Andrew Henry during the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) vehicle operational readiness test in the Multi-Mission Operations Center (MMOC), N240A.

(Left to Right) Ashley Karp, NASA JPL, Hunjoo Kim, NASA JPL and Brian Schratz (NASA JPL) preparing the Peregrine rocket motor at the Outdoor Aerodynamic Research Facility (OARF, N-249).

Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) vehicle operational readiness test in the Multi-Mission Operations Center (MMOC), N240A. Jasper Wolfe, front, with David Korsmeyer, and Eugene Tu.

The cockpit of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), is separated from the airframe on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

Yellow straps fasten the cockpit of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), to the trailer that carries it off the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

Removing the skin from the airframe of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

Matt Machlis during the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) vehicle operational readiness test in the Multi-Mission Operations Center (MMOC), N240A.

The drone follows an autonomously defined path around the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), on the N211 apron. The drone photographs the aircraft with a visible and infrared camera which are processed using a photogrammetry software package called Pix4D that converts them into a 3D model. Scanning the aircraft is the first phase of documenting the aircraft demolition as well as an opportunity to train pilots to operate the Pix4D software.

Super Guppy Flight Engineer Michael Robinson inside the Cargo Hold. The Super Guppy's cargo hold has a useable volume of 39,000 cubic feet and can fly up to 52,000 pounds as far as 564 miles and has a cruising speed of 290 MPH.

The tail section of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), severed from the fuselage on the N211 apron of Moffett Field, California.

Co-founders of Overwatch Aero Chase Pietenpol, at the Ground Control Station (GCS) monitoring the flight of the L3Harris FVR90 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) at the Monterey Bay Academy Airport near Watsonville, California.

Orion Deputy Program Manager Debbie Korth welcomes Ames employees to the Orion Circle of Excellence Award Ceremony in the Syvertson Auditorium, N201.

Daylight shines through the airframe of the fuselage onto the mission director’s and telescope operator’s workstations of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), during its demolition on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

Close-up view of the tail section of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), severed from the fuselage on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

NASA N941NA taxies in front of Hangar 2 at Moffett Field.

NASA N941NA is the last Super Guppy Turbine Cargo Airplane in service.

Three-quarter front view of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), with the telescope aperture open on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

Richard Kolyer unfolds the drone and prepares it for flight around the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714).

Ethan Massey, in the control booth, sends commands that control the movement of the Moon Gravity Representative Unit (MGRU3) at the Roverscape during Family Day for team members of the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER). MGRU3 is a weight equivalent mobility and navigation test platform for VIPER. It is used to test, develop and validate the different mobility and navigation techniques and capabilities of the VIPER rover, to safely and efficiently map water at the Moon’s South Pole.

Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) mission systems manager Jay Trimble, left, with Center Director Eugene Tu during the vehicle operational readiness test in the Multi-Mission Operations Center (MMOC), N240A. Deputy Center Director David Korsmeyer, behind.

The cockpit of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), is separated from the airframe on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

NASA astronaut Christina Koch exits the vacuum test chamber for the Interaction Heating Facility (IHF) of the Ames Arc Jet Complex, N238, following Victor J. Glover, left. During a test, a TPS test sample is suspended in the hypersonic flow produced by IHF’s arc heater. The shock heating produced by the interaction between the hypersonic flow and the stationary test sample simulates the heating and other forces the spacecraft will encounter during atmospheric hypersonic entry.

The drone follows an autonomously defined path around the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), on the N211 apron. The drone photographs the aircraft with a visible and infrared camera which are processed using a photogrammetry software package called Pix4D that converts them into a 3D model. Scanning the aircraft is the first phase of documenting the aircraft demolition as well as an opportunity to train pilots to operate the Pix4D software.

The console holds the mission director’s workstation, left, the telescope operator’s station, and the data systems operator’s station, right, of the Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714).

NASA N941NA parked in front of Hangar 1 at Moffett Field. Cargo is loaded into the Super Guppy when the aircraft's "fold-away" nose rotates 110 degrees to the left, allowing unobstructed access to the 25 foot diameter fuselage.

