The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex kicked off its "Summer of Mars" promotion with a ceremony which included former NASA astronaut Scott Kelly. During his appearance, Kelly shared some of his experiences during a one-year stay aboard the International Space Station. The "Summer of Mars" program is designed to provide guests with a better understanding of NASA's studies of the Red Planet.
From the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, guests joined Americans from coast to coast following the solar eclipse. Although a partial eclipse on Florida's Space Coast, young and old alike found many ways to watch the rare astronomical event. As the Moon passed between Earth and the midafternoon Sun, a shadow moved across the landscape. The 70-mile-wide totality path, or "umbral cone" -- where the entire Sun will vanish behind the Moon -- stretched across 14 states, from Oregon to South Carolina.
On the third day of NASA's 9th Robotic Mining Competition, May 16, team members prepare their robot miner for its turn in the mining arena at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. More than 40 student teams from colleges and universities around the U.S. will use their mining robots to dig in a supersized sandbox filled with BP-1, or simulated Lunar soil, gravel and rocks, and participate in other competition requirements. The Robotic Mining Competition is a NASA Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate project designed to encourage students in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM fields. The project provides a competitive environment to foster innovative ideas and solutions that could be used on NASA's deep space missions.
From the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, guests joined Americans from coast to coast following the solar eclipse. Although a partial eclipse on Florida's Space Coast, young and old alike found many ways to watch the rare astronomical event. As the Moon passed between Earth and the midafternoon Sun, a shadow moved across the landscape. The 70-mile-wide totality path, or "umbral cone" -- where the entire Sun will vanish behind the Moon -- stretched across 14 states, from Oregon to South Carolina.
In the Heroes and Legends exhibit at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Center Director Bob Cabana and space shuttle astronaut Jon McBride participate in a ceremony to honoring the memory of former NASA astronaut Richard Gordon. Having performed two spacewalks during Gemini XI in 1966, Gordon later served as command module pilot on Apollo 12 in 1969. Gordon died Nov. 6, 2017, at the age of 88.
Brent Adams, son of U.S. Air Force astronaut Mike Adams, speaks during this year's Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Each year spaceport employees and guests join others throughout NASA honoring the contributions of astronauts who have perished in the conquest of space.
Former NASA astronauts Buzz Aldrin, left, and Winston Scott, center, talk with Lowell Grissom, bother of astronaut Gus Grissom as they walk to the Space Mirror Memorial. The names of fallen astronauts from Apollo 1, Challenger and Columbia, as well as the astronauts who perished in training and commercial airplane accidents are emblazoned on the monument. Each year spaceport employees and guests join others throughout NASA honoring the contributions of astronauts who have perished in the conquest of space.
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is seen during an aerial survey of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on September 12, 2017. The survey was performed to identify structures and facilities that may have sustained damage from Hurricane Irma as the storm passed Kennedy on September 10, 2017. NASA closed the center ahead of the storm's onset and only a small team of specialists known as the Rideout Team was on the center as the storm approached and passed.
Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of Delaware North, speaks during this year's Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Each year spaceport employees and guests join others throughout NASA honoring the contributions of astronauts who have perished in the conquest of space.
In the Swarmathon competition at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, students were asked to develop computer code for the small robots, programming them to look for "resources" in the form of AprilTag cubes, similar to barcodes. Teams developed search algorithms for the Swarmies to operate autonomously, communicating and interacting as a collective swarm similar to ants foraging for food. In the spaceport's third annual Swarmathon, 23 teams represented 24 minority serving universities and community colleges were invited to develop software code to operate these innovative robots known as "Swarmies" to help find resources when astronauts explore distant locations, such as the Moon or Mars.
Team members from York College CUNY make adjustments to their robot miner for its turn in the mining arena on the fourth day of NASA's 9th Robotic Mining Competition, May 17, inside the RobotPits at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. More than 40 student teams from colleges and universities around the U.S. are using their mining robots to dig in a supersized sandbox filled with BP-1, or simulated Lunar soil, gravel and rocks, and participate in other competition requirements. The Robotic Mining Competition is a NASA Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate project designed to encourage students in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM fields. The project provides a competitive environment to foster innovative ideas and solutions that could be used on NASA's deep space missions.
Derrick Matthews, left, with Kennedy Space Center's Communication and Public Engagement Directorate, and Kurt Leucht, event emcee, provide commentary at the mining arena during NASA's 8th Annual Robotic Mining Competition at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. More than 40 student teams from colleges and universities around the U.S. are using their uniquely-designed mining robots to dig in a supersized sandbox filled with BP-1, or simulated Martian soil, and participate in other competition requirements. The Robotic Mining Competition is a NASA Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate project designed to encourage students in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM fields. The project provides a competitive environment to foster innovative ideas and solutions that could be used on NASA's Journey to Mars.
