
Chairman Brian Babin (R-TX)

Rep. Ken Calvert, (R-Calif.), chairman of the House Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, received an update on the mission of NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center during a visit on June 2, 2005. Rep. Calvert, accompanied by several staff members, was briefed by center management on the Dryden's role as a flight research institution, and then reviewed some of the center's recent, current and upcoming flight research projects during a tour of the facility. During the afternoon, Rep. Calvert received similar briefings on a variety of projects at several aerospace development firms at the Civilian Flight Test Center in Mojave. Rep. Calvert's tour of NASA Dryden was the second in a series of visits to all 10 NASA field centers to better acquaint him with the roles and responsibilities of each center.

NASA's NISAR Project Manager Phil Barela (with hands raised) speaks with Indian Space Research Organisation Chairman S. Somanath about the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) science instrument payload in a clean room at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California on Feb. 3, 2023. Somanath was among a group of visitors to the facility that included officials from NASA, ISRO, and the Indian Embassy. The NISAR mission – a joint effort between NASA and ISRO – will measure changes to Earth's land ice surfaces down to fractions of an inch. Data collected by this satellite will help researchers monitor a wide range of changes critical to life on Earth in unprecedented detail. This includes spotting warning signs of imminent volcanic eruptions, helping to monitor groundwater supplies, tracking the melt rate of ice sheets tied to sea level rise, and observing shifts in the distribution of vegetation around the world. The data will inform humanity's responses to urgent challenges posed by natural disasters and climate change, and help communities prepare for and manage hazards. There are two instruments on the satellite that will send and receive radar signals to and from Earth's surface to make the mission's measurements. An L-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR), which uses a signal wavelength of around 9 inches (24 centimeters), and an S-band SAR with a signal wavelength of nearly 5 inches (12 centimeters). Both will bounce their microwave signal off of the planet's surface and record how long it takes the signal to make one roundtrip, as well as the strength of that return signal. This enables the researchers to calculate the distance from the spacecraft to Earth's surface and thereby determine how the land or ice is changing. An antenna reflector nearly 40 feet (12 meters) in diameter, supported by a deployable boom, will focus the microwave signals sent and received by the SARs. JPL, which is managed for NASA by Caltech in Pasadena, leads the U.S. component of NISAR and is providing the mission's L-band SAR instrument. NASA is also providing the radar reflector antenna, the deployable boom, a high-rate communication subsystem for science data, GPS receivers, a solid-state recorder, and payload data subsystem. ISRO is providing the spacecraft bus, the S-band SAR, the launch vehicle, and associated launch services and satellite mission operations. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA25598

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, left, talks with Her Royal Highness Princess Reema Bandar Al Saud, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the US and His Royal Highness Prince Sultan Salman Al-Saud, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Space Commission during a courtesy visit, Monday, Aug. 12, 2019 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

‘NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstein, left, His Royal Highness Prince Sultan Salman Al-Saud, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Space Commission, center, and Her Royal Highness Princess Reema Bandar Al Saud, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the US, right, pose for a photograph during a courtesy visit, Monday, Aug. 12, 2019 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, left, talks with Her Royal Highness Princess Reema Bandar Al Saud, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the US and His Royal Highness Prince Sultan Salman Al-Saud, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Space Commission during a courtesy visit, Monday, Aug. 12, 2019 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Chairman Lamar Smith (R-TX) held a full-committee event Thursday, July 24, 2014 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, DC to allow members of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology an opportunity to ask astronauts Steve Swanson and Reid Wiseman questions through a live downlink with the International Space Station (ISS). Expedition 40 astronauts Steve Swanson and Reid Wiseman have been living and working at the ISS for over two months and are scheduled to return to Earth toward the end of this year.

Senior executives from the Renault-Nissan Alliance, including Carlos Ghosn, chairman and CEO of Nissan, and Jose Munoz, chairman of Nissan North America, visited Ames for meetings with center management and a showcase of the technical partnership between NASA and Nissan North America.

