Dr. Michael Griffin testifies, Tuesday, April 12, 2005, during his confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. If confirmed, Griffin, who currently heads the space department at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory will become NASA's 11th administrator. Photo Credit (NASA/Renee Bouchard)
Dr. Michael Griffin testifies, Tuesday, April 12, 2005, during his confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. If confirmed, Griffin, who currently heads the space department at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory will become NASA's 11th administrator. Photo Credit (NASA/Renee Bouchard)
NASA Administrator Michael Griffin, left, shakes hands with Yuriy Yekhanurov, Prime Minister of Ukraine after a visit to NASA Headquarters on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2005 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Dr. Michael Griffin testifies, Tuesday, April 12, 2005, during his confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. If confirmed, Griffin, who currently heads the space department at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory will become NASA's 11th administrator. Photo Credit (NASA/Renee Bouchard)
NASA Administrator Michael Griffin, left, presents Yuriy Yekhanurov, Prime Minister of Ukraine, with a montage following a meeting Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2005, at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
NASA Administrator Michael Griffin, foreground left, sits across the table from Yuriy Yekhanurov, Prime Minister of Ukraine, during a courtesy visit Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2005, at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., testifies before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee during the confirmation hearing of Dr. Michael Griffin, rear center, Tuesday, April 12, 2005, at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. Griffin currently heads the space department at Johns Hopkins University's Applied Physics Laboratory. If confirmed by the full U.S. Senate, Dr. Griffin would be NASA's 11th administrator. Photo Credit: (NASA/Renee Bouchard)
U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., left, talks with Michael Griffin as Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Tx., and Griffin's wife Rebecca look on prior to his testimony, Tuesday, April 12, 2005, at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. If confirmed, Griffin, who currently heads the space department at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory will become NASA's 11th administrator. Photo Credit: (NASA/Renee Bouchard)
Yuriy Yekhanurov, Prime Minister of Ukraine, left, and NASA Administrator Michael Griffin, walk together prior to the start of a meeting Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2005, at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
NASA Administrator Michael Griffin, right, meets with aerospace engineer Burt Rutan Wednesday, April 20, 2005 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Renee Bouchard)
Dr. Michael Griffin testifies, Tuesday, April 12, 2005, during his confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. If confirmed, Griffin, who currently heads the space department at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory will become NASA's 11th administrator. Photo Credit (NASA/Renee Bouchard)
Dr. Michael Griffin testifies, Tuesday, April 12, 2005, during his confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. If confirmed, Griffin, who currently heads the space department at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory will become NASA's 11th administrator. Photo Credit (NASA/Renee Bouchard)
Dr. Michael Griffin testifies, Tuesday, April 12, 2005, during his confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. If confirmed, Griffin, who currently heads the space department at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory will become NASA's 11th administrator. Photo Credit (NASA/Renee Bouchard)
Director General of the National Space Agency of Ukraine Yuriy Sergiyovych Alekseyev, left, NASA Administrator Michael Griffin, center, and Prime Minister of Ukraine Yuriy Yekhanurov pose for a photograph prior to their meeting at NASA Headquarters, Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2005, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Dr. Michael Griffin, right, talks with his wife Rebecca Griffin prior to testifying at his confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee, Tuesday, April 12, 2005, at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. If confirmed, Griffin, who currently heads the space department at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory will become NASA's 11th administrator. Photo Credit (NASA/Renee Bouchard)
U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., testifies before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee during the confirmation hearing of Dr. Michael Griffin, right background, Tuesday, April 12, 2005, at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. Griffin currently heads the space department at Johns Hopkins University's Applied Physics Laboratory. If confirmed by the full U.S. Senate, Dr. Griffin would be NASA's 11th administrator. Photo Credit: (NASA/Renee Bouchard)
U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., testifies before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee during the confirmation hearing of Dr. Michael Griffin, rear center, Tuesday, April 12, 2005, at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. Griffin currently heads the space department at Johns Hopkins University's Applied Physics Laboratory. If confirmed by the full U.S. Senate, Dr. Griffin would be NASA's 11th administrator. Photo Credit: (NASA/Renee Bouchard)
