
Robert Youngquist, center, Applied Physics Laboratory lead, received a U.S. Patent plaque for his invention, Surface Acoustic Wave Tag-Based Coherence Multiplexing, during the 2017 Innovation Expo at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. From left, are Kelvin Manning, Kennedy's associate director; Youngquist; and Dave Makufka, Kennedy's Technology Transfer Program manager. The purpose of the annual two-day expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among the Kennedy workforce. The event included several keynote speakers, training opportunities, an innovation showcase and the KSC Kickstart competition.

U.S. Patent plaques were awarded to, second from left, Luke Roberson, Trent Smith, Martha Williams and James Fesmire, for their invention, Aerogel/Polymer Composite Materials, known as Aeroplastic, during the 2017 Innovation Expo at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. At left is Kelvin Manning, Kennedy's associate director; and at far right is Dave Makufka, Kennedy's Technology Transfer Program manager. The purpose of the annual two-day expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among the Kennedy workforce. The event included several keynote speakers, training opportunities, an innovation showcase and the KSC Kickstart competition.

David Brady, ISS assistant program scientist, speaks to members of the media Thursday, Feb. 28, in the Kennedy Space Center’s Mission Briefing Room of the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building. The briefing focused on launch of the SpaceX Demo-1 Commercial Crew Program mission to the International Space Station. The inaugural flight of the Crew Dragon, known as Demo-1, will be uncrewed, lifting off atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Saturday, March 2, at 2:49 a.m. EST. The mission is designed to validate end-to-end systems and capabilities, leading to certification to fly crew. NASA has worked with SpaceX and Boeing in developing the CCP spacecraft to facilitate new human spaceflight systems launching from U.S. soil with the goal of safe, reliable and cost-effective access to low-Earth orbit destinations such as the space station.

Ivan Townsend III displays the four U.S. Patent plaques he received during a ceremony at the 2017 Innovation Expo at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The purpose of the annual two-day expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among the Kennedy workforce. The event included several keynote speakers, training opportunities, an innovation showcase and the KSC Kickstart competition.

Benji Reed, director of Crew Mission Management, SpaceX, speaks to members of the media Thursday, Feb. 28, in the Kennedy Space Center’s Mission Briefing Room of the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building. The briefing focused on launch of the SpaceX Demo-1 Commercial Crew Program mission to the International Space Station. The inaugural flight of the Crew Dragon, known as Demo-1, will be uncrewed, lifting off atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Saturday, March 2, at 2:49 a.m. EST. The mission is designed to validate end-to-end systems and capabilities, leading to certification to fly crew. NASA has worked with SpaceX and Boeing in developing the CCP spacecraft to facilitate new human spaceflight systems launching from U.S. soil with the goal of safe, reliable and cost-effective access to low-Earth orbit destinations such as the space station.

Mark Lewis displays the two U.S. Patent plaques he received during a ceremony at the 2017 Innovation Expo at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. To his right is Kelly Jones-McDowall, event co-chairperson. The purpose of the annual two-day expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among the Kennedy workforce. The event included several keynote speakers, training opportunities, an innovation showcase and the KSC Kickstart competition.

U.S. Patent plaques were awarded to, second from left, Jeffrey Carlson, Robert Mueller and Ivan Townsend III, for their invention, Dust and Debris Tolerant Dual Poppet Valve Connector, during the 2017 Innovation Expo at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Not pictured: Gary Basin and Kevin Murtland. At left is Kelvin Manning, Kennedy's associate director. At far right is Dave Makufka, Kennedy's Technology Transfer Program manager. The purpose of the annual two-day expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among the Kennedy workforce. The event included several keynote speakers, training opportunities, an innovation showcase and the KSC Kickstart competition.