The 2017 class of astronaut candidates toured the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and viewed exhibits, including Space Shuttle Atlantis, during a familiarization tour of facilities at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The candidates toured center facilities, including the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay; Launch Control Center, Launch Pad 39B and the Space Station Processing Facility. They also toured Boeing's Commercial Crew and Cargo Facility, United Launch Alliance's Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, and SpaceX's Launch Pad 39A at Kennedy. The candidates will spend about two years getting to know the space station systems and learning how to spacewalk, speak Russian, control the International Space Station's robotic arm and fly T-38s, before they're eligible to be assigned to a mission.
Team members from the University of Arkansas make adjustments to their robot miner for its turn in the mining arena on the fourth day of NASA's 9th Robotic Mining Competition, May 17, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. They are in the RobotPits inside the Educator Resource Center. More than 40 student teams from colleges and universities around the U.S. are using their mining robots to dig in a supersized sandbox filled with BP-1, or simulated Lunar soil, gravel and rocks, and participate in other competition requirements. The Robotic Mining Competition is a NASA Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate project designed to encourage students in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM fields. The project provides a competitive environment to foster innovative ideas and solutions that could be used on NASA's deep space missions.
Family members of astronauts honored on the Space Mirror Memorial participate in the Day of Remembrance ceremony at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Each year spaceport employees and guests join others throughout NASA honoring the contributions of astronauts who have perished in the conquest of space.
In the Swarmathon competition at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, students were asked to develop computer code for the small robots, programming them to look for "resources" in the form of AprilTag cubes, similar to barcodes. Teams developed search algorithms for the Swarmies to operate autonomously, communicating and interacting as a collective swarm similar to ants foraging for food. In the spaceport's third annual Swarmathon, 23 teams represented 24 minority serving universities and community colleges were invited to develop software code to operate these innovative robots known as "Swarmies" to help find resources when astronauts explore distant locations, such as the Moon or Mars.
Confetti flies during the opening ceremony for the new Astronaut Training Experience (ATX) at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The ATX uses three-dimensional computer display simulation technology to "transport" participants to Mars, training them to live and work in the environment of the Red Planet. The educational experience also teaches what it’s like to travel there. The facility uses NASA science to address engineering challenges in space travel. Lockheed Martin is the title sponsor for the Astronaut Training Experience.
In the Space Shuttle Atlantis facility at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Astronaut Scholarship Foundation Chairman Dan Brandenstein, left, also a Hall of Fame astronaut, presents inductee Michael Foale with his hall of fame medal. Former NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden, right, a Hall of Fame member, presented Foale for induction. During this year's ceremonies, space shuttle astronaut Ellen Ochoa also was enshrined.
Members of a college team watch on the monitor as their robot miner digs in the mining arena on the third day of NASA's 9th Robotic Mining Competition, May 16, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. More than 40 student teams from colleges and universities around the U.S. will use their mining robots to dig in a supersized sandbox filled with BP-1, or simulated Lunar soil, gravel and rocks, and participate in other competition requirements. The Robotic Mining Competition is a NASA Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate project designed to encourage students in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM fields. The project provides a competitive environment to foster innovative ideas and solutions that could be used on NASA's deep space missions.
From the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, guests joined Americans from coast to coast following the solar eclipse. Although a partial eclipse on Florida's Space Coast, young and old alike found many ways to watch the rare astronomical event. As the Moon passed between Earth and the midafternoon Sun, a shadow moved across the landscape. The 70-mile-wide totality path, or "umbral cone" -- where the entire Sun will vanish behind the Moon -- stretched across 14 states, from Oregon to South Carolina.
Team members from Case Western Reserve University pause with their robot miner in the RobotPits on the fourth day of NASA's 9th Robotic Mining Competition, May 17, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. More than 40 student teams from colleges and universities around the U.S. are using their mining robots to dig in a supersized sandbox filled with BP-1, or simulated Lunar soil, gravel and rocks, and participate in other competition requirements. The Robotic Mining Competition is a NASA Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate project designed to encourage students in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM fields. The project provides a competitive environment to foster innovative ideas and solutions that could be used on NASA's deep space missions.
Team members from New York University prepare their robot miner for its turn in the mining arena on the third day of NASA's 9th Robotic Mining Competition, May 16, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. More than 40 student teams from colleges and universities around the U.S. will use their mining robots to dig in a supersized sandbox filled with BP-1, or simulated Lunar soil, gravel and rocks, and participate in other competition requirements. The Robotic Mining Competition is a NASA Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate project designed to encourage students in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM fields. The project provides a competitive environment to foster innovative ideas and solutions that could be used on NASA's deep space missions.
Team members from the University of Colorado Boulder work on their robot miner in the RobotPits in the Educator Resource Center on the fourth day of NASA's 9th Robotic Mining Competition, May 17, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. More than 40 student teams from colleges and universities around the U.S. are using their mining robots to dig in a supersized sandbox filled with BP-1, or simulated Lunar soil, gravel and rocks, and participate in other competition requirements. The Robotic Mining Competition is a NASA Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate project designed to encourage students in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM fields. The project provides a competitive environment to foster innovative ideas and solutions that could be used on NASA's deep space missions.
