President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, daughters Malia, left, Sasha, and Astronaut Janet Kavandi walk under the landing gear from beneath the nose of space shuttle Atlantis as they visit Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Friday, April 29, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
President Barack Obama Visit to Kennedy Space Center
President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, daughters Malia, left, Sasha, and Astronaut Janet Kavandi walk under the landing gear from beneath the nose of space shuttle Atlantis as they visit Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Friday, April 29, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
President Barack Obama Visit to Kennedy Space Center
U.S. President Barack Obama speaks in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010, during an 'Educate to Innovate' event where he honored teachers who received awards for excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education.  NASA's 'Summer of Innovation' program supports the President's 'Educate to Innovate' campaign.  Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
President Barack Obama Honors Teachers
U.S. President Barack Obama speaks in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010, during an 'Educate to Innovate' event where he honored teachers who received awards for excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education.  NASA's 'Summer of Innovation' program supports the President's 'Educate to Innovate' campaign.  Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
President Barack Obama Honors Teachers
Terry White, United Space Alliance project lead for thermal protection systems, left, sakes hands with President Barack Obama after showing his family, Sasha, First Lady Michelle Obama, Malia, and Marian Robinson, how tiles work on the space shuttle during their visit to the Orbital Processing Facility at the NASA Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Friday, April 29, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
President Barack Obama Visit to Kennedy Space Center
President Barack Obama, daughters Malia, left, Sasha, and Astronaut Janet Kavandi walk under the landing gear from beneath the nose of space shuttle Atlantis as they visit Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Friday, April 29, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
President Barack Obama Visit to Kennedy Space Center
President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, daughters Malia, Sasha, and the First Lady's mother Marian Robinson, are shown the space shuttle Atlantis during a tour of the Orbital Processing Facility by NASA Astronaut Janet Kavandi during their visit to the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Friday, April 29, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
President Barack Obama Visit to Kennedy Space Center
President Barack Obama holds hands with his daughter Malia as they walk under the space shuttle Atlantis with First Lady Michelle Obama, Sasha, and Marian Robinson during a tour they received of the NASA Orbital Processing Facility given by Astronaut, Janet Kavandi, and United Space Alliance project lead for thermal protection systems Terry White, right, at the NASA Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Friday, April 29, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
President Barack Obama Visit to Kennedy Space Center
Terry White, United Space Alliance project lead for thermal protection systems, left, shows President Barack Obama and his family, from left, First Lady Michelle Obama, Malia, Marian Robinson and Sasha, how tiles work on the space shuttle during their visit to the Orbital Processing Facility at the NASA Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Friday, April 29, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
President Barack Obama Visit to Kennedy Space Center
Terry White, United Space Alliance project lead for thermal protection systems, left, shows President Barack Obama and his family, from left, First Lady Michelle Obama, Malia, Marian Robinson and Sasha, how tiles work on the space shuttle during their visit to the Orbital Processing Facility at the NASA Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Friday, April 29, 2011. Looking on is Director of Flight Crew Operations for the Johnson Space Center and Astronaut, Janet Kavandi.  Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
President Barack Obama Visit to Kennedy Space Center
President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, daughters Malia, left, Sasha, Marian Robinson, Astronaut Janet Kavandi and United Space Alliance project lead for thermal protection systems Terry White, walk under the landing gear of the space shuttle Atlantis as they visit Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Friday, April 29, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
President Barack Obama Visit to Kennedy Space Center
Terry White, United Space Alliance project lead for thermal protection systems, left, shows President Barack Obama and his family, from left, First Lady Michelle Obama, Malia, Marian Robinson and Sasha, how tiles work on the space shuttle during their visit to the Orbital Processing Facility at the NASA Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Friday, April 29, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
President Barack Obama Visit to Kennedy Space Center
President Barack Obama lands at Moffett Field for fundraising stops in Silicon Valley. President Obama deplanes.