Aircraft demolition of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

Jody Miller, left, Alex Godwin, and Jeff Strebler, right, prepares the L3Harris FVR90 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) at the Monterey Bay Academy Airport near Watsonville, California.

NASA N941NA is the last Super Guppy Turbine Cargo Airplane in service.

The drone follows an autonomously defined path around the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), on the N211 apron. The drone photographs the aircraft with a visible and infrared camera which are processed using a photogrammetry software package called Pix4D that converts them into a 3D model. Scanning the aircraft is the first phase of documenting the aircraft demolition as well as an opportunity to train pilots to operate the Pix4D software.

Monty Miranda in the telescope reticle during the demolition of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

The SuperVolo XL Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) lifts off at the Monterey Bay Academy Airport near Watsonville, California.

Acting Deputy Associate Administrator (DAA) for the Science Mission Directorate (SMD) Mark Clampin learns about the Lunar Explorer Instrument for space biology Applications (LEIA) the Bioscience Collaborative Laboratory, N288.

The Alta-X Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) with camera payload in flight at the Monterey Bay Academy Airport near Watsonville, California.

Director of Science Michael Hesse, left, presents an overview of Lunar Explorer Instrument for space biology Applications (LEIA) to Acting Deputy Associate Administrator (DAA) for the Science Mission Directorate (SMD) Mark Clampin in the Bioscience Collaborative Laboratory, N288.

The tail section of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), severed from the fuselage on the N211 apron of Moffett Field, California.

Orion Deputy Program Manager Debbie Korth, at the podium, leads a question-and-answer session with NASA astronauts Christina Koch and Victor J. Glover, right, with Ames employees following the Orion Circle of Excellence Award Ceremony in the Syvertson Auditorium, N201.

Oxygen regulator pressure demand. Aft of the port side work area. Everyone flying on the Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), needed to have their own oxygen mask and operate their regulator.

The telescope mount in the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), during its demolition on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

Mission Director Stephen Patterson at his workstation at the console of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714).

Jose A. B. Santos, right, discusses thermal protection materials with NASA astronaut Victor J. Glover, Orion Deputy Program Manager Debbie Korth, and NASA astronaut Christina Koch in STAR Labs in N242.

Jesse Fusco, left, and James Milsk at the BioSentinel command console in the Ames Multi-Mission Operations Center (MMOC), N240 Annex, Ceres control room 172, receiving spacecraft telemetry at the 3-year anniversary since launch on Artemis I.

The modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), is demolished on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

Arno Rogg explains the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) mission to visitors in the Multi-Mission Operations Center (MMOC), N240, during VIPER Family Day.

Acting Deputy Associate Administrator (DAA) for the Science Mission Directorate (SMD) Mark Clampin learns about the Lunar Explorer Instrument for space biology Applications (LEIA) the Bioscience Collaborative Laboratory, N288.

Cables in the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), severed prior to removing the cockpit on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

NASA astronauts Christina Koch, left, Victor J. Glover, Matt Switzer, Orion Deputy Program Manager Debbie Korth, and Margaret Stackpoole.

NASA Ames staff photographer Brandon Torres Navarette, front, photographs Orion Circle of Excellence Award being presented to Jeremy Vander Kam (ACD25-0023-001), center, by Orion Deputy Program Manager Debbie Korth, left, NASA astronauts Victor J. Glover, right, and Christina Koch, left. Luis Saucedo is the master of the ceremonies at the podium on the far left, in the Syvertson Auditorium, N201.

Yellow straps fasten the cockpit of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), to the trailer that carries it off the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

The Intersex Progress Pride flag flies for the first time at any NASA center below the American flag, in front of the Ames Administration Building, N200, to commemorate Pride Month.

The Alta-X Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) with camera payload in flight at the Monterey Bay Academy Airport near Watsonville, California.

Ethan Massey, in the control booth, sends commands that control the movement of the Moon Gravity Representative Unit (MGRU3) at the Roverscape during Family Day for team members of the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER). MGRU3 is a weight equivalent mobility and navigation test platform for VIPER. It is used to test, develop and validate the different mobility and navigation techniques and capabilities of the VIPER rover, to safely and efficiently map water at the Moon’s South Pole.