Darth Vader and other Star Wars characters from the 501st Legion address students and sponsors in the Center for Space Education at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Teams from across the state of Florida were gathered at Kennedy for the finals of the Zero Robotics Middle School Summer Program national championship. The five-week program allows rising sixth- through ninth-graders to write programs for small satellites called SPHERES (Synchronized, Position, Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites). Finalists saw their code tested aboard the International Space Station.
Michael Foale, who flew six missions into space, speaks during the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame ceremony. The ceremony took place in the Space Shuttle Atlantis facility at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida.
A display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex describes the purpose of Swarmies. Computer scientists are developing these robots focusing not so much on the hardware, but the software. In the spaceport's annual Swarmathon, students from 12 colleges and universities across the nation were invited to develop software code to operate Swarmies to help find resources when astronauts explore distant planets, such as Mars.
At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, students monitor progress as their Swarmie robots as they search for "resources." The goal is for the robots to pick up cubes with AprilTags, which are similar to bar codes. The Swarmies then move the cubes to a white square in the center of the completion arena. The small, four-wheeled robots are designed to effectively and efficiently locate hidden resources while astronauts explore distant destinations such as the moon or Mars.
Team Raptor members from the University of North Dakota College of Engineering and Mines check their robot, named "Marsbot," in the RoboPit at NASA's 8th Annual Robotic Mining Competition at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. More than 40 student teams from colleges and universities around the U.S. will use their uniquely-designed mining robots to dig in a supersized sandbox filled with BP-1, or simulated Martian soil, and participate in other competition requirements. The Robotic Mining Competition is a NASA Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate project designed to encourage students in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM fields. The project provides a competitive environment to foster innovative ideas and solutions that could be used on NASA's Journey to Mars.
College team members watch a live display of their mining robots during test runs in the mining arena at NASA's 8th Annual Robotic Mining Competition at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. More than 40 student teams from colleges and universities around the U.S. will use their uniquely-designed mining robots to dig in a supersized sandbox filled with BP-1, or simulated Martian soil, and participate in other competition requirements. The Robotic Mining Competition is a NASA Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate project designed to encourage students in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM fields. The project provides a competitive environment to foster innovative ideas and solutions that could be used on NASA's Journey to Mars.
The 2017 class of astronaut candidates toured the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and viewed exhibits, including Space Shuttle Atlantis, during a familiarization tour of facilities at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The candidates toured center facilities, including the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay; Launch Control Center, Launch Pad 39B and the Space Station Processing Facility. They also toured Boeing's Commercial Crew and Cargo Facility, United Launch Alliance's Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, and SpaceX's Launch Pad 39A at Kennedy. The candidates will spend about two years getting to know the space station systems and learning how to spacewalk, speak Russian, control the International Space Station's robotic arm and fly T-38s, before they're eligible to be assigned to a mission.
At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, students monitor progress as their Swarmie robots as they search for "resources." The goal is for the robots to pick up cubes with AprilTags, which are similar to bar codes. The Swarmies then move the cubes to a white square in the center of the completion arena. The small, four-wheeled robots are designed to effectively and efficiently locate hidden resources while astronauts explore distant destinations such as the moon or Mars.
In the Swarmathon competition at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, students were asked to develop computer code for the small robots, programming them to look for "resources" in the form of AprilTag cubes, similar to barcodes. Teams developed search algorithms for the Swarmies to operate autonomously, communicating and interacting as a collective swarm similar to ants foraging for food. In the spaceport's third annual Swarmathon, 23 teams represented 24 minority serving universities and community colleges were invited to develop software code to operate these innovative robots known as "Swarmies" to help find resources when astronauts explore distant locations, such as the Moon or Mars.
Astronauts Memorial Foundation Board Chair Eileen Collins, a former space shuttle commander, speaks during this year's Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Each year spaceport employees and guests join others throughout NASA honoring the contributions of astronauts who have perished in the conquest of space.
The Viera High School Army JROTC Color Guard presented the colors during an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory Program, Lawrence was the first African-American astronaut. He lost his life in a training accident 50 years ago. The ceremony took place in the Center for Space Education at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
The scientifically-themed Mars rover concept vehicle operates on an electric motor, powered by solar panels and a 700-volt battery. The rover separates in the middle with the front area designed for scouting and equipped with a radio and navigation provided by the Global Positioning System. The back section serves as a full laboratory which can disconnect for autonomous research. The "Summer of Mars" promotion is designed to provide guests with a better understanding of NASA's studies of the Red Planet. The builders of the rover, Parker Brothers Concepts of Port Canaveral, Florida, incorporated input into its design from NASA subject matter experts.
From the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, guests joined Americans from coast to coast following the solar eclipse. Although a partial eclipse on Florida's Space Coast, young and old alike found many ways to watch the rare astronomical event. As the Moon passed between Earth and the midafternoon Sun, a shadow moved across the landscape. The 70-mile-wide totality path, or "umbral cone" -- where the entire Sun will vanish behind the Moon -- stretched across 14 states, from Oregon to South Carolina.