ARC-2011-ACD11-0169-012
President Barack Obama holds hands with his daughter Malia as they walk under the space shuttle Atlantis during a tour the first family received of the the NASA Orbital Processing Facility given by Director of Flight Crew Operations for the Johnson Space Center and Astronaut, Janet Kavandi, right, at the NASA Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Friday, April 29, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
President Barack Obama Visit to Kennedy Space Center
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama meet with STS-134 space shuttle Endeavor commander Mark Kelly, right, and shuttle astronauts, from left, Andrew Feustel, European Space Agency’s Roberto Vittori, Michael Fincke, Gregory H. Johnson, and Greg Chamitoff, after their launch was scrubbed, Friday, April 29, 2011, at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla.  Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
President Barack Obama Visit to Kennedy Space Center
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama meet with STS-134 space shuttle Endeavor commander Mark Kelly, right, and shuttle astronauts, from left, Andrew Feustel, European Space Agency’s Roberto Vittori, Michael Fincke, Gregory H. Johnson, and Greg Chamitoff, after their launch was scrubbed, Friday, April 29, 2011, at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla.  Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
President Barack Obama Visit to Kennedy Space Center
President Barack Obama talks with the crews of the Space Shuttle Atlantis and the International Space Station during a phone call in the Oval Office, Friday, July 15, 2011, in Washington. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
Obama speaks to ISS and STS-135 crews
U.S. President Barack Obama, accompanied by members of Congress and middle school children,  waves as he talks on the phone from the Roosevelt Room of the White House to astronauts on the International Space Station, Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
President Obama Calls International Space Station
U.S. President Barack Obama, accompanied by members of Congress and middle school children,  waves as he talks on the phone from the Roosevelt Room of the White House to astronauts on the International Space Station, Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
President Obama Calls International Space Station
President Barack Obama kisses first lady Michelle Obama while seated in the presidential reviewing stand during the inaugural parade, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, in Washington. Obama was sworn-in as the nation's 44th President earlier in the day. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
2013 Inaugural Parade
President Barack Obama waves farewell after speaking at the NASA Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. on Thursday, April 15, 2010.  Obama visited Kennedy to deliver remarks on the bold new course the administration is charting to maintain U.S. leadership in human space flight. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Obama Kennedy Space Center Visit
President Barack Obama waves as he walks along Pennsylvania Avenue during the inaugural parade, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, in Washington. Obama was sworn-in as the nation's 44th President earlier in the day. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
2013 Inaugural Parade
U.S. President Barack Obama speaks as he hosts the third-ever White House Science Fair in the East Room at the White House in Washington, April 22, 2013. The science fair celebrated student winners of a broad range of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) competitions from across the country.  Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
White House Science Fair
U.S. President Barack Obama speaks as he hosts the third-ever White House Science Fair in the East Room at the White House in Washington, April 22, 2013. The science fair celebrated student winners of a broad range of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) competitions from across the country.  Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
White House Science Fair
U.S. President Barack Obama speaks as he hosts the third-ever White House Science Fair in the East Room at the White House in Washington, April 22, 2013. The science fair celebrated student winners of a broad range of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) competitions from across the country.  Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
White House Science Fair
U.S. President Barack Obama, accompanied by Congressman C.A. "Dutch" Ruppersberger (D-MD) and middle school children, prepares to hand over the phone to a student to ask a question to astronauts on the International Space Station during an event in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
President Obama Calls International Space Station
U.S. President Barack Obama, accompanied by Congressman C.A. "Dutch" Ruppersberger (D-MD) and middle school children, prepares to hand over the phone to a student to ask a question to astronauts on the International Space Station during an event in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
President Obama Calls International Space Station
U.S. President Barack Obama smiles during a ceremony for recipients of the National Medal of Science and the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, the highest honors bestowed by the United States government on scientists, engineers, and inventors, at the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2010.  Amongst those in attendance where NASA Administrator Charles Bolden and NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver.  Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