Dr. Michael Griffin testifies, Tuesday, April 12, 2005, during his confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. If confirmed, Griffin, who currently heads the space department at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory will become NASA's 11th administrator. Photo Credit (NASA/Renee Bouchard)
Portrait, Michael Griffin, Administrator, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Washington, DC, April 25, 2005. Photo Credit: (NASA/Renee Bouchard)
Dr. Michael Griffin testifies, Tuesday, April 12, 2005, during his confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. If confirmed, Griffin, who currently heads the space department at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory will become NASA's 11th administrator. Photo Credit (NASA/Renee Bouchard)
Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin, left, meets with Gene Kranz, retired NASA Flight Director and manager, back stage after the "Salute to Apollo" ceremony at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Saturday, July 18, 2009 in Washington. The event was part of NASA's week long celebration of the Apollo 40th Anniversary. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Guest view works of art by NASA Apollo 12 Astronaut and Artist Alan Bean during the opening of the show "Alan Bean: Painting Apollo, First Artist on Another World" at the National Air and Space Museum, Monday, July 20, 2009 in Washington. The show opening coincided with the 40th anniversary celebration of Apollo. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
NASA chief historian Steven Dick, seated left, shares a laugh with panelists John Logsdon, Roger Launius, Michael Neufeld, Cristina Guidi and Craig Nelson, at an Apollo History and Legacy roundtable discussion, Thursday, July 16, 2009, at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
Shana Dale, center, is sworn in as NASA's deputy administrator by Dr. John H. Marburger, left, Director, Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), Executive Office of the President, Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2005, at NASA Headquarters in Washington. With Ms. Dale is Mr. Mike Fagan. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
NASA Administrator Charles F. Bolden appears in front of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology to discuss the President's FY 2011 budget request, Thursday, Feb. 25, 2010, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
Space shuttle Discovery, mounted atop a NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), flies over the Washington skyline as seen from a NASA T-38 aircraft, Tuesday, April 17, 2012. Discovery, the first orbiter retired from NASA’s shuttle fleet, completed 39 missions, spent 365 days in space, orbited the Earth 5,830 times, and traveled 148,221,675 miles. NASA will transfer Discovery to the National Air and Space Museum to begin its new mission to commemorate past achievements in space and to educate and inspire future generations of explorers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Robert Markowitz)
Members of the National Symphony Orchestra, under Conductor Emil de Cou, perform during the "Salute to Apollo" ceremony at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Saturday, July 18, 2009 in Washington. The event was part of NASA's week long celebration of the Apollo 40th Anniversary. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
NASA Deputy Administrator Shana Dale answers questions during a hearing before the House Science & Technology Committee regarding NASA's FY 2007 budget request, Thursday, Feb., 16, 2006, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
The Moon, or supermoon, is seen as it rises behind the U.S. Capitol, Monday, March 9, 2020, in Washington, DC. A supermoon occurs when the Moon’s orbit is closet (perigee) to Earth. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)
Dr. Neil DeGrasse Tyson, NASA Advisory Council member listens during a meeting of the council at the Rayburn House Office Building, Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2005, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
NASA Administrator Michael Griffin, left, and NASA Deputy Administrator Shana Dale testify in front of a hearing before the House Science & Technology Committee regarding NASA's FY 2007 budget request, Thursday, Feb., 16, 2006, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Two NASA T-38 training jets are seen as they fly over Washington, DC, Thursday, April 5, 2012. NASA, in cooperation with the Federal Aviation Administration, conducted training and photographic flights over the DC metropolitan area. T-38 aircraft have been used for astronaut training for more than 30 years as they allow pilots and mission specialists to think quickly in changing situations, mental experiences the astronauts say are critical to practicing for the rigors of spaceflight. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
John Logsdon, Charles A. Lindbergh chair in aerospace history at the Smithsonianan, left, speaks as other panelists look on during an Apollo History and Legacy roundtable discussion, Thursday, July 16, 2009, at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
Dr. Juan J. Alonso, right, talks during the NASA Advisory Council meeting held at the Rayburn House Office Building, Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2005, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