In the Heroes and Legends exhibit at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, a guest pays respect to former NASA astronaut Richard Gordon. A memorial wreath was placed following a ceremony to honor the memory of Gordon who performed two spacewalks during Gemini XI in 1966 and served as command module pilot on Apollo 12 in 1969. Gordon died Nov. 6, 2017, at the age of 88.
Beth Williams, widow of NASA astronaut Clifton Williams, speaks during this year's Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Each year spaceport employees and guests join others throughout NASA honoring the contributions of astronauts who have perished in the conquest of space.
Former Florida State Sen. Tony Hill speaks during an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence. Looking on is State Rep. Thad Altman, president of the AMF. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory Program, Lawrence was the first African-American astronaut. He lost his life in a training accident 50 years ago. The ceremony took place in the Center for Space Education at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
First-time participants from Saginaw Valley State University pause with their robot miner in the RobotPits on the fourth day of NASA's 9th Robotic Mining Competition, May 17, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. More than 40 student teams from colleges and universities around the U.S. are using their mining robots to dig in a supersized sandbox filled with BP-1, or simulated Lunar soil, gravel and rocks, and participate in other competition requirements. The Robotic Mining Competition is a NASA Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate project designed to encourage students in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM fields. The project provides a competitive environment to foster innovative ideas and solutions that could be used on NASA's deep space missions.
In the second annual Swarmathon competition at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, students were asked to develop computer code for the small robots called "Swarmies." The students programmed the robots to look for "resources" in the form of cubes with AprilTags, similar to barcodes. A team from Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI) in Albuquerque, New Mexico, captured first place and a $5,000 cash prize. SIPI team members, from the left, are: students Emery Sutherland, Ty Shurley, Christian Martinez, SIPI engineering professor Dr. Nader Vadiee who was the team's faculty advisor, and student Schulte Cooke.
Former astronauts and space explorers Scott D. Altman, at left, and Thomas D. Jones, Ph.D., are inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame Class of 2018 during a ceremony inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. They unveiled their plaques, which will be placed in Hall of Fame at the visitor complex. At far right is Master of Ceremonies, John Zarella, former CNN space correspondent. Inductees into the Hall of Fame are selected by a committee of Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, flight directors, historians and journalists. The process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. To be eligible, an astronaut must have made his or her first flight at least 17 years before the induction. Candidates must be a U.S. citizen and a NASA-trained commander, pilot or mission specialist who has orbited the earth at least once. Including Altman and Jones, 97 astronauts have been inducted into the AHOF.
Officials at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex prepare to push a ceremonial button to "launch" the facility's new Astronaut Training Experience (ATX). Participating, from the left, are: Dee Maynard, private education program manager for the Kennedy visitor complex, Rick Abramson, chief customer officer for Delaware North, Kennedy Director Bob Cabana, Lisa Callahan vice president and general manager of Commercial Civil Space at Lockheed Martin Space, Jim Houser, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Delaware North, and Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of the Kennedy visitor complex. The ATX uses three-dimensional computer display simulation technology to "transport" participants to Mars, training them to live and work in the environment of the Red Planet. The educational experience also teaches what it’s like to travel there. The facility uses NASA science to address engineering challenges in space travel. Lockheed Martin is the title sponsor for the Astronaut Training Experience.
In the Swarmathon competition at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, students were asked to develop computer code for the small robots, programming them to look for "resources" in the form of AprilTag cubes, similar to barcodes. Teams developed search algorithms for the Swarmies to operate autonomously, communicating and interacting as a collective swarm similar to ants foraging for food. In the spaceport's third annual Swarmathon, 23 teams represented 24 minority serving universities and community colleges were invited to develop software code to operate these innovative robots known as "Swarmies" to help find resources when astronauts explore distant locations, such as the Moon or Mars.
During an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence, his sister, Barbara Lawrence, Ph.D., speaks to guests during the ceremony. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory Program, Lawrence was the first African-American astronaut. He lost his life in a training accident 50 years ago. The ceremony took place in the Center for Space Education at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
During an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence, his sister, Barbara Lawrence, Ph.D., places a flower at the Space Mirror Memorial which honors those lost in efforts to explore space. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory Program, Lawrence was the first African-American astronaut. He lost his life in a training accident 50 years ago. The ceremony took place in the Center for Space Education at the Kennedy visitor complex.
In the Swarmathon competition at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, students were asked to develop computer code for the small robots, programming them to look for "resources" in the form of AprilTag cubes, similar to barcodes. To add to the challenge, obstacles in the form of simulated rocks were placed in the completion arena. Teams developed search algorithms for the Swarmies to operate autonomously, communicating and interacting as a collective swarm similar to ants foraging for food. In the spaceport's third annual Swarmathon, 23 teams represented 24 minority serving universities and community colleges were invited to develop software code to operate these innovative robots known as "Swarmies" to help find resources when astronauts explore distant locations, such as the Moon or Mars.