Dr. Joseph S. Ames, Chairman of National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics from 1927 to 1939. art by H.E. Lorentz November 1943

A portrait of Rep. Overton Brooks, D-Louisiana, former Chairman of the House Committee on Science and Astronautics is seen during a hearing on the James Webb Space Telescope, Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Witnesses: NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine and Mr. Tom Young, chairman, JWST Independent Review Board. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Rep. Frank Lucas, R-Oklahoma, Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology is seen during a hearing on the James Webb Space Telescope, Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Witnesses: NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine and Mr. Tom Young, chairman, JWST Independent Review Board. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, left, thanks JPL Deputy Director Lt. Gen. (Ret) Larry James, JPL Director Michael Watkins, JPL Distinguished Visiting Scientist and Spouse of UAG Chairman James Ellis, Elisabeth Pate-Cornell , UAG Chairman, Admiral (Ret) James Ellis , and California Institute of Technology President Thomas Rosenbaum, right, for giving him a tour of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Saturday, April 28, 2018 in Pasadena, California. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Senior executives from the Renault-Nissan Alliance, including Carlos Ghosn, chairman and CEO of Nissan, and Jose Munoz, chairman of Nissan North America, visited Ames for meetings and a showcase of the technical partnership between NASA and Nissan North America. After briefings, the group observed testing of Nissan’s all-electric LEAF as it performed safe autonomous drives across the center.

Senior executives from the Renault-Nissan Alliance, including Carlos Ghosn, chairman and CEO of Nissan, and Jose Munoz, chairman of Nissan North America, visited Ames for meetings and a showcase of the technical partnership between NASA and Nissan North America. Shown here on left is Eugene Tu, Ames Center Director on right is Carlos Ghosn, CEO, Nissan

Senior executives from the Renault-Nissan Alliance, including Carlos Ghosn, chairman and CEO of Nissan, and Jose Munoz, chairman of Nissan North America, visited Ames for meetings and a showcase of the technical partnership between NASA and Nissan North America. Shown here on left is Carlos Ghosn, CEO, Nissan on right Eugene Tu, Ames Center Director in front to the NASA sign at the VMS Facility at Ames Research Center ,CA.

Senior executives from the Renault-Nissan Alliance, including Carlos Ghosn, chairman and CEO of Nissan, and Jose Munoz, chairman of Nissan North America, visited Ames for meetings and a showcase of the technical partnership between NASA and Nissan North America. After briefings, the group gathers in at the Autonomous Sciences Research Facility for a remote vehicle monitoring demo.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE: The Federal Women’ s Program Advisory Committee has been established to assist in the implementation of the Federal Women’ s Program at the Center. In an effort to define the specific problems of women employees at Langley, the committee is preparing a self-evaluation and discrimination questionnaire which will soon be distributed to all female employees. Members of the committee are (from left): Lorraine F. Satchell, Carmen, E. Batten, Patricia D. Hurt, Jane s. Hess, Chairman, Sallie M. Harvey, Eloise McGeehee, Mary W. Jackson, and Eunice G. Smith. Absent when the photograph was taken was Jeanette W. George. Photo published in the Langley Researcher, May 11,1973 page 5.

NASA Space Science Advisory Committee Chairman Ed Wiler (r) visit to Ames Research Center: on tour of the Arc Jet Facility with G. Scott Hubbard, Raj Venkatapathy and entourage

NASA Space Science Advisory Committee Chairman Ed Wiler (r) visit to Ames Research Center: on tour of the Arc Jet Facility with G. Scott Hubbard, Raj Venkatapathy and entourage.