White House National Medals Ceremony
President Barack Obama delivers a speech at the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. on Thursday, April 15, 2010.  Obama visited Kennedy Space Center to deliver remarks on the bold new course the Administration is charting for NASA and the future of U.S. leadership in human space flight. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
Obama Kennedy Space Center Visit
President Barack Obama delivers a speech at the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. on Thursday, April 15, 2010.  Obama visited Kennedy Space Center to deliver remarks on the bold new course the Administration is charting for NASA and the future of U.S. leadership in human space flight. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
Obama Kennedy Space Center Visit
President Barack Obama tours the commercial rocket processing facility of Space Exploration Technologies, known as SpaceX, along with Elon Musk, SpaceX CEO at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Cape Canaveral, Fla. on Thursday, April 15, 2010.  Obama also visited the NASA Kennedy Space Center to deliver remarks on the bold new course the administration is charting to maintain U.S. leadership in human space flight. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Obama Kennedy Space Center Visit
President Barack Obama delivers a speech at the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. on Thursday, April 15, 2010.  Obama visited Kennedy Space Center to deliver remarks on the bold new course the Administration is charting for NASA and the future of U.S. leadership in human space flight. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Obama Visit to KSC
Members of the press watch on monitors as President Barack Obama delivers a speech at the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. on Thursday, April 15, 2010.  Obama visited Kennedy Space Center to deliver remarks on the bold new course the Administration is charting for NASA and the future of U.S. leadership in human space flight. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Obama Kennedy Space Center Visit
President Barack Obama tours the commercial rocket processing facility of Space Exploration Technologies, known as SpaceX, along with Elon Musk, SpaceX CEO at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Cape Canaveral, Fla. on Thursday, April 15, 2010.  Obama also visited the NASA Kennedy Space Center to deliver remarks on the bold new course the administration is charting to maintain U.S. leadership in human space flight. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Obama Kennedy Space Center Visit
President Barack Obama delivers a speech at the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. on Thursday, April 15, 2010.  Obama visited Kennedy Space Center to deliver remarks on the bold new course the Administration is charting for NASA and the future of U.S. leadership in human space flight. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Obama Kennedy Space Center Visit
President Barack Obama delivers a speech at the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. on Thursday, April 15, 2010.  Obama visited Kennedy Space Center to deliver remarks on the bold new course the Administration is charting for NASA and the future of U.S. leadership in human space flight. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Obama Kennedy Space Center Visit
President Barack Obama delivers a speech at the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. on Thursday, April 15, 2010.  Obama visited Kennedy Space Center to deliver remarks on the bold new course the Administration is charting for NASA and the future of U.S. leadership in human space flight. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Obama Kennedy Space Center Visit
NASA Kennedy Space Center Director bob Cabana shakes hands with President Barack Obama as he and Gen. C. Robert Kehler, Commander, Air Force Space Command, left, welcome the President to Kennedy in Cape Canaveral, Fla. on Thursday, April 15, 2010.  Obama visited Kennedy to deliver remarks on the bold new course the administration is charting to maintain U.S. leadership in human space flight. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Obama Kennedy Space Center Visit
President Barack Obama delivers a speech at the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. on Thursday, April 15, 2010.  Obama visited Kennedy Space Center to deliver remarks on the bold new course the Administration is charting for NASA and the future of U.S. leadership in human space flight. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Obama Kennedy Space Center Visit
NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver shakes hands with President Barack Obama as she and NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, left, welcome the President to Kennedy in Cape Canaveral, Fla. on Thursday, April 15, 2010.  Obama visited Kennedy to deliver remarks on the bold new course the administration is charting to maintain U.S. leadership in human space flight. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Obama Kennedy Space Center Visit
President Barack Obama talks to attendees during the Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony, held on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, at the White House in Washington. One of the awardees was former United States Marine Corps pilot, astronaut, and United States Senator John Glenn.  Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Presidential Medal of Freedom
President Barack Obama talks to attendees during the Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony, held on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, at the White House in Washington. One of the awardees was former United States Marine Corps pilot, astronaut, and United States Senator John Glenn.  Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Presidential Medal of Freedom