During an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence, photographs are projected during a video presentation. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory Program, Lawrence was the first African-American astronaut. He lost his life in a training accident 50 years ago. The ceremony took place in the Center for Space Education at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
In the Swarmathon competition at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, students were asked to develop computer code for the small robots, programming them to look for "resources" in the form of AprilTag cubes, similar to barcodes. Teams developed search algorithms for the Swarmies to operate autonomously, communicating and interacting as a collective swarm similar to ants foraging for food. In the spaceport's third annual Swarmathon, 23 teams represented 24 minority serving universities and community colleges were invited to develop software code to operate these innovative robots known as "Swarmies" to help find resources when astronauts explore distant locations, such as the Moon or Mars.
State Rep. Thad Altman, president of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation (AMF), speaks during a tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory Program, Lawrence was the first African-American astronaut. He lost his life in a training accident 50 years ago. The ceremony took place in the Center for Space Education at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
Following an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence, guests gathered at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kenendy Space Center Visitor Compelx. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory Program, Lawrence was the first African-American astronaut. He lost his life in a training accident 50 years ago. The ceremony took place in the Center for Space Education at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
On the third day of NASA's 9th Robotic Mining Competition, May 16, team members from Temple University prepare their robot miner for its turn in the mining arena at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. More than 40 student teams from colleges and universities around the U.S. will use their mining robots to dig in a supersized sandbox filled with BP-1, or simulated Lunar soil, gravel and rocks, and participate in other competition requirements. The Robotic Mining Competition is a NASA Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate project designed to encourage students in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM fields. The project provides a competitive environment to foster innovative ideas and solutions that could be used on NASA's deep space missions.
From the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, guests joined Americans from coast to coast following the solar eclipse. Although a partial eclipse on Florida's Space Coast, young and old alike found many ways to watch the rare astronomical event. As the Moon passed between Earth and the midafternoon Sun, a shadow moved across the landscape. The 70-mile-wide totality path, or "umbral cone" -- where the entire Sun will vanish behind the Moon -- stretched across 14 states, from Oregon to South Carolina.
NASA Kennedy Space Center's Trent Smith conducts a quantum levitation demonstration, using liquid nitrogen, metal and a magnetic track, for students and their sponsors in the Center for Space Education at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Teams from across the state of Florida were gathered at Kennedy for the finals of the Zero Robotics Middle School Summer Program national championship. The five-week program allows rising sixth- through ninth-graders to write programs for small satellites called SPHERES (Synchronized, Position, Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites). Finalists saw their code tested aboard the International Space Station.
A trio of programmable off-the-shelf Sphero robots are shown at the Center for Space Education at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Spheros were available for students to practice their programming skills during "loss of signal" times when the connection to the International Space Station was temporarily unavailable. Teams from across the state of Florida were gathered at Kennedy for the finals of the Zero Robotics Middle School Summer Program national championship. The five-week program allows rising sixth- through ninth-graders to write programs for small satellites called SPHERES (Synchronized, Position, Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites). Finalists saw their code tested aboard the orbiting laboratory.
In the Swarmathon competition at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, students were asked to develop computer code for the small robots, programming them to look for "resources" in the form of AprilTag cubes, similar to barcodes. Teams developed search algorithms for the Swarmies to operate autonomously, communicating and interacting as a collective swarm similar to ants foraging for food. In the spaceport's third annual Swarmathon, 23 teams represented 24 minority serving universities and community colleges were invited to develop software code to operate these innovative robots known as "Swarmies" to help find resources when astronauts explore distant locations, such as the Moon or Mars.
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex kicked off its "Summer of Mars" promotion with a ceremony which included former NASA astronaut Scott Kelly. During his appearance, Kelly shared some of his experiences during a one-year stay aboard the International Space Station. The "Summer of Mars" program is designed to provide guests with a better understanding of NASA's studies of the Red Planet.
In the Space Shuttle Atlantis facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, space shuttle astronauts Michael Foale left, and, Ellen Ochoa, pose with their plaques after being inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex kicked off its "Summer of Mars" promotion with a ceremony which included former NASA astronaut Scott Kelly. During his appearance, Kelly shared some of his experiences during a one-year stay aboard the International Space Station. The "Summer of Mars" program is designed to provide guests with a better understanding of NASA's studies of the Red Planet.
The Orion crew module from Exploration Flight Test 1 (EFT-1) is on display at nearby NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The crew module is part of the NASA Now exhibit in the IMAX Theater. The Orion EFT-1 spacecraft launched atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket Dec. 5, 2014, from Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The spacecraft built for humans traveled 3,604 miles above Earth and splashed down about 4.5 hours later in the Pacific Ocean.
On the third day of NASA's 9th Robotic Mining Competition, May 16, a university team cleans their robot miner after its turn in the mining arena at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. More than 40 student teams from colleges and universities around the U.S. will use their mining robots to dig in a supersized sandbox filled with BP-1, or simulated Lunar soil, gravel and rocks, and participate in other competition requirements. The Robotic Mining Competition is a NASA Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate project designed to encourage students in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM fields. The project provides a competitive environment to foster innovative ideas and solutions that could be used on NASA's deep space missions.