NASA Space Science Advisory Committee Chairman Ed Wiler (r) visit to Ames Research Center: on tour of the Arc Jet Facility with Ethiraj 'Raj' Venkatapathy presenting

NASA Space Science Advisory Committee Chairman Ed Wiler visit to Ames Research Center: checks out test material while on tour of the Arc Jet Facility

John Culberson, U.S. Congressman, 7th District Texas & Chairman, House Appropriations CJS Committee signs his name on the Orion Stage Adapter while touring MSFC on October 6, 2017.

NASA Space Science Advisory Committee Chairman Ed Wiler (c) visit to Ames Research Center: on tour of the Arc Jet Facility with G. Scott Hubbard, Raj Venkatapathy and entourage.

Senior executives from the Renault-Nissan Alliance, including Carlos Ghosn, chairman and CEO of Nissan, and Jose Munoz, chairman of Nissan North America, visited Ames for meetings and a showcase of the technical partnership between NASA and Nissan North America. The partnership allows researchers to develop and test autonomy algorithms, concepts, and integrated prototypes for a variety of vehicular transport applications – from rovers to self-driving cars. After briefings, a group take a ride in the autonomous vehicle to observed testing of Nissan’s all-electric LEAF as it performed safe autonomous drives across the center.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, 3rd from right, tours NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory along with his wife Karen, and daughter Charlotte, Saturday, April 28, 2018 in Pasadena, California. Joining the Vice President t and his family on the tour are: UAG Chairman, Admiral (Ret) James Ellis , left, JPL Distinguished Visiting Scientist and Spouse of UAG Chairman James Ellis, Elisabeth Pate-Cornell, behind Mrs. Pence, California Institute of Technology President Thomas Rosenbaum, JPL Director Michael Watkins, and JPL Deputy Director Lt. Gen. (Ret) Larry James, right. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Ceremony participants prepare to cut the ribbon on the INFINITY at NASA Stennis Space Center facility April 11, 2012. Participating in the ceremony were (l to r): Gulfport Mayor and INFINITY Science Center Inc. Chairman George Schloegel; U.S. Rep. Steven Palazzo, R-Miss.; U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss.; Roy S. Estess granddaughter Lauren McKay; Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant; Leo Seal Jr. grandson Leo Seal IV; Stennis Director Patrick Scheuermann; U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran, R-Miss.; NASA Chief of Staff David Radzanowski; and Apollo 13 astronaut and INFINITY Science Center Inc. Vice Chairman Fred Haise.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence can be seen with his wife Karen Pence as they toured NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Saturday, April 28, 2018 in Pasadena, California. The vice President was also joined by his daughter Charlotte Pence, JPL Distinguished Visiting Scientist and Spouse of UAG Chairman James Ellis, Elisabeth Pate-Cornell , UAG Chairman, Admiral (Ret) James Ellis , Executive Director of the National Space Council Scott Pace, JPL Deputy Director Lt. Gen. (Ret) Larry James, and California Institute of Technology President Thomas Rosenbaum. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Ceremony participants prepare to cut the ribbon on the INFINITY at NASA Stennis Space Center facility April 11, 2012. Participating in the ceremony were (l to r): Gulfport Mayor and INFINITY Science Center Inc. Chairman George Schloegel; U.S. Rep. Steven Palazzo, R-Miss.; U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss.; Roy S. Estess granddaughter Lauren McKay; Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant; Leo Seal Jr. grandson Leo Seal IV; Stennis Director Patrick Scheuermann; U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran, R-Miss.; NASA Chief of Staff David Radzanowski; and Apollo 13 astronaut and INFINITY Science Center Inc. Vice Chairman Fred Haise.