Steve Payne, launch integration manager, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program Ground and Mission Operations Office, speaks to members of the media Thursday, Feb. 28, in the Kennedy Space Center’s Mission Briefing Room of the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building. The briefing focused on launch of the SpaceX Demo-1 Commercial Crew Program mission to the International Space Station. The inaugural flight of the Crew Dragon, known as Demo-1, will be uncrewed, lifting off atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Saturday, March 2, at 2:49 a.m. EST. The mission is designed to validate end-to-end systems and capabilities, leading to certification to fly crew. NASA has worked with SpaceX and Boeing in developing the CCP spacecraft to facilitate new human spaceflight systems launching from U.S. soil with the goal of safe, reliable and cost-effective access to low-Earth orbit destinations such as the space station.

Kelli Maloney, NASA Ground Systems lead engineer, speaks to members of the media Thursday, Feb. 28, in the Kennedy Space Center’s Mission Briefing Room of the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building. The briefing focused on launch of the SpaceX Demo-1 Commercial Crew Program mission to the International Space Station. The inaugural flight of the Crew Dragon, known as Demo-1, will be uncrewed, lifting off atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Saturday, March 2, at 2:49 a.m. EST. The mission is designed to validate end-to-end systems and capabilities, leading to certification to fly crew. NASA has worked with SpaceX and Boeing in developing the CCP spacecraft to facilitate new human spaceflight systems launching from U.S. soil with the goal of safe, reliable and cost-effective access to low-Earth orbit destinations such as the space station.

U.S. Patent plaques were awarded to, second from left, Mark Lewis, Adam Dokos, Robert Mueller, Jeffrey Carlson and Ivan Townsend III, for their invention, Dust Tolerant Connectors, during the 2017 Innovation Expo at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Not pictured: Gary Basin, Matthew Branch, Kevin Murtland, Matthew Nugent and Gabor Tamasy. At left is Kelvin Manning, Kennedy's associate director. At far right is Dave Makufka, Kennedy's Technology Transfer Program manager. The purpose of the annual two-day expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among the Kennedy workforce. The event included several keynote speakers, training opportunities, an innovation showcase and the KSC Kickstart competition.

NASA Kennedy Space Center workers display their U.S. Patent plaques during a ceremony at the 2017 Innovation Expo at the center. From left, are Luke Robertson, Trent Smith, Kelly Jones-McDowall, event co-chairperson, Martha Williams and Dr. James Fesmire. The purpose of the annual two-day expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among the Kennedy workforce. The event included several keynote speakers, training opportunities, an innovation showcase and the KSC Kickstart competition.

Guest speaker Gabriel Alsenas discusses ocean renewable energy sources with NASA Kennedy Space Center employees in the spaceport’s Mission Briefing Room on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018. Alsenas is director of the Southeast National Marine Renewable Energy Center at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. The “lunch and learn” event is one of two scheduled during October in conjunction with Energy Awareness Month, which aims to recognize the importance of energy management for our national prosperity, security and environmental sustainability.

U.S. Patent plaques were awarded to, second from left, Adam Dokos, Mark Lewis, Jeffrey Carlson and Ivan Townsend III, for their invention, Dust and Debris Tolerant Retractable Cover, during the 2017 Innovation Expo at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Not pictured: Gary Basin and Kevin Murtland. At left is Kelvin Manning, Kennedy's associate director. At far right is Dave Makufka, Kennedy's Technology Transfer Program manager. The purpose of the annual two-day expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among the Kennedy workforce. The event included several keynote speakers, training opportunities, an innovation showcase and the KSC Kickstart competition.

Moderator McManus Woodend, NASA Communications, speaks to members of the media Thursday, Feb. 28, in the Kennedy Space Center’s Mission Briefing Room of the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building. The briefing focused on launch of the SpaceX Demo-1 Commercial Crew Program mission to the International Space Station. The inaugural flight of the Crew Dragon, known as Demo-1, will be uncrewed, lifting off atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Saturday, March 2, at 2:49 a.m. EST. The mission is designed to validate end-to-end systems and capabilities, leading to certification to fly crew. NASA has worked with SpaceX and Boeing in developing the CCP spacecraft to facilitate new human spaceflight systems launching from U.S. soil with the goal of safe, reliable and cost-effective access to low-Earth orbit destinations such as the space station.