A wreath placed by NASA Deputy Administrator Shana Dale and other NASA senior management is seen in between Astronauts Virgil Grissom and Roger Chaffee memorials Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008, at Arlington National Cemetery. The wreath laying ceremony is part of NASA's Day of Remembrance. Wreaths were laid in the memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest of space exploration, including the astronaut crews of Columbia, Challenger and Apollo 1. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Elizabeth Robinson, NASA Chief Finiancial Officer, testifies during a Joint Hearing before the House Committee on Science and Technology, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
The planet Mercury is seen in silhouette, low center, as it transits across the face of the Sun Monday, Nov. 11, 2019, from Washington. Mercury’s last transit was in 2016. The next won’t happen again until 2032. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Space shuttle Discovery, mounted atop a NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) flies near the U.S. Capitol, Tuesday, April 17, 2012, in Washington. Discovery, the first orbiter retired from NASA’s shuttle fleet, completed 39 missions, spent 365 days in space, orbited the Earth 5,830 times, and traveled 148,221,675 miles. NASA will transfer Discovery to the National Air and Space Museum to begin its new mission to commemorate past achievements in space and to educate and inspire future generations of explorers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Rebecca Roth)
Dr. Lennard A. Fisk talks during the NASA Advisory Council meeting held at the Rayburn House Office Building, Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2005, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Former NASA Astronaut and U.S. Senator John Glenn is seen at the opening of the exhibit "Alan Bean: Painting Apollo, First Artist on Another World" at the National Air and Space Museum, Monday, July 20, 2009 in Washington. The show opening coincided with the 40th anniversary celebration of Apollo. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
Emil de Cou conducts the National Symphony Orchestra during the "Salute to Apollo" ceremony at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Saturday, July 18, 2009 in Washington. The event was part of NASA's week long celebration of the Apollo 40th Anniversary. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
NASA Administrator Michael Griffin, left, testifies as NASA Deputy Administrator Shana Dale looks on during a hearing before the House Science & Technology Committee regarding NASA's FY 2007 budget request, Thursday, Feb., 16, 2006, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
12 year old singer Jamia Nash performs during the "Salute to Apollo" ceremony at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Saturday, July 18, 2009 in Washington. The event was part of NASA's week long celebration of the Apollo 40th Anniversary. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Comet NEOWISE is seen before sunrise over Washington, Sunday, July 12, 2020. The comet was discovered by NASA’s Near-Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or NEOWISE, on March 27. Since then, the comet — called comet C/2020 F3 NEOWISE and nicknamed comet NEOWISE — has been spotted by several NASA spacecraft, including Parker Solar Probe, NASA’s Solar and Terrestrial Relations Observatory, the ESA/NASA Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, and astronauts aboard the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Emil de Cou conducts the National Symphony Orchestra, while singer Jamia Nash, actress June Lockhart, the U.S. Army Chorus and Alumni sing during the "Salute to Apollo" ceremony at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Saturday, July 18, 2009 in Washington. The event was part of NASA's week long celebration of the Apollo 40th Anniversary. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
The Moon is seen as is rises, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017 in Washington. Today's full Moon is the first of three consecutive supermoons. The two will occur on Jan. 1 and Jan. 31, 2018. A supermoon occurs when the moon’s orbit is closest (perigee) to Earth at the same time it is full. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Elizabeth Robinson, NASA Chief Financial Officer, testifies during a Joint Hearing before the House Committee on Science and Technology, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Shana Dale testifies at her confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Nov. 1, 2005, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Dale was nominated by President Bush to be the deputy administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Shana Dale testifies at her confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Nov. 1, 2005, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Dale was nominated by President Bush to be the deputy administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
NASA Administrator Michael Griffin, left, meets with CEO of SpaceX Elon Musk, right, Wednesday, April 20, 2005 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Looking on in the background are Larry Williams, NASA astronaut Marsha Ivins and NASA manager Christopher Shank. Photo Credit: (NASA/Renee Bouchard)
Former Senator and Apollo astronaut Harrison H. "Jack" Schmitt presides over the NASA Advisory Council meeting at the Rayburn House Office Building, Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2005, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Comet NEOWISE is seen, upper left, before sunrise over Washington, Sunday, July 12, 2020. The comet was discovered by NASA’s Near-Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or NEOWISE, on March 27. Since then, the comet — called comet C/2020 F3 NEOWISE and nicknamed comet NEOWISE — has been spotted by several NASA spacecraft, including Parker Solar Probe, NASA’s Solar and Terrestrial Relations Observatory, the ESA/NASA Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, and astronauts aboard the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