JPL Director Michael Watkins, standing, explains the history of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the use of the Mission Support Area to Vice President Mike Pence, seated next to his wife Karen and daughter Charlotte Pence, during a tour of JPL, Saturday, April 28, 2018 in Pasadena, California. Joining the Vice President was, JPL Distinguished Visiting Scientist and Spouse of UAG Chairman James Ellis, Elisabeth Pate-Cornell, left, UAG Chairman, Admiral (Ret) James Ellis, JPL Deputy Director Lt. Gen. (Ret) Larry James, and California Institute of Technology President Thomas Rosenbaum. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Members of the Augustine Commission are meeting in Cocoa Beach, Fla. At left is Chairman Norman R. Augustine, retired chairman and CEO of Lockheed Martin Corp., and, at right, is Phil McAlister, special assistant for Program Analysis in NASA's Office of Program Analysis and Evaluation. At the request of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, NASA established the Review of U.S. Human Space Flight Plans Committee, known as the Augustine Commission. The committee is conducting an independent review of ongoing U.S. human spaceflight plans and programs, as well as alternatives, to ensure the nation is pursuing the best trajectory for the future of human space flight - one that is safe, innovative, affordable, and sustainable. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, 2nd from left, poses for a group photograph with JPL Director Michael Watkins, left, JPL Deputy Director Lt. Gen. (Ret) Larry James, California Institute of Technology President Thomas Rosenbaum, JPL Distinguished Visiting Scientist and Spouse of UAG Chairman James Ellis, Elisabeth Pate-Cornell, and UAG Chairman, Admiral (Ret) James Ellis, right, after having toured NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Saturday, April 28, 2018 in Pasadena, California. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Ceremony participants prepare to cut the ribbon on the INFINITY at NASA Stennis Space Center facility April 11, 2012. Participating in the ceremony were (l to r): Gulfport Mayor and INFINITY Science Center Inc. Chairman George Schloegel; U.S. Rep. Steven Palazzo, R-Miss.; U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss.; Roy S. Estess granddaughter Lauren McKay; Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant; Leo Seal Jr. grandson Leo Seal IV; Stennis Director Patrick Scheuermann; U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran, R-Miss.; NASA Chief of Staff David Radzanowski; and Apollo 13 astronaut and INFINITY Science Center Inc. Vice Chairman Fred Haise.

Senior executives from the Renault-Nissan Alliance, including Carlos Ghosn, chairman and CEO of Nissan, and Jose Munoz, chairman of Nissan North America, visited Ames for meetings and a showcase of the technical partnership between NASA and Nissan North America. The partnership allows researchers to develop and test autonomy algorithms, concepts, and integrated prototypes for a variety of vehicular transport applications – from rovers to self-driving cars. After briefings, a company of including Eugene Tu, Ames Center Director andLiam Pedersen, Nissan on right Carlos Ghosn, CE, Nissan on left climb into in the autonomous vehicle to observed testing of Nissan’s all-electric LEAF as it performed safe autonomous drives across the center.

Mr. Hubert Humphrey and Dr. von Braun during Mr. Humphrey's visit of the Marshall Space Flight Center May 22, 1967. Humphrey, chairman of the National Aeronautics and Space Council, toured the Center facilities where he examined several mockups related to the Apollo Applications Program.

Dr. Wernher von Braun, Director of Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), teams up with Senator Robert S. Kerr, a chairman of the Senate Committee on Aeronautical and Space Sciences to break ground for MSFC's new Central Laboratory and Office Facility.

Rep. Lamar Smith, R-Texas, chairman of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, delivers his opening statement during a hearing titled "America's Human Presence in Low-Earth Orbit" on Thursday, May 17, 2018 in the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Retired Marine Corps Gen. Anthony Zinni, Chairman of the Board at BAE Systems, speaks to those gathered at the 2009 NASA Executive Summit, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009, at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington. (Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