U.S. Patent plaques were awarded to, second from left, Robert Mueller, Adam Dokos and Ivan Townsend III, for their invention, Self-Cleaning Filament Connector, during the 2017 Innovation Expo at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. At left is Kelvin Manning, Kennedy's associate director. At far right is Dave Makufka, Kennedy's Technology Transfer Program manager. The purpose of the annual two-day expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among the Kennedy workforce. The event included several keynote speakers, training opportunities, an innovation showcase and the KSC Kickstart competition.

Guest speaker Gabriel Alsenas discusses ocean renewable energy sources with NASA Kennedy Space Center employees in the spaceport’s Mission Briefing Room on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018. Alsenas is director of the Southeast National Marine Renewable Energy Center at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. The “lunch and learn” event is one of two scheduled during October in conjunction with Energy Awareness Month, which aims to recognize the importance of energy management for our national prosperity, security and environmental sustainability.

Guest speaker Gabriel Alsenas discusses ocean renewable energy sources with NASA Kennedy Space Center employees in the spaceport’s Mission Briefing Room on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018. Alsenas is director of the Southeast National Marine Renewable Energy Center at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. The “lunch and learn” event is one of two scheduled during October in conjunction with Energy Awareness Month, which aims to recognize the importance of energy management for our national prosperity, security and environmental sustainability.

Benji Reed, director of Crew Mission Management, SpaceX, speaks to members of the media Thursday, Feb. 28, in the Kennedy Space Center’s Mission Briefing Room of the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building. The briefing focused on launch of the SpaceX Demo-1 Commercial Crew Program mission to the International Space Station. The inaugural flight of the Crew Dragon, known as Demo-1, will be uncrewed, lifting off atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Saturday, March 2, at 2:49 a.m. EST. The mission is designed to validate end-to-end systems and capabilities, leading to certification to fly crew. NASA has worked with SpaceX and Boeing in developing the CCP spacecraft to facilitate new human spaceflight systems launching from U.S. soil with the goal of safe, reliable and cost-effective access to low-Earth orbit destinations such as the space station.

Carol Scott, deputy manager, NASA Commercial Crew Program Launch Vehicle Office, speaks to members of the media Thursday, Feb. 28, in the Kennedy Space Center’s Mission Briefing Room of the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building. The briefing focused on launch of the SpaceX Demo-1 Commercial Crew Program mission to the International Space Station. The inaugural flight of the Crew Dragon, known as Demo-1, will be uncrewed, lifting off atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Saturday, March 2, at 2:49 a.m. EST. The mission is designed to validate end-to-end systems and capabilities, leading to certification to fly crew. NASA has worked with SpaceX and Boeing in developing the CCP spacecraft to facilitate new human spaceflight systems launching from U.S. soil with the goal of safe, reliable and cost-effective access to low-Earth orbit destinations such as the space station.

Trent Smith, project manager in the ISS Exploration Research and Technology Program, displays the U.S. Patent plaque he received during a ceremony at the 2017 Innovation Expo at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The purpose of the annual two-day expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among the Kennedy workforce. The event included several keynote speakers, training opportunities, an innovation showcase and the KSC Kickstart competition.

Jeffrey Carlson displays the three U.S. Patent plaques he received during a ceremony at the 2017 Innovation Expo at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The purpose of the annual two-day expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among the Kennedy workforce. The event included several keynote speakers, training opportunities, an innovation showcase and the KSC Kickstart competition.

Members of the media, along with NASA and SpaceX officials, gather in the Kennedy Space Center’s Mission Briefing Room of the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building on Thursday, Feb. 28. The briefing focused on launch of the SpaceX Demo-1 Commercial Crew Program mission to the International Space Station. The inaugural flight of the Crew Dragon, known as Demo-1, will be uncrewed, lifting off atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Saturday, March 2, at 2:49 a.m. EST. The mission is designed to validate end-to-end systems and capabilities, leading to certification to fly crew. NASA has worked with SpaceX and Boeing in developing the CCP spacecraft to facilitate new human spaceflight systems launching from U.S. soil with the goal of safe, reliable and cost-effective access to low-Earth orbit destinations such as the space station.