President Barack Obama talks to attendees during the Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony, held on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, at the White House in Washington. One of the awardees was former United States Marine Corps pilot, astronaut, and United States Senator John Glenn.  Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Presidential Medal of Freedom
President Barack Obama congratulates MESSENGER Principal Investigator, director of Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Sean Solomon,  after awarding him the National Medal of Science, the nation's top scientific honor,Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014 during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington. MESSENGER (MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging) is a NASA-sponsored scientific investigation of the planet Mercury and the first space mission designed to orbit the planet closest to the Sun. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
National Medal of Science
President Barack Obama meets with Apollo 11 astronauts Michael Collins, seated left, Buzz Aldrin, center, Carol Armstrong, widow of Apollo 11 commander, Neil Armstrong, and NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, Tuesday, July 22, 2014, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, during the 45th anniversary week of the Apollo 11 lunar landing. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
President Obama Meets with Crew of Apollo 11
President Barack Obama, center, back to camera, shakes hands with NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, right,  as U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., looks on prior to Obama's speech outlining the bold new course the administration is charting to maintain U.S. leadership in human space flight at the NASA Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. on Thursday, April 15, 2010.  Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
Obama Kennedy Space Center Visit
President Barack Obama waves hello as he exits of Air Force One along with Senator Bill Nelson after landing at the NASA Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. on Thursday, April 15, 2010.  Obama visited Kennedy to deliver remarks on the bold new course the administration is charting to maintain U.S. leadership in human space flight. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Obama Kennedy Space Center Visit
President Barack Obama presents former United States Marine Corps pilot, astronaut, and United States Senator John Glenn with a Medal of Freedom, Tuesday, May 29, 2012, during a ceremony at the White House in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
John Glenn Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom
President Barack Obama congratulates former United States Marine Corps pilot, astronaut, and United States Senator John Glenn after presenting him with a Medal of Freedom, Tuesday, May 29, 2012, during a ceremony at the White House in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
John Glenn Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom
President Barack Obama spoke at the White House Science Fair Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at the White House. NASA Administrator Charles Bolden attended and was recognized by the President at the fourth White House Science Fair, which included 100 students from more than 30 different states who competed in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) competitions. (Photo Credit: NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)
White House Science Fair
U.S. President Barack Obama speaks at the opening session of the Forum on Modernizing Government, Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010, in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington. As part of his commitment to change how business is done in Washington and instill a new sense of responsibility for taxpayer dollars, the President welcomed more than 50 of the country’s top CEOs, deputy secretaries, including NASA's Deputy Administrator Lori Garver and department chief information officers to the forum.  Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
White House Forum on Modernizing Government
U.S. President Barack Obama speaks at the opening session of the Forum on Modernizing Government, Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010, in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington. As part of his commitment to change how business is done in Washington and instill a new sense of responsibility for taxpayer dollars, the President welcomed more than 50 of the country’s top CEOs, deputy secretaries, including NASA's Deputy Administrator Lori Garver and department chief information officers to the forum.  Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
White House Forum on Modernizing Government
U.S. President Barack Obama, accompanied by White House Science Adviser John Holdren, left, Congressman C.A. "Dutch" Ruppersberger (D-MD) and middle school children, talks on the phone from the Roosevelt Room of the White House to astronauts on the International Space Station, Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
President Obama Calls International Space Station
U.S. President Barack Obama speaks at the opening session of the Forum on Modernizing Government, Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010, in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington. As part of his commitment to change how business is done in Washington and instill a new sense of responsibility for taxpayer dollars, the President welcomed more than 50 of the country’s top CEOs, deputy secretaries, including NASA's Deputy Administrator Lori Garver and department chief information officers to the forum.  Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