House Appropriations chairman Hal Rogers, R-Ky., questions NASA Administrator Bill Nelson during a House appropriations hearing on the fiscal year 2024 budget request, Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Chairman of the U.S. House Science, Space and Technology Committee Rep. Ralph Hall, R-TX, asks a question of NASA Administrator Charles Bolden during a hearing on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, chairman of the Subcommittee on Aviation and Space, left, and NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine talk after a hearing titled “The Emerging Space Environment: Operational, Technical, and Policy Challenges.”, Tuesday, May 14, 2019, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, questions Jared Isaacman, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be the next administrator of NASA, right, during a hearing, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Alabama, Chairman of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee is seen during the House Subcommittee on Strategic Forces hearing on Space Situational Awareness: Whole of Government Perspectives on Roles and Responsibilities, Friday, June 22, 2018 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Rep. Frank Lucas, R-OK., chairman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee questions NASA Administrator Bill Nelson during a hearing on “An Overview of the Fiscal Year 2024 Proposed Budget Request for NASA,” Thursday, April 27, 2023 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., Chairman of the of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, makes a point during the nomination hearing for Dr. Elizabeth M. Robinson, nominee for Chief Financial Officer for NASA, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, speaks with the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation in Argentina and Chairman of the Board of the Comisión Nacional de Actividades Espaciales (CONAE), Daniel Filmus, during a meeting, Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at NASA Headquarters in Washington DC. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Chairman Brian Babin, R-Texas, speaks during a House Subcommittee on Space hearing titled "60 Years of NASA Leadership in Human Space Exploration: Past, Present, and Future," Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Senior executives from the Renault-Nissan Alliance visited Ames meet with Ames management and gather for a Autonomous Drive demo. Shown here left to right is Terry Fong, Ames Research Center and Jose Munoz, Chairman, Nissan North America.

Retired Marine Corps Gen. Anthony Zinni, Chairman of the Board at BAE Systems, speaks to those gathered at the 2009 NASA Executive Summit, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009, at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington. (Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

NASA Space Science Advisory Committee Chairman Ed Wiler (r) visit to Ames Research Center: while on tour of the Arc Jet Facility with G. Scott Hubbard, Raj Venkatapathy and entourage. Wiler uses special viewing glasses to observe a test run of Thermal Protection Materials.

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Space, Science, and Competitiveness speaks during a hearing titled "Examining the Future of the International Space Station: Administration Perspectives," Wednesday, May 16, 2018 in the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation is seen during a committee hearing titled "The New Space Race: Ensuring U.S. Global Leadership on the Final Frontier," Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Airship Ventures Zeppelin Dedication during the Moffett Field Diamond Jubilee. New NRP Partner KleenSpeed Chairman Timothy Collins (l) with THRUXAR electric race car at the Nov. 21 Diamond Jubilee exhibits. KleenSpeed is an advanced R&D firm focusing on scalable electric propulsion systems for transportation

U.S. Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, questions Jim Morhard, nominee for Deputy Administrator of NASA, during a hearing on Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018 in the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Tom Young, chairman, JWST Independent Review Board, testifies before the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology during a hearing on the James Webb Space Telescope, Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Retired Marine Corps Gen. Anthony Zinni, Chairman of the Board at BAE Systems, speaks to those gathered at the 2009 NASA Executive Summit, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009, at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington. (Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

U.S. Rep. Sherwood Boehlert, R-N.Y., Chairman of the House Science & Technology Committee, makes a point during a hearing regarding NASA's FY 2007 budget request, Thursday, Feb., 16, 2006, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, and S Somanath, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), meet to discuss ways to enhance bilateral space cooperation on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Tom Young, chairman, JWST Independent Review Board, testifies before the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology during a hearing on the James Webb Space Telescope, Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Research Park (NRP) Timothy Collins, President and Chairman, KleenSpeed Technologies, Inc. and Captain Andrew Butte, rescue helicopter pilot and former Army Aviator, with Butte's 1999 SWIFT. ChampCar Butte has given his racecar to KleenSpeed for conversion to electric.