Robert Mueller displays the three U.S. Patent plaques he received during a ceremony at the 2017 Innovation Expo at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The purpose of the annual two-day expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among the Kennedy workforce. The event included several keynote speakers, training opportunities, an innovation showcase and the KSC Kickstart competition.

Members of the media, along with NASA and SpaceX officials, gather in the Kennedy Space Center’s Mission Briefing Room of the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building on Thursday, Feb. 28. The briefing focused on launch of the SpaceX Demo-1 Commercial Crew Program mission to the International Space Station. The inaugural flight of the Crew Dragon, known as Demo-1, will be uncrewed, lifting off atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Saturday, March 2, at 2:49 a.m. EST. The mission is designed to validate end-to-end systems and capabilities, leading to certification to fly crew. NASA has worked with SpaceX and Boeing in developing the CCP spacecraft to facilitate new human spaceflight systems launching from U.S. soil with the goal of safe, reliable and cost-effective access to low-Earth orbit destinations such as the space station.

James Beahn, Launch Vehicle lead engineer, speaks to members of the media Thursday, Feb. 28, in the Kennedy Space Center’s Mission Briefing Room of the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building. The briefing focused on launch of the SpaceX Demo-1 Commercial Crew Program mission to the International Space Station. The inaugural flight of the Crew Dragon, known as Demo-1, will be uncrewed, lifting off atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Saturday, March 2, at 2:49 a.m. EST. The mission is designed to validate end-to-end systems and capabilities, leading to certification to fly crew. NASA has worked with SpaceX and Boeing in developing the CCP spacecraft to facilitate new human spaceflight systems launching from U.S. soil with the goal of safe, reliable and cost-effective access to low-Earth orbit destinations such as the space station.

James Beahn, Launch Vehicle lead engineer, speaks to members of the media Thursday, Feb. 28, in the Kennedy Space Center’s Mission Briefing Room of the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building. The briefing focused on launch of the SpaceX Demo-1 Commercial Crew Program mission to the International Space Station. The inaugural flight of the Crew Dragon, known as Demo-1, will be uncrewed, lifting off atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Saturday, March 2, at 2:49 a.m. EST. The mission is designed to validate end-to-end systems and capabilities, leading to certification to fly crew. NASA has worked with SpaceX and Boeing in developing the CCP spacecraft to facilitate new human spaceflight systems launching from U.S. soil with the goal of safe, reliable and cost-effective access to low-Earth orbit destinations such as the space station.

U.S. and Canadian Patent plaques were awarded to, second from left, Phillip Maloney, Robert Devor and Jacqueline Quinn, for their invention, Removing Halogenated Compounds from Contaminated Systems, during the 2017 Innovation Expo at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Not pictured: James Captain. At left is Kelvin Manning, Kennedy's associate director. At far right is Dave Makufka, Kennedy's Technology Transfer Program manager. The purpose of the annual two-day expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among the Kennedy workforce. The event included several keynote speakers, training opportunities, an innovation showcase and the KSC Kickstart competition.

Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana speaks to employees during an innovation showcase on Nov. 19, 2019, in the Florida spaceport’s Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building’s Mission Briefing Room. Nearly 50 exhibitors gathered to participate in the center’s Innovation Days – one of several events throughout the year aimed at fostering and encouraging an innovative culture at Kennedy. Showcase participants included individuals from multiple directorates, programs and organizations throughout Kennedy. In addition to the showcase, employees had the opportunity to attend an overview presentation on NASA’s Human Landing System (HLS), hosted by HLS Program Manager Lisa Watson-Morgan.