NASA Kennedy Space Center's Trent Smith conducts a quantum levitation demonstration, using liquid nitrogen, metal and a magnetic track, for students and their sponsors in the Center for Space Education at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Teams from across the state of Florida were gathered at Kennedy for the finals of the Zero Robotics Middle School Summer Program national championship. The five-week program allows rising sixth- through ninth-graders to write programs for small satellites called SPHERES (Synchronized, Position, Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites). Finalists saw their code tested aboard the International Space Station.
Former astronauts and space explorers Scott D. Altman, at left, and Thomas D. Jones, Ph.D., are inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame Class of 2018 during a ceremony inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. They unveiled their plaques, which will be placed in the Hall of Fame at the visitor complex. At far right is Master of Ceremonies, John Zarella, former CNN space correspondent. Inductees into the Hall of Fame are selected by a committee of Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, flight directors, historians and journalists. The process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. To be eligible, an astronaut must have made his or her first flight at least 17 years before the induction. Candidates must be a U.S. citizen and a NASA-trained commander, pilot or mission specialist who has orbited the earth at least once. Including Altman and Jones, 97 astronauts have been inducted into the AHOF.
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex kicked off its "Summer of Mars" promotion with a ceremony which included former NASA astronaut Scott Kelly. During his appearance, Kelly shared some of his experiences during a one-year stay aboard the International Space Station. The "Summer of Mars" program is designed to provide guests with a better understanding of NASA's studies of the Red Planet.
In the Space Shuttle Atlantis facility at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, guests sit under the famed spacecraft during the U.S. Hall of Fame activity. During this year's ceremonies, space shuttle astronauts Ellen Ochoa and Michael Foale were enshrined.
Former NASA administrator Charlie Bolden speaks during an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory Program, Lawrence was the first African-American astronaut. He lost his life in a training accident 50 years ago. The ceremony took place in the Center for Space Education at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
Following this year's Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, guests walk to the Space Mirror Memorial. The names of fallen astronauts from Apollo 1, Challenger and Columbia, as well as the astronauts who perished in training and commercial airplane accidents are emblazoned on the monument. Each year spaceport employees and guests join others throughout NASA honoring the contributions of astronauts who have perished in the conquest of space.
Team members from the New York University Tandon School of Engineering transport their robot to the mining arena during NASA's 8th Annual Robotic Mining Competition at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. More than 40 student teams from colleges and universities around the U.S. are using their uniquely-designed mining robots to dig in a supersized sandbox filled with BP-1, or simulated Martian soil, and participate in other competition requirements. The Robotic Mining Competition is a NASA Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate project designed to encourage students in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM fields. The project provides a competitive environment to foster innovative ideas and solutions that could be used on NASA's Journey to Mars.
Flowers are placed near the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The names of fallen astronauts from Apollo 1, Challenger and Columbia, as well as the astronauts who perished in training and commercial airplane accidents are emblazoned on the monument. During the annual Day of Remembrance, spaceport employees and guests join others throughout NASA honoring the contributions of astronauts who have perished in the conquest of space.
During the third day of NASA's 9th Robotic Mining Competition, May 16, Al Feinberg, left, with Kennedy Space Center's Communication and Public Engagement, and Kurt Leucht, with Kennedy's Engineering Directorate, provide commentary as robot miners dig in the dirt in the mining arena at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. More than 40 student teams from colleges and universities around the U.S. will use their mining robots to dig in a supersized sandbox filled with BP-1, or simulated Lunar soil, gravel and rocks, and participate in other competition requirements. The Robotic Mining Competition is a NASA Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate project designed to encourage students in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM fields. The project provides a competitive environment to foster innovative ideas and solutions that could be used on NASA's deep space missions.
In the Swarmathon competition at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, students were asked to develop computer code for the small robots, programming them to look for "resources" in the form of AprilTag cubes, similar to barcodes. Teams developed search algorithms for the Swarmies to operate autonomously, communicating and interacting as a collective swarm similar to ants foraging for food. In the spaceport's third annual Swarmathon, 23 teams represented 24 minority serving universities and community colleges were invited to develop software code to operate these innovative robots known as "Swarmies" to help find resources when astronauts explore distant locations, such as the Moon or Mars.
From the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, guests joined Americans from coast to coast following the solar eclipse. Although a partial eclipse on Florida's Space Coast, young and old alike found many ways to watch the rare astronomical event. As the Moon passed between Earth and the midafternoon Sun, a shadow moved across the landscape. The 70-mile-wide totality path, or "umbral cone" -- where the entire Sun will vanish behind the Moon -- stretched across 14 states, from Oregon to South Carolina.
Former NASA astronaut Jon McBride places a wreath at the Heroes and Legends exhibit at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The brief memorial honoring NASA astronaut John Young took place on the afternoon of Jan. 11, 2018. Young died Jan. 5, 2018, in Houston at the age of 87. He was the only astronaut to fly in NASA's Gemini, Apollo and Space Shuttle Programs.