Tom Young, chairman, JWST Independent Review Board, listens as NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine testifies before the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology during a hearing on the James Webb Space Telescope, Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, questions NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine during a budget review hearing, Wednesday, May 1, 2019, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Philippe Baptiste, Chairman and CEO, Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES) gives remarks in a Heads of Agency panel discussion, during the 36th Space Symposium, Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Retired Marine Corps Gen. Anthony Zinni, Chairman of the Board at BAE Systems, speaks to those gathered at the 2009 NASA Executive Summit, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009, at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington. (Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The KSC Holiday Celebration was also the occasion for presenting the Center’s Combined Federal Campaign check to United Way of Brevard. The 2004 campaign netted $389,000 in donations. At right is Center Director Jim Kennedy. Next to him, at left, is the campaign chairman, KSC’s Chief Financial Officer, Nap Carroll.

Retired Marine Corps Gen. Anthony Zinni, Chairman of the Board at BAE Systems, speaks to those gathered at the 2009 NASA Executive Summit, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009, at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington. (Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

Retired Marine Corps Gen. Anthony Zinni, Chairman of the Board at BAE Systems, makes a point while speaking at the 2009 NASA Executive Summit, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009, at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington. (Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

Tom Young, chairman, JWST Independent Review Board, prepares to testify before the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology during a hearing on the James Webb Space Telescope, Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Frank Lucas, R-Okla., gives opening remarks during a hearing regarding the NASA Fiscal Year 2025 budget, Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Chairman of the UAE Space Agency (UAESA), H.E. Dr. Ahmad bin Abdulla Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, speaks during a multilateral meeting of the heads of space agencies at the 70th International Astronautical Congress, Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Tom Young, chairman, JWST Independent Review Board, testifies before the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology during a hearing on the James Webb Space Telescope, Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Philippe Baptiste, Chairman and CEO, Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES), left and NASA Administrator Bill Nelson pose for a photograph prior to a bilateral meeting during the 36th Space Symposium, Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Honeybee Robotics co-founder and chairman Stephen Gorevan participates in a panel discussion titled "The Big Picture", Saturday, Aug. 5, 2017 at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

House Subcommittee on Space Chairman Rep. Brian Babin, R-Texas, is seen during a hearing overview of the NASA Budget for Fiscal Year 2019, Wednesday, March 7, 2018, at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, questions Jared Isaacman, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be the next administrator of NASA, during a hearing, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, chairman of the Subcommittee on Aviation and Space, holds a hearing titled “The Emerging Space Environment: Operational, Technical, and Policy Challenges.”, Tuesday, May 14, 2019, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, left, testifies before the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology during a hearing on the James Webb Space Telescope as Tom Young, chairman, JWST Independent Review Board looks on, Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Space Science Advisory Committee Chairman Ed Wiler (r) visit to Ames Research Center: on tour of the Arc Jet Facility with G. Scott Hubbard, Raj Venkatapathy and entourage. Wiler and Hubbard use special viewing glasses to observe a test run of Thermal Protection Materials.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Student teams representing Florida and several out-of-state areas display and work on their robots for the FIRST robotics event held at the University of Central Florida Arena March 8-10. The FIRST, or For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, Robotics Competition challenges teams of young people and their mentors to solve a common problem in a six-week timeframe using a standard "kit of parts" and a common set of rules. Teams build robots from the parts and enter them in a series of competitions designed by FIRST founder Dean Kamen and Dr. Woodie Flowers, chairman and vice chairman of the Executive Advisory Board respectively, and a committee of engineers and other professionals. FIRST redefines winning for these students. Teams are rewarded for excellence in design, demonstrated team spirit, gracious professionalism and maturity, and ability to overcome obstacles. Scoring the most points is a secondary goal. Winning means building partnerships that last. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Student competitors listen to game rules before the FIRST robotics event held at the University of Central Florida Arena March 8-10. The FIRST, or For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, Robotics Competition challenges teams of young people and their mentors to solve a common problem in a six-week timeframe using a standard "kit of parts" and a common set of rules. Teams build robots from the parts and enter them in a series of competitions designed by FIRST founder Dean Kamen and Dr. Woodie Flowers, chairman and vice chairman of the Executive Advisory Board respectively, and a committee of engineers and other professionals. FIRST redefines winning for these students. Teams are rewarded for excellence in design, demonstrated team spirit, gracious professionalism and maturity, and ability to overcome obstacles. Scoring the most points is a secondary goal. Winning means building partnerships that last. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

