With a view of the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building at left, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket soars upward from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Nov. 15, 2020, carrying the company’s Crew Dragon Resilience capsule. Launch time was at 7:27 p.m. EST. Onboard the capsule are NASA’s SpaceX Crew-1 astronauts, Michael Hopkins, spacecraft commander; Victor Glover, pilot; Shannon Walker, mission specialist; and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Soichi Noguchi, mission specialist. Crew-1 is the first regular crew mission of a U.S. commercial spacecraft with astronauts to the International Space Station as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. The Crew Dragon will dock with the space station and the crew will remain on the orbiting laboratory for a six-month science mission.

Two Tesla vehicles carrying the NASA SpaceX Crew-1 astronauts are on their way to Launch Complex 39A on Nov. 15, 2020, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Inside the vehicles are NASA astronaut Michael Hopkins, spacecraft commander; NASA astronaut Victor Glover, pilot; NASA astronaut Shannon Walker, mission specialist; and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Soichi Noguchi, mission specialist. Crew-1 is the first regular crew mission of a U.S. commercial spacecraft with astronauts to the International Space Station as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. The SpaceX Crew Dragon Resilience capsule will launch atop the company’s Falcon 9 rocket from Pad 39A to the space station for a six-month science mission.

With a view of the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building at left, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket soars upward from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Nov. 15, 2020, carrying the company’s Crew Dragon Resilience capsule. Launch time was at 7:27 p.m. EST. Onboard the capsule are NASA’s SpaceX Crew-1 astronauts, Michael Hopkins, spacecraft commander; Victor Glover, pilot; Shannon Walker, mission specialist; and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Soichi Noguchi, mission specialist. Crew-1 is the first regular crew mission of a U.S. commercial spacecraft with astronauts to the International Space Station as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. The Crew Dragon will dock with the space station and the crew will remain on the orbiting laboratory for a six-month science mission.

From left, Artemis Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson with the Exploration Ground Systems Program and former NASA Space Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach speak during a meetup inside the Operations Support Building I at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Leinbach spoke about his experience as the launch director for several space shuttle missions and discussed the upcoming Artemis II mission that will send four astronauts around the Moon and back in early 2026 from the spaceport’s Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy.

From left, Artemis Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson with the Exploration Ground Systems Program and former NASA Space Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach speak during a meetup inside the Operations Support Building I at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Leinbach spoke about his experience as the launch director for several space shuttle missions and discussed the upcoming Artemis II mission that will send four astronauts around the Moon and back in early 2026 from the spaceport’s Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy.

Artemis Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson with the Exploration Ground Systems Program listens during a presentation by former NASA Space Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach inside the Operations Support Building I at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Leinbach spoke about his experience as the launch director for several space shuttle missions and discussed the upcoming Artemis II mission that will send four astronauts around the Moon and back in early 2026 from the spaceport’s Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy.

From left, Artemis Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson with the Exploration Ground Systems Program and former NASA Space Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach speak during a meetup inside the Operations Support Building I at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Leinbach spoke about his experience as the launch director for several space shuttle missions and discussed the upcoming Artemis II mission that will send four astronauts around the Moon and back in early 2026 from the spaceport’s Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy.

From left, Artemis Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson with the Exploration Ground Systems Program and former NASA Space Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach speak during a meetup inside the Operations Support Building I at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Leinbach spoke about his experience as the launch director for several space shuttle missions and discussed the upcoming Artemis II mission that will send four astronauts around the Moon and back in early 2026 from the spaceport’s Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy.

With a view of the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building at left, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket soars upward from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Nov. 15, 2020, carrying the company’s Crew Dragon Resilience capsule. Launch time was at 7:27 p.m. EST. Onboard the capsule are NASA’s SpaceX Crew-1 astronauts, Michael Hopkins, spacecraft commander; Victor Glover, pilot; Shannon Walker, mission specialist; and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Soichi Noguchi, mission specialist. Crew-1 is the first regular crew mission of a U.S. commercial spacecraft with astronauts to the International Space Station as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. The Crew Dragon will dock with the space station and the crew will remain on the orbiting laboratory for a six-month science mission.