Following an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence, guests listen to speakers at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kenendy Space Center Visitor Compelx. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory Program, Lawrence was the first African-American astronaut. He lost his life in a training accident 50 years ago. The ceremony took place in the Center for Space Education at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
From the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, guests joined Americans from coast to coast following the solar eclipse. Although a partial eclipse on Florida's Space Coast, young and old alike found many ways to watch the rare astronomical event. As the Moon passed between Earth and the midafternoon Sun, a shadow moved across the landscape. The 70-mile-wide totality path, or "umbral cone" -- where the entire Sun will vanish behind the Moon -- stretched across 14 states, from Oregon to South Carolina.
A Swarmie robot finds a "resource" cube marked with an AprilTag, similar to a barcode. In the Swarmathon competition at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, students were asked to develop computer code for the small robots, programming them to look for "resources" in the form of cubes with AprilTags.
At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, the first night of Holidays in Space 2017 ended with a spectacular fireworks finale. Holidays in Space 2017 kicked off Dec. 20 and includes nightly performances by the dance group Fighting Gravity, which uses optical illusions, black light and the interplay of light and dark in its gravity-defying choreography. The event runs through 31, excluding Dec. 25.
Following this year's Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, guests walk to the Space Mirror Memorial. The names of fallen astronauts from Apollo 1, Challenger and Columbia, as well as the astronauts who perished in training and commercial airplane accidents are emblazoned on the monument. Each year spaceport employees and guests join others throughout NASA honoring the contributions of astronauts who have perished in the conquest of space.
Sally Kneuven, daughter of NASA astronaut Elliot See, speaks during this year's Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Each year spaceport employees and guests join others throughout NASA honoring the contributions of astronauts who have perished in the conquest of space.
In the Swarmathon competition at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, students were asked to develop computer code for the small robots, programming them to look for "resources" in the form of AprilTag cubes, similar to barcodes. Teams developed search algorithms for the Swarmies to operate autonomously, communicating and interacting as a collective swarm similar to ants foraging for food. In the spaceport's third annual Swarmathon, 23 teams represented 24 minority serving universities and community colleges were invited to develop software code to operate these innovative robots known as "Swarmies" to help find resources when astronauts explore distant locations, such as the Moon or Mars.
The robotic miner from Mississippi State University digs in the mining arena during NASA's 8th Annual Robotic Mining Competition at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. More than 40 student teams from colleges and universities around the U.S. are using their uniquely-designed mining robots to dig in a supersized sandbox filled with BP-1, or simulated Martian soil, and participate in other competition requirements. The Robotic Mining Competition is a NASA Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate project designed to encourage students in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM fields. The project provides a competitive environment to foster innovative ideas and solutions that could be used on NASA's Journey to Mars.
Bob Crippen, former Kennedy center director and NASA astronaut, speaks to guests during an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence. Like Crippen, Lawrence was selected in the 1960s for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory Program. As such, Lawrence was the first African-American astronaut. He lost his life in a training accident 50 years ago. The ceremony took place in the Center for Space Education at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
From the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, guests joined Americans from coast to coast following the solar eclipse. Although a partial eclipse on Florida's Space Coast, young and old alike found many ways to watch the rare astronomical event. As the Moon passed between Earth and the midafternoon Sun, a shadow moved across the landscape. The 70-mile-wide totality path, or "umbral cone" -- where the entire Sun will vanish behind the Moon -- stretched across 14 states, from Oregon to South Carolina.
During an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence, The Winston Scott “Cosmic Jazz Ensemble” performed. Participants are, from the left, former NASA astronaut Winston Scott playing trumpet, Al Dodds on bass, Stan Soloko playing drums, vocalist Shyrl “Lady Tandy” Johnson, and Ron Teixeira playing piano. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory Program, Lawrence was the first African-American astronaut. He lost his life in a training accident 50 years ago. The ceremony took place in the Center for Space Education at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
Former NASA astronaut Eileen Collins, who now is chair of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, speaks during a tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory Program, Lawrence was the first African-American astronaut. He lost his life in a training accident 50 years ago. The ceremony took place in the Center for Space Education at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
Guests place flowers near the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The names of fallen astronauts from Apollo 1, Challenger and Columbia, as well as the astronauts who perished in training and commercial airplane accidents are emblazoned on the monument. During the annual Day of Remembrance, spaceport employees and guests join others throughout NASA honoring the contributions of astronauts who have perished in the conquest of space.
In the Swarmathon competition at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, students were asked to develop computer code for the small robots, programming them to look for "resources" in the form of cubes with AprilTags, similar to barcodes. Teams developed search algorithms for the Swarmies to operate autonomously, communicating and interacting as a collective swarm similar to ants foraging for food.