Plants utilized for ground experiments at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida that complement plant research on the International Space Station are photographed at an innovation showcase on Nov. 19, 2019. Nearly 50 exhibitors gathered in the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building’s Mission Briefing Room to participate in the center’s Innovation Days – one of several events throughout the year aimed at fostering an encouraging an innovative culture at Kennedy. Showcase participants included individuals from multiple directorates, programs and organizations throughout Kennedy. In addition to the showcase, employees had the opportunity to attend an overview presentation on NASA’s Human Landing System (HLS), hosted by HLS Program Manager Lisa Watson-Morgan.

Melanie Pickett, a post-doctorate researcher at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, participates in an innovation showcase on Nov. 19, 2019, in the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building’s Mission Briefing Room. A first-time participant, Pickett presented information on an Algae Membrane Photobioreactor she and others are developing that would eliminate the need for sending water treated with toxic chemicals – currently used to break down urine – to the International Space Station. Nearly 50 exhibitors gathered to demonstrate new technologies and innovations during the center’s Innovation Days – one of several events throughout the year aimed at fostering and encouraging an innovative culture at Kennedy. Showcase participants included individuals from multiple directorates, programs and organizations throughout Kennedy. In addition to the showcase, employees had the opportunity to attend an overview presentation on NASA’s Human Landing System (HLS), hosted by HLS Program Manager Lisa Watson-Morgan.

Lisa-Watson Morgan, NASA’s Human Landing System program manager, provides an overview of the program to Kennedy Space Center employees in the Florida spaceport’s Training Auditorium on Nov. 19, 2019. Watson-Morgan’s presentation was part of the center’s Innovation Days, one of several events throughout the year aimed at fostering and encouraging an innovative culture at Kennedy. In addition to the presentation, Kennedy employees had the opportunity to attend an innovation showcase, where nearly 50 exhibitors demonstrated new technologies and innovations. Showcase participants included individuals from multiple directorates, programs and organizations throughout Kennedy.

Kennedy Space Center employees are photographed at an innovation showcase, hosted by the Office of the Chief Technologist, on Nov. 19, 2019, in the Florida spaceport’s Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building’s Mission Briefing Room. On the bottom right is Kathy Loftin, deputy chief technologist at Kennedy. Nearly 50 exhibitors gathered to participate in the center’s Innovation Days – one of several events throughout the year aimed at fostering and encouraging an innovative culture at Kennedy. Showcase participants included individuals from multiple directorates, programs and organizations throughout Kennedy. In addition to the showcase, employees had the opportunity to attend an overview presentation on NASA’s Human Landing System (HLS), hosted by HLS Program Manager Lisa Watson-Morgan.

Kennedy Space Center employees participate in an innovation showcase on Nov. 19, 2019, in the Florida spaceport’s Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building’s Mission Briefing Room. Nearly 50 exhibitors gathered to demonstrate new technologies and innovations during the center’s Innovation Days – one of several events throughout the year aimed at fostering and encouraging an innovative culture at Kennedy. Showcase participants included individuals from multiple directorates, programs and organizations throughout Kennedy. In addition to the showcase, employees had the opportunity to attend an overview presentation on NASA’s Human Landing System (HLS), hosted by HLS Program Manager Lisa Watson-Morgan.

Applied Physics Laboratory Lead Physicist Dr. Bob Youngquist demonstrates technology recently used to resolve a technical challenge at Kennedy Space Center during an innovation showcase on Nov. 19, 2019, in the Florida spaceport’s Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building’s Mission Briefing Room. Nearly 50 exhibitors gathered to participate in the center’s Innovation Days – one of several events throughout the year aimed at fostering and encouraging an innovative culture at Kennedy. Showcase participants included individuals from multiple directorates, programs and organizations throughout Kennedy. In addition to the showcase, employees had the opportunity to attend an overview presentation on NASA’s Human Landing System (HLS), hosted by HLS Program Manager Lisa Watson-Morgan.