NASA Administrator Michael Griffin testifies at a hearing before the House Science Committee, Tuesday, June 28, 2005, Rayburn House Office building, Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
NASA Apollo 12 Astronaut and Artist Alan Bean gives remarks at the opening of the exhibit "Alan Bean: Painting Apollo, First Artist on Another World" at the National Air and Space Museum, Monday, July 20, 2009 in Washington. The show opening coincided with the 40th anniversary celebration of Apollo. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Shana Dale testifies at her confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Nov. 1, 2005, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Dale was nominated by President Bush to be the deputy administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
The Moon, or supermoon, is seen as it rises behind the U.S. Capitol, Monday, March 9, 2020, in Washington, DC. A supermoon occurs when the Moon’s orbit is closet (perigee) to Earth. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)
NASA's Acting Administrator, Christopher Scolese, responds to questions concerning NASA Cost and Contract Management during a hearing before the the House Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, Thursday, March 5, 2009, Rayburn Building, Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
"About 10 years ago, I started taking improv comedy classes when I lived back in Atlanta. It really teaches you how to go with the flow, to be present in a situation, to be ready for things to go wrong, and to be able to jump in and save a conversation or help somebody who is struggling to find the right words. These are things we do in our everyday lives that we can also do on stage, and I love that aspect of it. "I started using the tools of comedy to rewrite popular songs – such as from the musical Hamilton – to be about space. I love making people laugh and smile and think there’s something really special about finding things funny or amusing in a respectful way. It is a different level of connection than, ‘Oh, that's interesting.’ It ignites a different emotional response in you, and I think there’s a place for that in science communication as well. "Often in popular culture, there’s a bit of a stigma around people who enjoy learning about space and science; that it’s only for nerds. But if you insert it into a genre that you wouldn't normally find it in, like music or comedy, then suddenly you’re connecting with people on a different level. They might not go out and read a textbook, but they might come away from a song or a comedy show thinking, ‘Huh, I thought I was just going to this event for entertainment, but I actually learned something.’ That’s cool! It’s like you’re seasoning it or putting a little sugar in it. "Something improv comedy taught me is: When you start to let go and not take yourself too seriously and embrace the spontaneity of a situation, that’s really freeing, and people respond well to that." Elizabeth Landau, Senior Communications Specialist for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, poses for a portrait, Friday, July 30, 2021, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Thomas Howard, NASA Deputy Inspector General, testifies during a Joint Hearing before the House Committee on Science and Technology, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
NASA Deputy Administrator Shana Dale testifies during a hearing before the House Science & Technology Committee regarding NASA's FY 2007 budget request, Thursday, Feb., 16, 2006, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Members of the U.S. Army Chorus and Alumni sing during the "Salute to Apollo" ceremony at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Saturday, July 18, 2009 in Washington. The event was part of NASA's week long celebration of the Apollo 40th Anniversary. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Michael Neufeld, chair of the division of space history at the National Air and Space Museum, speaks during an Apollo History and Legacy roundtable discussion, Thursday, July 16, 2009, at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
Chairman of the House Committee on Science and Technology U.S. Rep. Sherwood Boehlert, R-N.Y., left, shakes hands with NASA Administrator Michael Griffin prior to a hearing on the future of the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) and results of the Nunn-McCurdy review of NOAA’s weather satellite program, Thursday, June 8, 2006, at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Cristina Guidi, deputy director, Constellation Systems Division, Exploration Systems Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters, speaks during an Apollo History and Legacy roundtable discussion, Thursday, July 16, 2009, at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
U.S. Rep. Ralph Hall, R-Texas, speaks a hearing before the House Science & Technology Committee regarding NASA's FY 2007 budget request, Thursday, Feb., 16, 2006, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas looks on as Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer, left, shakes hands with NASA Administrator Michael Griffin after signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between NASA and USDA Wednesday, July 23, 2008, at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. The MOU will enable the USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) to conduct plant and animal related research on the International Space Station (ISS). Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