White House Forum on Modernizing Government
U.S. President Barack Obama speaks at the opening session of the Forum on Modernizing Government, Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010, in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington. As part of his commitment to change how business is done in Washington and instill a new sense of responsibility for taxpayer dollars, the President welcomed more than 50 of the country’s top CEOs, deputy secretaries, including NASA's Deputy Administrator Lori Garver and department chief information officers to the forum.  Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
White House Forum on Modernizing Government
President Barack Obama spoke at the White House Science Fair Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at the White House. NASA Administrator Charles Bolden attended and was recognized by the President at the fourth White House Science Fair, which included 100 students from more than 30 different states who competed in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) competitions. (Photo Credit: NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)
White House Science Fair
President Barack Obama delivers remarks at the National Medals of Science and National Medals of Technology and Innovation Awards Ceremony, Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014 in the East Room of the White House in Washington. MESSENGER Principal Investigator, director of Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Sean Solomon, was awarded the National Medal of Science, the nation's top scientific honor, at the ceremony. MESSENGER (MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging) is a NASA-sponsored scientific investigation of the planet Mercury and the first space mission designed to orbit the planet closest to the Sun. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
National Medal of Science
President Barack Obama, right, and MESSENGER Principal Investigator, director of Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Sean Solomon, listen as a citation is read prior to the President bestowing the National Medal of Science, the nation's top scientific honor to Solomon, Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014 during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington. MESSENGER (MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging) is a NASA-sponsored scientific investigation of the planet Mercury and the first space mission designed to orbit the planet closest to the Sun. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
National Medal of Science
President Barack Obama delivers remarks at the National Medals of Science and National Medals of Technology and Innovation Awards Ceremony, Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014 in the East Room of the White House in Washington. MESSENGER Principal Investigator, director of Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Sean Solomon, was awarded the National Medal of Science, the nation's top scientific honor, at the ceremony. MESSENGER (MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging) is a NASA-sponsored scientific investigation of the planet Mercury and the first space mission designed to orbit the planet closest to the Sun. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
National Medal of Science
President Barack Obama delivers remarks at the National Medals of Science and National Medals of Technology and Innovation Awards Ceremony, Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014 in the East Room of the White House in Washington. MESSENGER Principal Investigator, director of Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Sean Solomon, was awarded the National Medal of Science, the nation's top scientific honor, at the ceremony. MESSENGER (MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging) is a NASA-sponsored scientific investigation of the planet Mercury and the first space mission designed to orbit the planet closest to the Sun. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
National Medal of Science
President Barack Obama delivers remarks at the National Medals of Science and National Medals of Technology and Innovation Awards Ceremony, Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014 in the East Room of the White House in Washington. MESSENGER Principal Investigator, director of Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Sean Solomon, was awarded the National Medal of Science, the nation's top scientific honor, at the ceremony. MESSENGER (MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging) is a NASA-sponsored scientific investigation of the planet Mercury and the first space mission designed to orbit the planet closest to the Sun. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
National Medal of Science
President Barack Obama delivers remarks at the National Medals of Science and National Medals of Technology and Innovation Awards Ceremony, Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014 in the East Room of the White House in Washington. MESSENGER Principal Investigator, director of Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Sean Solomon, was awarded the National Medal of Science, the nation's top scientific honor, at the ceremony. MESSENGER (MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging) is a NASA-sponsored scientific investigation of the planet Mercury and the first space mission designed to orbit the planet closest to the Sun. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
National Medal of Science