Lisa-Watson Morgan, NASA’s Human Landing System program manager, provides an overview of the program to Kennedy Space Center employees in the Florida spaceport’s Training Auditorium on Nov. 19, 2019. Watson-Morgan’s presentation was part of the center’s Innovation Days, one of several events throughout the year aimed at fostering and encouraging an innovative culture at Kennedy. In addition to the presentation, Kennedy employees had the opportunity to attend an innovation showcase, where nearly 50 exhibitors demonstrated new technologies and innovations. Showcase participants included individuals from multiple directorates, programs and organizations throughout Kennedy.

A Kennedy Space Center employee demonstrates a new technology during an innovation showcase on Nov. 19, 2019, in the Florida spaceport’s Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building’s Mission Briefing Room. Nearly 50 exhibitors gathered to participate in the center’s Innovation Days – one of several events throughout the year aimed at fostering and encouraging an innovative culture at Kennedy. Showcase participants included individuals from multiple directorates, programs and organizations throughout Kennedy. In addition to the showcase, employees had the opportunity to attend an overview presentation on NASA’s Human Landing System (HLS), hosted by HLS Program Manager Lisa Watson-Morgan.

Bear Ride, the sister of pioneering astronaut Sally Ride, speaks during “The Legacy of Sally Ride: The First American Woman in Space” event at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 15, 2023. Forty years ago, Ride made her trailblazing flight into space. A hero to millions, Ride was a steadfast advocate for inclusion in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) – especially for girls and young women – until her death in 2012 from pancreatic cancer.

NASA Chief Historian Brian Odom moderates “The Legacy of Sally Ride: The First American Woman in Space” event at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 15, 2023. Forty years ago, Ride made her trailblazing flight into space. A hero to millions, Ride was a steadfast advocate for inclusion in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) – especially for girls and young women – until her death in 2012 from pancreatic cancer. Appearing on the monitor in the background is Sally Ride’s life partner of 27 years, Tam O’Shaughnessy.

Two Kennedy Space Center employees engage in conversation during an innovation showcase on Nov. 19, 2019, in the Florida spaceport’s Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building’s Mission Briefing Room. Nearly 50 exhibitors gathered to demonstrate new technologies and innovations during the center’s Innovation Days – one of several events throughout the year aimed at fostering and encouraging an innovative culture at Kennedy. Showcase participants included individuals from multiple directorates, programs and organizations throughout Kennedy. In addition to the showcase, employees had the opportunity to attend an overview presentation on NASA’s Human Landing System (HLS), hosted by HLS Program Manager Lisa Watson-Morgan.

Lisa-Watson Morgan, NASA’s Human Landing System program manager, provides an overview of the program to Kennedy Space Center employees in the Florida spaceport’s Training Auditorium on Nov. 19, 2019. Watson-Morgan’s presentation was part of the center’s Innovation Days, one of several events throughout the year aimed at fostering and encouraging an innovative culture at Kennedy. In addition to the presentation, Kennedy employees had the opportunity to attend an innovation showcase, where nearly 50 exhibitors demonstrated new technologies and innovations. Showcase participants included individuals from multiple directorates, programs and organizations throughout Kennedy.

A Kennedy Space Center employee participates in an innovation showcase on Nov. 19, 2019, in the Florida spaceport’s Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building’s Mission Briefing Room. Nearly 50 exhibitors gathered to demonstrate new technologies and innovations during the center’s Innovation Days – one of several events throughout the year aimed at fostering and encouraging an innovative culture at Kennedy. Showcase participants included individuals from multiple directorates, programs and organizations throughout Kennedy. In addition to the showcase, employees had the opportunity to attend an overview presentation on NASA’s Human Landing System (HLS), hosted by HLS Program Manager Lisa Watson-Morgan.