Employees, invited guests and members of the news media await liftoff of the SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The demonstration flight is a significant milestone for the world's premier multi-user spaceport. In 2014, NASA signed a property agreement with SpaceX for the use and operation of the center's pad 39A, where the company has launched Falcon 9 rockets and is preparing for the first Falcon Heavy. NASA also has Space Act Agreements in place with partners, such as SpaceX, to provide services needed to process and launch rockets and spacecraft.

A panel discussion, featuring women in leadership roles at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, is held on Aug. 26, 2019, to celebrate Women’s Equality Day. The event, sponsored by the Kennedy Networking Opportunities for Women (KNOW) employee resource group, honored the 100th anniversary of the passing of the 19th amendment guaranteeing all American women the right to vote. Seated in front from left, are Digna Carballosa, director of the Human Resources Office; Nancy Bray, director of Spaceport Integration and Services; Jennifer Kunz, director of Safety and Mission Assurance; and Amanda Mitskevich, Launch Services Program manager. At far left, is Ashley Nelsen, Launch Service Program information manager and panel discussion moderator. The purpose of KNOW is to provide focus on issues such as employment, retention, promotion, training, career and personal development, education, and identify and eliminate barriers that hinder the advancement of women in the workforce.

A SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket begins its demonstration flight with liftoff at 3:45 p.m. EST from from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This is a significant milestone for the world's premier multi-user spaceport. In 2014, NASA signed a property agreement with SpaceX for the use and operation of the center's pad 39A, where the company has launched Falcon 9 rockets and prepared for the first Falcon Heavy. NASA also has Space Act Agreements in place with partners, such as SpaceX, to provide services needed to process and launch rockets and spacecraft.

A two-stage SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida for Demo-1, the first uncrewed mission of the agency’s Commercial Crew Program. Liftoff was at 2:49 a.m., March 2, 2019. The SpaceX Crew Dragon’s trip to the International Space Station 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 Commercial Crew Program 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.

A two-stage SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida for Demo-1, the first uncrewed mission of the agency’s Commercial Crew Program. Liftoff was at 2:49 a.m., March 2, 2019. The SpaceX Crew Dragon’s trip to the International Space Station 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 Commercial Crew Program 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.

A panel discussion, featuring women in leadership roles at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, is held on Aug. 26, 2019, to celebrate Women’s Equality Day. The event, sponsored by the Kennedy Networking Opportunities for Women (KNOW) employee resource group, honored the 100th anniversary of the passing of the 19th amendment guaranteeing all American women the right to vote. Seated in front from left, are Digna Carballosa, director of the Human Resources Office; Nancy Bray, director of Spaceport Integration and Services; Jennifer Kunz, director of Safety and Mission Assurance; and Amanda Mitskevich, Launch Services Program manager. At far left is Ashley Nelsen, Launch Service Program information manager and panel discussion moderator. The purpose of KNOW is to provide focus on issues such as employment, retention, promotion, training, career and personal development, education, and identify and eliminate barriers that hinder the advancement of women in the workforce.

With a view of the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building to the left, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon spacecraft lifts off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on May 30, 2020, for the agency’s SpaceX Demo-2 mission. The rocket lifted off at 3:22 p.m. EDT, carrying NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley to the International Space Station, making them the first astronauts to launch from U.S. soil since the end of the Space Shuttle Program in 2011. Part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, Demo-2 is SpaceX’s final flight test, paving the way for the agency to certify the crew transportation system for regular, crewed flights to the orbiting laboratory.

A two-stage SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida for Demo-1, the first uncrewed mission of the agency’s Commercial Crew Program. Liftoff was at 2:49 a.m., March 2, 2019. The SpaceX Crew Dragon’s trip to the International Space Station 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 Commercial Crew Program 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.