A programmable off-the-shelf Sphero robot is shown on a Mars mat at the Center for Space Education at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Spheros were available for students to practice their programming skills by navigating the robots around a challenge course on the mat. Students used the mat and Sphero robots during "loss of signal" times when the connection to the International Space Station was temporarily unavailable. Teams from across the state of Florida were gathered at Kennedy for the finals of the Zero Robotics Middle School Summer Program national championship. The five-week program allows rising sixth- through ninth-graders to write programs for small satellites called SPHERES (Synchronized, Position, Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites). Finalists saw their code tested aboard the orbiting laboratory.
A volunteer talks with a mining judge near the mining arena on the third day of NASA's 9th Robotic Mining Competition, May 16, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. More than 40 student teams from colleges and universities around the U.S. will use their mining robots to dig in a supersized sandbox filled with BP-1, or simulated Lunar soil, gravel and rocks, and participate in other competition requirements. The Robotic Mining Competition is a NASA Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate project designed to encourage students in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM fields. The project provides a competitive environment to foster innovative ideas and solutions that could be used on NASA's deep space missions.
Antonio "Tony" Knox, grand basileus of the Omega Psi Phi, speaks during an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence who was a member of the fraternity. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory Program, Lawrence was the first African-American astronaut. He lost his life in a training accident 50 years ago. The ceremony took place in the Center for Space Education at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
The Rocket Garden at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida is festively decorated and lit in green and red for Holidays in Space 2017. The event kicked off Dec. 20 with a dazzling performance by the dance group Fighting Gravity, followed by a fireworks finale. Holidays in Space 2017 includes nightly performances from Dec. 20 through 31, excluding Dec. 25.
Students and their sponsors gather for a commemorative photo in the Center for Space Education at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida after participating in the finals of the Zero Robotics Middle School Summer Program national championship. The five-week program allows rising sixth- through ninth-graders to write programs for small satellites called SPHERES (Synchronized, Position, Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites). Finalists saw their code tested aboard the International Space Station.
A cube identified with an AprilTag, similar to a barcode, is delivered to a "home" square in the middle of a competition arena during the Swarmathon competition. At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, student teams developed search algorithms for the Swarmies to operate autonomously, communicating and interacting as a collective swarm similar to ants foraging for food.
Students from Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute in Albuquerque, New Mexico, celebrate having captured first place and a $5,000 cash prize in the 2017 Swarmathon. The event at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex may lead to developing technology that could revolutionize space exploration by more effectively and efficiently locating hidden resources while astronauts explore distant destinations.
Scott D. Altman, second from left, is inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame (AHOF) during a ceremony inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. At far left, Hall of Famer Curt Brown, board chairman, Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF), inducts Altman into the Hall of Fame Class of 2018. At right is Hall of Famer John Grunsfeld, who spoke on Altman's behalf during the ceremony. At far right is Thomas D. Jones, Ph.D., who also was inducted into the AHOF Class of 2018. Inductees into the Hall of Fame are selected by a committee of Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, flight directors, historians and journalists. The process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. To be eligible, an astronaut must have made his or her first flight at least 17 years before the induction. Candidates must be a U.S. citizen and a NASA-trained commander, pilot or mission specialist who has orbited the earth at least once. Including Altman and Jones, 97 astronauts have been inducted into the AHOF.
State Sen. Thad Altman, president and CEO of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, speaks during this year's Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Each year spaceport employees and guests join others throughout NASA honoring the contributions of astronauts who have perished in the conquest of space.
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is seen during an aerial survey of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on September 12, 2017. The survey was performed to identify structures and facilities that may have sustained damage from Hurricane Irma as the storm passed Kennedy on September 10, 2017. NASA closed the center ahead of the storm's onset and only a small team of specialists known as the Rideout Team was on the center as the storm approached and passed.
Team members from the University of Arkansas pause with their robot miner in the RobotPits on the fourth day of NASA's 9th Robotic Mining Competition, May 17, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. More than 40 student teams from colleges and universities around the U.S. are using their mining robots to dig in a supersized sandbox filled with BP-1, or simulated Lunar soil, gravel and rocks, and participate in other competition requirements. The Robotic Mining Competition is a NASA Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate project designed to encourage students in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM fields. The project provides a competitive environment to foster innovative ideas and solutions that could be used on NASA's deep space missions.
In the Heroes and Legends exhibit at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, former NASA astronaut Richard Gordon's plaque is seen among others enshrined in the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Gordon performed two spacewalks during Gemini XI in 1966 and was command module pilot on Apollo 12 in 1969. Gordon died Nov. 6, 2017, at the age of 88.
In the Swarmathon competition at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, students were asked to develop computer code for the small robots, programming them to look for "resources" in the form of AprilTag cubes, similar to barcodes. Teams developed search algorithms for the Swarmies to operate autonomously, communicating and interacting as a collective swarm similar to ants foraging for food. In the spaceport's third annual Swarmathon, 23 teams represented 24 minority serving universities and community colleges were invited to develop software code to operate these innovative robots known as "Swarmies" to help find resources when astronauts explore distant locations, such as the Moon or Mars.