Melanie Pickett, right, a post-doctorate researcher at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, speaks to Center Director Bob Cabana about an Algae Membrane Photobioreactor she and others are working on developing during an innovation showcase on Nov. 19, 2019, in the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building’s Mission Briefing Room. The bioreactor device would eliminate the need for sending pre-treated water – currently used to break down urine – to the International Space Station, reducing the amount of human exposure to toxic chemicals. Nearly 50 exhibitors gathered to demonstrate new technologies and innovations during the center’s Innovation Days – one of several events throughout the year aimed at fostering and encouraging an innovative culture at Kennedy. Showcase participants included individuals from multiple directorates, programs and organizations throughout Kennedy. In addition to the showcase, employees had the opportunity to attend an overview presentation on NASA’s Human Landing System (HLS), hosted by HLS Program Manager Lisa Watson-Morgan.

Kennedy Space Center Associate Director, Technical, Kelvin Manning tries out a virtual reality headset during an innovation showcase on Nov. 19, 2019, in the Florida spaceport’s Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building’s Mission Briefing Room. Nearly 50 exhibitors gathered to demonstrate new technologies and innovations during the center’s Innovation Days – one of several events throughout the year aimed at fostering and encouraging an innovative culture at Kennedy. Showcase participants included individuals from multiple directorates, programs and organizations throughout Kennedy. In addition to the showcase, employees had the opportunity to attend an overview presentation on NASA’s Human Landing System (HLS), hosted by HLS Program Manager Lisa Watson-Morgan.

A Kennedy Space Center employee attends an innovation showcase on Nov. 19, 2019, in the Florida spaceport’s Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building’s Mission Briefing Room. Nearly 50 exhibitors gathered to demonstrate new technologies and innovations during the center’s Innovation Days – one of several events throughout the year aimed at fostering and encouraging an innovative culture at Kennedy. Showcase participants included individuals from multiple directorates, programs and organizations throughout Kennedy. In addition to the showcase, employees had the opportunity to attend an overview presentation on NASA’s Human Landing System (HLS), hosted by HLS Program Manager Lisa Watson-Morgan.

Retired NASA astronaut Eileen Collins participates in a special presentation and question and answer session inside the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building’s Mission Briefing Room at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Collins visited NASA Kennedy in celebration of the 25th anniversary of becoming the first woman to command a space mission during STS-93, in which space shuttle Columbia lifted off from the spaceport’s Launch Complex 39B on July 23, 1999.

Kennedy Space Center employees attend “The Legacy of Sally Ride: The First American Woman in Space” event at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 15, 2023. Forty years ago, Ride made her trailblazing flight into space. A hero to millions, Ride was a steadfast advocate for inclusion in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) – especially for girls and young women – until her death in 2012 from pancreatic cancer.

Lisa-Watson Morgan, NASA’s Human Landing System program manager, provides an overview of the program to Kennedy Space Center employees in the Florida spaceport’s Training Auditorium on Nov. 19, 2019. Watson-Morgan’s presentation was part of the center’s Innovation Days, one of several events throughout the year aimed at fostering and encouraging an innovative culture at Kennedy. In addition to the presentation, Kennedy employees had the opportunity to attend an innovation showcase, where nearly 50 exhibitors demonstrated new technologies and innovations. Showcase participants included individuals from multiple directorates, programs and organizations throughout Kennedy.

Kennedy Space Center employees participate in an innovation showcase on Nov. 19, 2019, in the Florida spaceport’s Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building’s Mission Briefing Room. Nearly 50 exhibitors gathered to demonstrate new technologies and innovations during the center’s Innovation Days – one of several events throughout the year aimed at fostering and encouraging an innovative culture at Kennedy. Showcase participants included individuals from multiple directorates, programs and organizations throughout Kennedy. In addition to the showcase, employees had the opportunity to attend an overview presentation on NASA’s Human Landing System (HLS), hosted by HLS Program Manager Lisa Watson-Morgan.

Tam O’Shaughnessy, center (on the monitor), speaks during “The Legacy of Sally Ride: The First American Woman in Space” event at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 15, 2023. O’Shaughnessy was Ride’s lifetime partner for 27 years, until the pioneering astronaut died in 2012 at age 61 from pancreatic cancer. NASA Chief Historian Brian Odom, left, and Bear Ride, Sally Ride’s sister, also participated in the event. Forty years ago, Ride made her trailblazing flight into space. She also was a physicist and a steadfast advocate for inclusion in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) – especially for girls and young women.

