earned its place in space history. In 1965, after rigorous testing under extreme conditions, NASA selected the Omega Speedmaster as the official chronograph for manned spaceflight. It became the first watch worn on the moon during Apollo 11, strapped to the wrist of Buzz Aldrin in July 1969.

But it was the Apollo 13 mission in April 1970 that truly tested the mettle of both astronauts and their gear. An oxygen tank explosion crippled the spacecraft, forcing NASA and the crew to abandon their lunar landing and focus solely on survival. In an extraordinary act of precision and timing, the crew used their Omega Speedmasters to manually time a 14-second engine burn—an essential maneuver to correct their trajectory for safe reentry. That timing had to be exact. There was no room for error. And Omega delivered.

Enter Snoopy: NASA’s Watchdog for Excellence

So where does Snoopy fit into this story?

Since the 1960s, NASA has used Charles Schulz’s beloved cartoon character as the mascot of its Silver Snoopy Award, a special honor given to individuals and companies who contribute significantly to the safety and success of human spaceflight. After Apollo 13, Omega was awarded the Silver Snoopy by the astronauts themselves—recognizing the brand’s life-saving contribution to the mission.

In the decades since, Omega has released several commemorative Snoopy Speedmaster models to honor this connection:

• 2003: The first Speedmaster Snoopy Award model, a subtle nod to the Apollo 13 mission.

• 2015: The “Silver Snoopy Award” edition, with a white dial and hand-drawn Snoopy motif.

• 2020: The “Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary” edition, featuring a playful yet technically impressive caseback animation of Snoopy orbiting the moon.

Each release has become a collector’s dream, combining Omega’s space-proven technology with nostalgic storytelling and limited availability.

A Legacy Worth Celebrating: The Upcoming Anniversary

In April 2025, we mark the 55th anniversary of the Apollo 13 mission—a moment not just of survival, but of human ingenuity at its finest. It’s also a celebration of Omega’s unwavering precision and the whimsical-yet-profound role that Snoopy has played in honoring that legacy.

There’s widespread anticipation that Omega may commemorate the occasion with a new Snoopy Speedmaster edition. Collectors, space enthusiasts, and fans of horological storytelling are watching closely, hoping for another release that marries technical prowess with a rich historical narrative.

Whether or not a new release is imminent, one thing is certain: The Omega Snoopy is more than just a watch. It’s a badge of honor—earned in one of spaceflight’s most dangerous hours—and a lasting symbol of collaboration between watchmakers and astronauts, precision and courage, Earth and the stars.

Final Thoughts

As we approach the anniversary of Apollo 13, it’s worth reflecting on how a mission once defined by failure became a testament to resilience. And how a small cartoon beagle—stitched into NASA patches and etched into casebacks—helped commemorate one of the greatest saves in the history of space travel.

So the next time you see Snoopy floating through space on the back of a Speedmaster, know that you’re not just looking at a playful design. You’re looking at a piece of history—one that ticked down to the second when it mattered most.