NASA chief historian Steven Dick, seated left, along with John Logsdon, Roger Launius, Michael Neufeld, Cristina Guidi and Craig Nelson, are seen at an Apollo History and Legacy roundtable discussion, Thursday, July 16, 2009, at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
NASA Administrator Michael Griffin, left, talks with NASA Advisory Council members Gen. Lester L. Lyles, USAF (Ret.), center, and NASA Advisory Council chairman, former Senator and Apollo astronaut Harrison H. "Jack" Schmitt at the Rayburn House Office Building, Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2005, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Emil de Cou conducts the National Symphony Orchestra, while singer Jamia Nash, actress June Lockhart, the U.S. Army Chorus and Alumni sing during the "Salute to Apollo" ceremony at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Saturday, July 18, 2009 in Washington. The event was part of NASA's week long celebration of the Apollo 40th Anniversary. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Emil de Cou conducts the National Symphony Orchestra during the "Salute to Apollo" ceremony at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Saturday, July 18, 2009 in Washington. The event was part of NASA's week long celebration of the Apollo 40th Anniversary. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
The U.S. Capitol Building is seen late in the evening from Pennsylvania Avenue on Tuesday, June 24, 2008, Washington, DC. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
NASA Administrator Michael Griffin, left, testifies as NASA Deputy Administrator Shana Dale looks during a hearing before the House Science & Technology Committee regarding NASA's FY 2007 budget request, Thursday, Feb., 16, 2006, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
NASA Administrator Charles F. Bolden appears in front of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology to discuss the President’s FY 2011 budget request, Thursday, Feb. 25, 2010, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
Guests at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC prepare for a Tweetup on July 21, 2009. Nearly 200 of NASA’s Twitter followers are in attendance, which features a presentation and a question and answer session with the crew of the STS-125 shuttle mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope. Photo Credit: (Carla Cioffi)
NASA Administrator Michael Griffin testifies at a hearing before the House Science Committee, Tuesday, June 28, 2005, Rayburn House Office building, Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
A supermoon rises behind the Washington Monument, Sunday, June 23, 2013, in Washington. This year the Supermoon is up to 13.5% larger and 30% brighter than a typical Full Moon is. This is a result of the Moon reaching its perigee - the closest that it gets to the Earth during the course of its orbit. During perigee on 23 June the Moon was about 221,824 miles away, as compared to the 252,581 miles away that it is at its furthest distance from the Earth (apogee). Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin reads an introduction to Gustav Holst: The Planets Suite during the "Salute to Apollo" ceremony at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Saturday, July 18, 2009 in Washington. The event was part of NASA's week long celebration of the Apollo 40th Anniversary. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Space shuttle Discovery, mounted atop a NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) flies near the U.S. Capitol, Tuesday, April 17, 2012, in Washington. Discovery, the first orbiter retired from NASA’s shuttle fleet, completed 39 missions, spent 365 days in space, orbited the Earth 5,830 times, and traveled 148,221,675 miles. NASA will transfer Discovery to the National Air and Space Museum to begin its new mission to commemorate past achievements in space and to educate and inspire future generations of explorers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Parade goers enjoy the music of street musicians outside a metro stop after attending the inaugural parade honoring President Barack Obama, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
Members of the U.S. Army Chorus and Alumni sing during the "Salute to Apollo" ceremony at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Saturday, July 18, 2009 in Washington. The event was part of NASA's week long celebration of the Apollo 40th Anniversary. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Under Secretary of the Air Force Dr. Ronald Sega, testifies before the House Committee on Science and Technology regarding the future of the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) and results of the Nunn-McCurdy review of NOAA’s weather satellite program, Thursday, June 8, 2006, at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Rep. Sherwood Boehlert, R-NY., questions NASA Administrator Michael Griffin during a House Science Committee hearing, Tuesday, June 28, 2005, Rayburn House Office building, Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
NASA Deputy Administrator Shana Dale, left, and other NASA senior management participate in a wreath laying ceremony as part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 31 2008, at Arlington National Cemetery. The wreaths were laid in the memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest of space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
The audience applauds during the "Salute to Apollo" ceremony at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Saturday, July 18, 2009 in Washington. The event was part of NASA's week long celebration of the Apollo 40th Anniversary. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