A Kennedy Space Center employee participates in an innovation showcase on Nov. 19, 2019, in the Florida spaceport’s Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building’s Mission Briefing Room. Nearly 50 exhibitors gathered to demonstrate new technologies and innovations during the center’s Innovation Days – one of several events throughout the year aimed at fostering and encouraging an innovative culture at Kennedy. Showcase participants included individuals from multiple directorates, programs and organizations throughout Kennedy. In addition to the showcase, employees had the opportunity to attend an overview presentation on NASA’s Human Landing System (HLS), hosted by HLS Program Manager Lisa Watson-Morgan.

Retired NASA astronaut Eileen Collins participates in a special presentation and question and answer session inside the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building’s Mission Briefing Room at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Collins visited NASA Kennedy in celebration of the 25th anniversary of becoming the first woman to command a space mission during STS-93, in which space shuttle Columbia lifted off from the spaceport’s Launch Complex 39B on July 23, 1999.

An interactive augmented reality sandbox, used by Swamp Works personnel to visually demonstrate the work being done in the Granular Mechanics and Regolith Operations laboratory at the Kennedy Space Center to produce high-fidelity models of rocket plume impingement on the lunar surface, is photographed during an innovation showcase on Nov. 19, 2019. Nearly 50 exhibitors gathered in the Florida spaceport’s Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building’s Mission Briefing Room to participate in the center’s Innovation Days – one of several events throughout the year aimed at fostering an encouraging an innovative culture at Kennedy. Showcase participants included individuals from multiple directorates, programs and organizations throughout Kennedy. In addition to the showcase, employees had the opportunity to attend an overview presentation on NASA’s Human Landing System (HLS), hosted by HLS Program Manager Lisa Watson-Morgan.

Jennifer Kunz, associate director, technical, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, addresses the audience at “The Legacy of Sally Ride: The First American Woman in Space” event at the Florida spaceport on June 15, 2023. Forty years ago, Ride made her trailblazing flight into space. A hero to millions, Ride was a steadfast advocate for inclusion in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) – especially for girls and young women – until her death in 2012 from pancreatic cancer.

Retired NASA astronaut Eileen Collins poses with NASA employees and contractors after participating in a special presentation and question and answer session inside the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building’s Mission Briefing Room at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Collins visited NASA Kennedy in celebration of the 25th anniversary of becoming the first woman to command a space mission during STS-93, in which space shuttle Columbia lifted off from the spaceport’s Launch Complex 39B on July 23, 1999.

Kennedy Space Center Chief Technologist Barbara Brown, left, and Deputy Chief Technologist Kathy Loftin are photographed during an innovation showcase on Nov. 19, 2019, in the Florida spaceport’s Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building’s Mission Briefing Room. Nearly 50 exhibitors gathered to demonstrate new technologies and innovations during the center’s Innovation Days – one of several events throughout the year aimed at fostering and encouraging an innovative culture at Kennedy. Showcase participants included individuals from multiple directorates, programs and organizations throughout Kennedy. In addition to the showcase, employees had the opportunity to attend an overview presentation on NASA’s Human Landing System (HLS), hosted by HLS Program Manager Lisa Watson-Morgan.

Barbara Brown, chief technologist at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, speaks to Kennedy employees inside the Florida spaceport’s Training Auditorium on Nov. 19, 2019, during Innovation Days. One of several events throughout the year aimed at fostering and encouraging an innovative culture at Kennedy, Innovation Days highlights how employees at the multi-user spaceport are constantly looking for new solutions to challenges they face at work. Also part of Innovation Days was an innovation showcase, where nearly 50 exhibitors demonstrated new technologies and innovations. Showcase participants included individuals from multiple directorates, programs and organizations throughout Kennedy.