A panel discussion, featuring women in leadership roles at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, is held on Aug. 26, 2019, to celebrate Women’s Equality Day. The event, sponsored by the Kennedy Networking Opportunities for Women (KNOW) employee resource group, honored the 100th anniversary of the passing of the 19th amendment guaranteeing all American women the right to vote. Jennifer Kunz, director of Safety and Mission Assurance, answers a question. Seated at left is Digna Carballosa, director of the Human Resources Office. At far left is Ashley Nelsen, Launch Service Program information manager and panel discussion moderator. The purpose of KNOW is to provide focus on issues such as employment, retention, promotion, training, career and personal development, education, and identify and eliminate barriers that hinder the advancement of women in the workforce.

A SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket begins its demonstration flight with liftoff at 3:45 p.m. EST from from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This is a significant milestone for the world's premier multi-user spaceport. In 2014, NASA signed a property agreement with SpaceX for the use and operation of the center's pad 39A, where the company has launched Falcon 9 rockets and prepared for the first Falcon Heavy. NASA also has Space Act Agreements in place with partners, such as SpaceX, to provide services needed to process and launch rockets and spacecraft.

A SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket begins its demonstration flight with liftoff at 3:45 p.m. EST from from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This is a significant milestone for the world's premier multi-user spaceport. In 2014, NASA signed a property agreement with SpaceX for the use and operation of the center's pad 39A, where the company has launched Falcon 9 rockets and prepared for the first Falcon Heavy. NASA also has Space Act Agreements in place with partners, such as SpaceX, to provide services needed to process and launch rockets and spacecraft.

Employees, invited guests and members of the news media await liftoff of the SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The demonstration flight is a significant milestone for the world's premier multi-user spaceport. In 2014, NASA signed a property agreement with SpaceX for the use and operation of the center's pad 39A, where the company has launched Falcon 9 rockets and is preparing for the first Falcon Heavy. NASA also has Space Act Agreements in place with partners, such as SpaceX, to provide services needed to process and launch rockets and spacecraft.

A panel discussion, featuring women in leadership roles at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, is held on Aug. 26, 2019, to celebrate Women’s Equality Day. The event, sponsored by the Kennedy Networking Opportunities for Women (KNOW) employee resource group, honored the 100th anniversary of the passing of the 19th amendment guaranteeing all American women the right to vote. Seated from left, are Digna Carballosa, director of the Human Resources Office; Nancy Bray, director of Spaceport Integration and Services; Jennifer Kunz, director of Safety and Mission Assurance; and Amanda Mitskevich, Launch Services Program manager. The purpose of KNOW is to provide focus on issues such as employment, retention, promotion, training, career and personal development, education, and identify and eliminate barriers that hinder the advancement of women in the workforce.

The SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket’s two side cores descend toward landing at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida following a successful liftoff at 3:45 p.m. EST from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. This demonstration flight is a significant milestone for the world's premier multi-user spaceport. In 2014, NASA signed a property agreement with SpaceX for the use and operation of the center's pad 39A, where the company has launched Falcon 9 rockets and prepared for the first Falcon Heavy. NASA also has Space Act Agreements in place with partners, such as SpaceX, to provide services needed to process and launch rockets and spacecraft.

A brilliant blue sky serves as the backdrop for a panoramic view of the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building, mobile launcher at left, and Launch Control Center at right, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. These facilities are being upgraded for NASA's Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft for launches to deep space destinations, including the Moon, Mars and beyond.

A SpaceX Falcon Heavy stands at Launch Complex 39A, far right, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida awaiting liftoff on its demonstration flight. In the foreground is the center’s iconic Vehicle Assembly Building. The demonstration flight is a significant milestone for the world's premier multi-user spaceport. In 2014, NASA signed a property agreement with SpaceX for the use and operation of the center's pad 39A, where the company has launched Falcon 9 rockets and is preparing for the first Falcon Heavy. NASA also has Space Act Agreements in place with partners, such as SpaceX, to provide services needed to process and launch rockets and spacecraft.