President Barack Obama, left, Air Force Col. Lee Rosen, Commander, 45th Launch Group, center, and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk talk with Dr. John P. Holdren is Assistant to the President for Science and Technology during a tour of the commercial rocket processing facility of Space Exploration Technologies, known as SpaceX, at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Cape Canaveral, Fla. on Thursday, April 15, 2010.  Obama also visited the NASA Kennedy Space Center to deliver remarks on the bold new course the administration is charting to maintain U.S. leadership in human space flight. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Obama Kennedy Space Center Visit
President Barack Obama takes the stage after being introduced by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, right, and US Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) during an event where Obama outlined a bold new course the administration is charting to maintain U.S. leadership in human space flight at the NASA Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. on Thursday, April 15, 2010.  Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Obama Kennedy Space Center Visit
President Barack Obama poses with Apollo 11 astronauts, from left, Buzz Aldrin, Michael Collins, and Neil Armstrong, Monday, July 20, 2009, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, on the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing.  Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
President Obama Meets with Crew of Apollo 11
President Barack Obama delivers his remarks at the first ever White House Maker Faire, which brings together students, entrepreneurs, and everyday citizens who are using new tools and techniques to launch new businesses, learn vital skills in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), and fuel the renaissance in American manufacturing, at the White House, Wednesday, June 18, 2014 in Washington.  The President announced new steps the Administration and its partners are taking to support the ability of more Americans, young and old, to have to access to these tools and techniques and brings their ideas to life. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
White House Maker Faire
President Barack Obama delivers his remarks at the first ever White House Maker Faire, which brings together students, entrepreneurs, and everyday citizens who are using new tools and techniques to launch new businesses, learn vital skills in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), and fuel the renaissance in American manufacturing, at the White House, Wednesday, June 18, 2014 in Washington.  The President announced new steps the Administration and its partners are taking to support the ability of more Americans, young and old, to have to access to these tools and techniques and brings their ideas to life. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
White House Maker Faire
President Barack Obama delivers his remarks at the first ever White House Maker Faire, which brings together students, entrepreneurs, and everyday citizens who are using new tools and techniques to launch new businesses, learn vital skills in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), and fuel the renaissance in American manufacturing, at the White House, Wednesday, June 18, 2014 in Washington.  The President announced new steps the Administration and its partners are taking to support the ability of more Americans, young and old, to have to access to these tools and techniques and brings their ideas to life. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
White House Maker Faire
US Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) gives introductory remarks during an event where President Barack Obama outlined a bold new course the administration is charting to maintain U.S. leadership in human space flight at the NASA Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. on Thursday, April 15, 2010.  Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Obama Kennedy Space Center Visit
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, right, gives introductory remarks as US Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) listens on during an event where President Barack Obama outlined a bold new course the administration is charting to maintain U.S. leadership in human space flight at the NASA Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. on Thursday, April 15, 2010.  Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Obama Kennedy Space Center Visit
President Barack Obama, left, exits of Air Force One with, from left,  Representative US Representative Suzanne M. Kosmas (D - FL), U.S Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL), NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, and Apollo 11 Astronaut Buzz Aldrin after landing at the NASA Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. on Thursday, April 15, 2010.  Obama visited Kennedy to deliver remarks on the bold new course the administration is charting to maintain U.S. leadership in human space flight. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Obama Kennedy Space Center Visit
Tam O'Shaughnessy, Sally Ride's life partner and chair, board of directors of Sally Ride Science, is seen with President Barack Obama as she prepares to accept the Presidential Medal of Freedom on behalf of Dr. Ride, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013 at the White House in Washington.  Sally Ride, who was awarded the Medal of Freedom posthumously, was the first American female astronaut to travel to space. As a role model to generations of young women, she advocated passionately for science education, stood up for racial and gender equality in the classroom, and taught students from every background that there are no limits to what they can accomplish.  The Medal of Freedom is our Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.  Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