Jesse Fusco, left, and James Milsk at the BioSentinel command console in the Ames Multi-Mission Operations Center (MMOC), N240 Annex, Ceres control room 172, receiving spacecraft telemetry at the 3-year anniversary since launch on Artemis I.

Left to right: Keats Wilkie, Mario Perez, and Craig Turczynski rotate the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3) spacecraft on the workbench of the Ames Integration Facility located in N213 room 104.

Don Ebaugh, left, shows NASA astronaut Victor J. Glover a thermal couple plug, which measures the temperature inside a heat shield, in STAR Labs, N238.

The modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), is demolished on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

NASA Ames staff photographer Brandon Torres Navarette, front, photographs Orion program manager’s commendation award presented to Tane Boghozian (ACD25-0023-005), center, by Orion Deputy Program Manager Debbie Korth, left, NASA astronauts Victor J. Glover, right, and Christina Koch, left, in the Syvertson Auditorium, N201.

Daylight shines through the airframe during the demolition of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), tail section on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) vehicle operational readiness test in the Multi-Mission Operations Center (MMOC), N240A. Jasper Wolfe, left, with David Korsmeyer, and Eugene Tu, right.

Joshua Kaurich, front, and Yasmin Arbab, works with the Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations (ACERO) Portable Airspace Management System (PAMS) case at the Monterey Bay Academy Airport near Watsonville, California.

The NASA Langley Alta-X Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) lifts off with a weather payload from the Monterey Bay Academy Airport near Watsonville, California, during the Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations (ACERO) Shakedown Test.

The Special Olympics torch make it's way through the NASA Ames Research Park on it's way to a hand-off in Mountain View, CA

NASA N941NA is the last Super Guppy Turbine Cargo Airplane in service.

Yellow straps are threaded through the airframe of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), before removing the cockpit on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) mission systems manager Jay Trimble, right, with Multi-Mission Operations Center (MMOC) Director Justin Pane, during the vehicle operational readiness test in the MMOC, N240A.

3/4 view of the Nozzle of the Peregrine Rocket Motor, tested at the Outdoor Aerodynamic Research Facility (OARF, N-249). at Ames Research Center.

The drone follows an autonomously defined path around the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), on the N211 apron. The drone photographs the aircraft with a visible and infrared camera which are processed using a photogrammetry software package called Pix4D that converts them into a 3D model. Scanning the aircraft is the first phase of documenting the aircraft demolition as well as an opportunity to train pilots to operate the Pix4D software.

Rick Elphic, NSS instrument principal investigator, left, explains the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) mission to visitors in the Multi-Mission Operations Center (MMOC), N240, during VIPER Family Day.

Jonas Jonsson guides the Alta-X Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) with camera payload down to the landing pad at the Monterey Bay Academy Airport near Watsonville, California.

The tail section of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), severed from the fuselage on the N211 apron of Moffett Field, California.

Cables in the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), severed prior to removing the cockpit on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

A Volvo Crawler Excavator severs the airframe, separating the tail section from the fuselage, of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), on the N211 apron of Moffett Field, California.

Richard Bielawski during the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) vehicle operational readiness test in the Multi-Mission Operations Center (MMOC), N240A.

The Alta-X Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) with camera payload in flight at the Monterey Bay Academy Airport near Watsonville, California.

The Peregrine Hybrid Rocket Engine, profile view, prior to the test at the Outdoor Aerodynamic Research Facility (OARF, N-249) at Ames Research Center.

NASA N941NA is the last Super Guppy Turbine Cargo Airplane in service.

Hans Thomas during the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) vehicle operational readiness test in the Multi-Mission Operations Center (MMOC), N240A.

Jesse Fusco, left, and James Milsk at the BioSentinel command console in the Ames Multi-Mission Operations Center (MMOC), N240 Annex, Ceres control room 172, receiving spacecraft telemetry at the 3-year anniversary since launch on Artemis I.