NASA Administrator Michael Griffin prepares for a television interview. Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008, NASA Headquarters, Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Space shuttle Discovery, mounted atop a NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), flies over the Washington skyline as seen from a NASA T-38 aircraft, Tuesday, April 17, 2012. Discovery, the first orbiter retired from NASA’s shuttle fleet, completed 39 missions, spent 365 days in space, orbited the Earth 5,830 times, and traveled 148,221,675 miles. NASA will transfer Discovery to the National Air and Space Museum to begin its new mission to commemorate past achievements in space and to educate and inspire future generations of explorers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Robert Markowitz)
Guests at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC prepare for a Tweetup on July 21, 2009. Nearly 200 of NASA’s Twitter followers are in attendance, which features a presentation and a question and answer session with the crew of the STS-125 shuttle mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope. Photo Credit: (Carla Cioffi)
U.S. Rep. Sherwood Boehlert, R-N.Y., makes a point during a House Science & Technology Committee hearing regarding NASA's FY 2007 budget request, Thursday, Feb., 16, 2006, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Space shuttle Discovery, mounted atop a NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), flies over the Washington skyline as seen from a NASA T-38 aircraft, Tuesday, April 17, 2012. Discovery, the first orbiter retired from NASA’s shuttle fleet, completed 39 missions, spent 365 days in space, orbited the Earth 5,830 times, and traveled 148,221,675 miles. NASA will transfer Discovery to the National Air and Space Museum to begin its new mission to commemorate past achievements in space and to educate and inspire future generations of explorers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Robert Markowitz)
Space shuttle Discovery, mounted atop a NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), flies over the Washington skyline as seen from a NASA T-38 aircraft, Tuesday, April 17, 2012. Discovery, the first orbiter retired from NASA’s shuttle fleet, completed 39 missions, spent 365 days in space, orbited the Earth 5,830 times, and traveled 148,221,675 miles. NASA will transfer Discovery to the National Air and Space Museum to begin its new mission to commemorate past achievements in space and to educate and inspire future generations of explorers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Robert Markowitz)
Dr. David Longnecker, NASA Advisory Council member, listens during a meeting of the council at the Rayburn House Office Building, Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2005, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Chairman of the House Committee on Science and Technology U.S. Rep. Sherwood Boehlert, R-N.Y., questions witnesses during a hearing on the future of the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) and results of the Nunn-McCurdy review of NOAA’s weather satellite program, Thursday, June 8, 2006, at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
A perigee full moon or supermoon is seen, Sunday, August 10, 2014, in Washington. A supermoon occurs when the moon’s orbit is closest (perigee) to Earth at the same time it is full. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Emil de Cou conducts the National Symphony Orchestra during the "Salute to Apollo" ceremony at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Saturday, July 18, 2009 in Washington. The event was part of NASA's week long celebration of the Apollo 40th Anniversary. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
NASA's Acting Administrator, Christopher Scolese, responds to questions concerning NASA Cost and Contract Management during a hearing before the the House Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, Thursday, March 5, 2009, Rayburn Building, Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Shana Dale testifies at her confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Nov. 1, 2005, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Dale was nominated by President Bush to be the deputy administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
NOAA Administrator, Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., U.S. Navy (Ret.), left, NASA Administrator Michael Griffin and Under Secretary of the Air Force Dr. Ronald Sega, right, testify before the House Committee on Science and Technology regarding the future of the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) and results of the Nunn-McCurdy review of NOAA’s weather satellite program, Thursday, June 8, 2006, at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Meeting of the NASA Advisory Council in the Rayburn House Office Building, Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2005, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Gene Kranz, retired NASA Flight Director and manager, thanks the audience after having guest conducted of the National Symphony Orchestra during the "Salute to Apollo" ceremony at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Saturday, July 18, 2009 in Washington. The event was part of NASA's week long celebration of the Apollo 40th Anniversary. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon, D-Tenn., questions witnesses during a hearing on the future of the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) and results of the Nunn-McCurdy review of NOAA’s weather satellite program, Thursday, June 8, 2006, at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)