Sally Ride Posthumously Receives Medal of Freedom
President Barack Obama makes a phone call with the crew of the Space Shuttle Discovery and the International Space Station from the Oval Office, March 3, 2011.  Listening in the background are, from left: Ted Wackler, Acting Chief of Staff, Office of Science and Technology; Damon Wells, Assistant Director for Aeronautics and Space, Office of Science and Technology; and NASA Administrator Charles Bolden. (Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton)  This photograph is provided by THE WHITE HOUSE as a courtesy and may be printed by the subject(s) in the photograph for personal use only. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not otherwise be reproduced, disseminated or broadcast, without the written permission of the White House Photo Office. This photograph may not be used in any commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
Obama Speaks to ISS and STS-133 Crews
Tam O'Shaughnessy, Sally Ride's life partner and chair, board of directors of Sally Ride Science, is seen with President Barack Obama as she prepares to accept the Presidential Medal of Freedom on behalf of Dr. Ride, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013 at the White House in Washington.  Sally Ride, who was awarded the Medal of Freedom posthumously, was the first American female astronaut to travel to space. As a role model to generations of young women, she advocated passionately for science education, stood up for racial and gender equality in the classroom, and taught students from every background that there are no limits to what they can accomplish.  The Medal of Freedom is our Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.  Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
Sally Ride Posthumously Receives Medal of Freedom
Tam O'Shaughnessy, Sally Ride's life partner and chair, board of directors of Sally Ride Science, is seen with President Barack Obama as she accepts the Presidential Medal of Freedom on behalf of Dr. Ride, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013 at the White House in Washington.  Sally Ride, who was awarded the Medal of Freedom posthumously, was the first American female astronaut to travel to space. As a role model to generations of young women, she advocated passionately for science education, stood up for racial and gender equality in the classroom, and taught students from every background that there are no limits to what they can accomplish.  The Medal of Freedom is our Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.  Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
Sally Ride Posthumously Receives Medal of Freedom
STS-133 Commander Steven Lindsey, far left, presents a montage to President Barack Obama as crew members Michael Barratt, Pilot Eric Boe, Nicole Stott, and Stephen Bowen look on during a visit to the Oval Office in the White House, Monday, May 9, 2011, in Washington. Also in attendance but not seen, was Mission Specialist Alvin Drew. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
STS-133 Crew Meets with President Obama
President Barack Obama talks on the phone with NASA Curiosity Mars rover team aboard Air Force One during a flight to Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, Aug. 13, 2012. Official White House Photo by Pete Souza
President Obama Phones Mars Rover Team
A replica of NASA's Curiosity Rover and members of the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) science team pass the Presidential viewing stand and President Barack Obama during the inaugural parade honoring Obama, Monday Jan. 21, 2013, in Washington. Obama was sworn-in as the nation's 44th President earlier in the day. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
2013 Inaugural Parade
A replica of NASA's Curiosity Rover and members of the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) science team pass the Presidential viewing stand and President Barack Obama during the inaugural parade honoring Obama, Monday Jan. 21, 2013, in Washington. Obama was sworn-in as the nation's 44th President earlier in the day. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
2013 Inaugural Parade
Obama Administration launches Cloud Computing Initiative at Ames Research Center. Vivek Kundra, White House Chief Federal Information Officer (right) and Lori Garver, NASA Deputy Administrator (left) get a tour & demo NASAS Supercomputing Center Hyperwall by Chris Kemp.
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Obama Administration launches Cloud Computing Initiative at Ames Research Center. Vivek Kundra, White House Chief Federal Information Officer (left) and Lori Garver, NASA Deputy Administrator (ctr) get a tour of the NASA Nebula Infrastructure with Bobby Cates (right).
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Obama Administration launches Cloud Computing Initiative at Ames Research Center  with Vivek Kundra, White House Chief Federal Information Officer making presentation.
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Obama Administration launches Cloud Computing Initiative at Ames Research Center. Vivek Kundra, White House Chief Federal Information Officer (ctr) and Lori Garver, NASA Deputy Administrator (right) get a tour of the NASA Nebula Infrastructure with Bobby Cates (on left).
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Obama Administration launches Cloud Computing Initiative at Ames Research Center. Vivek Kundra, White House Chief Federal Information Officer (right) and Lori Garver, NASA Deputy Administrator (left) get a tour & demo NASAS Supercomputing Center Hyperwall.