A panel discussion, featuring women in leadership roles at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, is held on Aug. 26, 2019, to celebrate Women’s Equality Day. The event, sponsored by the Kennedy Networking Opportunities for Women (KNOW) employee resource group, honored the 100th anniversary of the passing of the 19th amendment guaranteeing all American women the right to vote. Seated in front from left, are Digna Carballosa, director of the Human Resources Office; Nancy Bray, director of Spaceport Integration and Services; Jennifer Kunz, director of Safety and Mission Assurance; and Amanda Mitskevich, Launch Services Program manager. At far left is Ashley Nelsen, Launch Service Program information manager and panel discussion moderator. The purpose of KNOW is to provide focus on issues such as employment, retention, promotion, training, career and personal development, education, and identify and eliminate barriers that hinder the advancement of women in the workforce.

The SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket’s two side cores descend toward landing at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida following a successful liftoff at 3:45 p.m. EST from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. This demonstration flight is a significant milestone for the world's premier multi-user spaceport. In 2014, NASA signed a property agreement with SpaceX for the use and operation of the center's pad 39A, where the company has launched Falcon 9 rockets and prepared for the first Falcon Heavy. NASA also has Space Act Agreements in place with partners, such as SpaceX, to provide services needed to process and launch rockets and spacecraft.

A panel discussion, featuring women in leadership roles at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, is held on Aug. 26, 2019, to celebrate Women’s Equality Day. The event, sponsored by the Kennedy Networking Opportunities for Women (KNOW) employee resource group, honored the 100th anniversary of the passing of the 19th amendment guaranteeing all American women the right to vote. Nancy Bray, director of Spaceport Integration and Services, answers a question. At left is Digna Carballosa, director of the Human Resources Office. The purpose of KNOW is to provide focus on issues such as employment, retention, promotion, training, career and personal development, education, and identify and eliminate barriers that hinder the advancement of women in the workforce.

The SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket’s two side cores descend toward landing at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida following a successful liftoff at 3:45 p.m. EST from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. This demonstration flight is a significant milestone for the world's premier multi-user spaceport. In 2014, NASA signed a property agreement with SpaceX for the use and operation of the center's pad 39A, where the company has launched Falcon 9 rockets and prepared for the first Falcon Heavy. NASA also has Space Act Agreements in place with partners, such as SpaceX, to provide services needed to process and launch rockets and spacecraft.

Employees, invited guests and members of the news media await liftoff of the SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The demonstration flight is a significant milestone for the world's premier multi-user spaceport. In 2014, NASA signed a property agreement with SpaceX for the use and operation of the center's pad 39A, where the company has launched Falcon 9 rockets and is preparing for the first Falcon Heavy. NASA also has Space Act Agreements in place with partners, such as SpaceX, to provide services needed to process and launch rockets and spacecraft.

A panel discussion, featuring women in leadership roles at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, is held on Aug. 26, 2019, to celebrate Women’s Equality Day. The event, sponsored by the Kennedy Networking Opportunities for Women (KNOW) employee resource group, honored the 100th anniversary of the passing of the 19th amendment guaranteeing all American women the right to vote. Seated in front from left, are Digna Carballosa, director of the Human Resources Office; Nancy Bray, director of Spaceport Integration and Services; Jennifer Kunz, director of Safety and Mission Assurance; and Amanda Mitskevich, Launch Services Program manager. At far left is Ashley Nelsen, Launch Service Program information manager and panel discussion moderator. The purpose of KNOW is to provide focus on issues such as employment, retention, promotion, training, career and personal development, education, and identify and eliminate barriers that hinder the advancement of women in the workforce.

A two-stage SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida for Demo-1, the first uncrewed mission of the agency’s Commercial Crew Program. Liftoff was at 2:49 a.m., March 2, 2019. The SpaceX Crew Dragon’s trip to the International Space Station 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 Commercial Crew Program 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.

A two-stage SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida for Demo-1, the first uncrewed mission of the agency’s Commercial Crew Program. Liftoff was at 2:49 a.m., March 2, 2019. The SpaceX Crew Dragon’s trip to the International Space Station 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 Commercial Crew Program 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.