Terry Fong during the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) vehicle operational readiness test in the Multi-Mission Operations Center (MMOC), N240A.

NASA N941NA Superguppy at Moffett Field. Cargo is loaded into the Super Guppy when the aircraft's "fold-away" nose rotates 110 degrees to the left, allowing unobstructed access to the 25 foot diameter fuselage.

The cockpit of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), is separated from the airframe on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

Sybil Adams during the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) vehicle operational readiness test in the Multi-Mission Operations Center (MMOC), N240A.

Rosie Rios, the 43rd Treasurer of the United States explores how understanding our history will provide a clearer roadmap for understanding where the country's future is heading. Presented by the Ames Women's Influence Network (WIN) and the Hispanic Advisory Committee for Employees (HACE) in the Syvertson Auditorium (N-201) at Ames Research Center.

Erin Fritzler during the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) vehicle operational readiness test in the Multi-Mission Operations Center (MMOC), N240A.

TechEdSat-11 operators Daphne Dao, left, and Alejandro Salas, in the Ames Multi-Mission Operations Center (MMOC), N240 Annex, Eros control room 162. The team monitors the spacecraft's status during the Exo-Brake “parachute” deployment. The ExoBrake is a drag device that increases the total surface area of the spacecraft to assist with a quicker deorbit. This maneuver is deployed at the end of mission to satisfy NASA's deorbit requirement and prevent space debris. TechEdSat has spent the last several months coordinating with NASA’s Conjunction Assessment Risk Analysis (CARA) team to ensure the spacecraft can safely deploy the ExoBrake without colliding into any other objects.

Orion Deputy Program Manager Debbie Korth, at the podium, leads a question-and-answer session with NASA astronauts Christina Koch and Victor J. Glover, right, with Ames employees following the Orion Circle of Excellence Award Ceremony in the Syvertson Auditorium, N201.

Photo composite (8 frames) of the flight deck of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), with stations for the flight engineer, co-pilot, pilot, and navigator, who typically only flew on long overseas flights.

Richard Kolyer, left, with Jonas Jonsson guide the drone to land behind the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), on the N211 apron.

Arno Rogg explains the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) mission to visitors in the Multi-Mission Operations Center (MMOC), N240, during VIPER Family Day.

Chris Provencher during the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) vehicle operational readiness test in the Multi-Mission Operations Center (MMOC), N240A.

Rusty Hunt during the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) vehicle operational readiness test in the Multi-Mission Operations Center (MMOC), N240A.

Cables in the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), severed prior to removing the cockpit on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

Aircraft demolition of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

Ames Center Director, Eugene Tu (Left) with Rosie Rios, the 43rd Treasurer of the United States explores how understanding our history will provide a clearer roadmap for understanding where the country's future is heading. Presented by the Ames Women's Influence Network (WIN) and the Hispanic Advisory Committee for Employees (HACE) in the Syvertson Auditorium (N-201) at Ames Research Center. Eugene Tu, Ames Director with Rosie Rios

L3Harris FVR90 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) lifts off from the Monterey Bay Academy Airport near Watsonville, California, during the Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations (ACERO) Shakedown Test as NASA researchers observe in the background.

Location portrait of Rusty Hunt in the Multi-Mission Operations Center (MMOC), N240, for the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) mission.

L3Harris FVR90 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) lifts off from the Monterey Bay Academy Airport near Watsonville, California, during the Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations (ACERO) Shakedown Test as NASA researchers observe in the background.

NASA astronauts Victor J. Glover, left, and Christina Koch, with Joe Mach as they tour STAR Labs, N238

Close-up view of the tail section of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), during its demolition on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

Removing the skin from the airframe of the modified C-141 Kuiper Airborne Observatory, (KAO) (NASA-714), on the N211 apron at Moffett Field, California.

Director of Science Michael Hesse, right, presents an overview of Lunar Explorer Instrument for space biology Applications (LEIA) to Acting Deputy Associate Administrator (DAA) for the Science Mission Directorate (SMD) Mark Clampin in the Bioscience Collaborative Laboratory, N288.