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STS-133 Commander Steven Lindsey, far left, presents a montage to President Barack Obama as crew members Michael Barratt, Pilot Eric Boe, Nicole Stott, and Stephen Bowen along with NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, far right, look on during a visit to the Oval Office in the White House, Monday, May 9, 2011, in Washington. Also in attendance but not seen, was Mission Specialist Alvin Drew.Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
STS-133 Crew Meets with President Obama
The Orion space capsule is seen as it rolls down Pennsylvania Avenue during the inaugural parade honoring President Barack Obama, Monday Jan. 21, 2013, in Washington. Obama was sworn-in as the nation's 44th President earlier in the day. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
2013 Inaugural Parade
The Orion space capsule is seen as it rolls down Pennsylvania Avenue during the inaugural parade honoring President Barack Obama, Monday Jan. 21, 2013, in Washington. Obama was sworn-in as the nation's 44th President earlier in the day. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
2013 Inaugural Parade
The U.S. Army, Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps marches past the the Presidential viewing stand during the inaugural parade honoring President Barack Obama, Monday Jan. 21, 2013, in Washington. Obama was sworn-in as the nation's 44th President earlier in the day. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
2013 Inaugural Parade
The presidential limousine is seen traveling up Pennsylvania Avenue soon after President Barack Obama departed the White House for Capitol Hill and the swearing-in of Obama as the nation's 44th President, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
2013 Inaugural Parade
President Barack Obama presents former United States Marine Corps pilot, astronaut and United States Senator John Glenn with a Medal of Freedom, Tuesday, May 29, 2012, during a ceremony at the White House in Washington.
John H Glenn Jr. Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom
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)
2013 Inaugural Parade
The Orion space capsule along with NASA Astronauts Lee Morin, Alvin Drew, Kjell Lindgren, Serena Aunon, Kate Rubins, and Mike Massimino pass the Presidential viewing stand and President Barack Obama during the inaugural parade honoring Obama, Monday Jan. 21, 2013, in Washington. Obama was sworn-in as the nation's 44th President earlier in the day. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
2013 Inaugural Parade
The Orion space capsule along with NASA Astronauts Lee Morin, Alvin Drew, Kjell Lindgren, Serena Aunon, Kate Rubins, and Mike Massimino pass the Presidential viewing stand and President Barack Obama during the inaugural parade honoring Obama, Monday Jan. 21, 2013, in Washington. Obama was sworn-in as the nation's 44th President earlier in the day. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
2013 Inaugural Parade
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, President Barack Obama addresses the participants of the Conference on the American Space Program for the 21st Century.  Behind him, at left, is a mock-up of an Orion capsule.  In his remarks, President Obama outlined the new course his administration is charting for NASA and the future of U.S. leadership in human spaceflight. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann
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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, at the podium, introduces President Barack Obama to the participants of the Conference on the American Space Program for the 21st Century.  Behind him is U. S. Sen. Bill Nelson.  President Obama opened the conference with remarks on the new course his administration is charting for NASA and the future of U.S. leadership in human spaceflight. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann
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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, President Barack Obama boards Air Force One following his address to the participants of the Conference on the American Space Program for the 21st Century.  President Obama opened the conference by outlining the new course his administration is charting for NASA and the future of U.S. leadership in human spaceflight. Photo credit: NASA_Jack Pfaller
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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Air Force One taxies down the runway.  Aboard is President Barack Obama who came to Kennedy to address the participants of the Conference on the American Space Program for the 21st Century.  President Obama opened the conference by outlining the new course his administration is charting for NASA and the future of U.S. leadership in human spaceflight. Photo credit: NASA_Jack Pfaller
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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – (201104290015HQ) Terry White, United Space Alliance project lead for thermal protection systems, left, shows President Barack Obama and his family, from left, First Lady Michelle Obama, Malia, Marian Robinson and Sasha, how tiles work on the space shuttle during their visit to the Orbital Processing Facility at the NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Air Force One prepares for takeoff.  Aboard is President Barack Obama who came to Kennedy to address the participants of the Conference on the American Space Program for the 21st Century.  President Obama opened the conference by outlining the new course his administration is charting for NASA and the future of U.S. leadership in human spaceflight. Photo credit: NASA_Jack Pfaller
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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, media representatives are on hand to cover the opening remarks of the Conference on the American Space Program for the 21st Century delivered by President Barack Obama.  In his remarks, President Obama outlined the new course his administration is charting for NASA and the future of U.S. leadership in human spaceflight. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann
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