JPL Director Michael Watkins, left, explains the history of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the use of the Mission Support Area to Vice President Mike Pence, seated 4th from left, during a tour of JPL, Saturday, April 28, 2018 in Pasadena, California. Joining the Vice President was, JPL Distinguished Visiting Scientist and Spouse of UAG Chairman James Ellis, Elisabeth Pate-Cornell, left, UAG Chairman, Admiral (Ret) James Ellis, Executive Director of the National Space Council Scott Pace, wife of Mike Pence, Karen Pence, daughter of Mike Pence, Charlotte Pence, and JPL Deputy Director Lt. Gen. (Ret) Larry James. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — During the Challenger memorial ceremony held Jan. 28 in front of the Space Memorial Mirror at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Visitor Complex, Center Director Jim Kennedy talks to visitors. Others participating in the ceremony are Dr. Mick Ukleja, who gave the invocation; Dr. Stephen Feldman, president of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation; Rep. Dave Weldon and Rep. Tom Feeney; William Potter, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation; William Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations at NASA; June Scobee Rodgers, widow of Dick Scobee, commander of Challenger; Col. Richard Scobee, son of Dick Scobee and June Scobee Rodgers; Capt. Frederick Hauck, commander of the first mission after Challenger; Dr. Joseph Allen, astronaut and scientist and chairman of the Board of the Challenger Centers for Space Science. June Scobee Rodgers and Gerstenmaier placed a wreath at the base of the memorial. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

A metal strap became tangled over one of the folded solar array panels when Skylab lost its micro meteoroid shield during its launch. Cutters like the ones used to free the solar array were used to cut the ribbon opening to the public a new full-scale Skylab cluster exhibit at the Alabama Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Wielding the cutters are (left to right): Alabama Senator James B. Allen; Marshall Space Flight Center director, Dr. William R. Lucas, Huntsville Mayor, Joe Davis; Madison County Commission Chairman, James Record (standing behind Mayor Davis); and chairman of the Alabama Space Science Exhibit Commission, Jack Giles. Astronauts Conrad and Kerwin used the same type of tool in Earth orbit to cut the aluminum strap which jammed the Skylab solar array.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The audience anxiously awaits a referee's decision during competition of student teams in the FIRST robotics event held at the University of Central Florida Arena March 8-10. The FIRST, or For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, Robotics Competition challenges teams of young people and their mentors to solve a common problem in a six-week timeframe using a standard "kit of parts" and a common set of rules. Teams build robots from the parts and enter them in a series of competitions designed by FIRST founder Dean Kamen and Dr. Woodie Flowers, chairman and vice chairman of the Executive Advisory Board respectively, and a committee of engineers and other professionals. FIRST redefines winning for these students. Teams are rewarded for excellence in design, demonstrated team spirit, gracious professionalism and maturity, and ability to overcome obstacles. Scoring the most points is a secondary goal. Winning means building partnerships that last. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The student team dressed in pink is a coordinated effort cosponsored by NASA KSC and representing Rockledge, Cocoa Beach and Viera High Schools in Central Florida. The FIRST, or For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, Robotics Competition challenges teams of young people and their mentors to solve a common problem in a six-week timeframe using a standard "kit of parts" and a common set of rules. Teams build robots from the parts and enter them in a series of competitions designed by FIRST founder Dean Kamen and Dr. Woodie Flowers, chairman and vice chairman of the Executive Advisory Board respectively, and a committee of engineers and other professionals. FIRST redefines winning for these students. Teams are rewarded for excellence in design, demonstrated team spirit, gracious professionalism and maturity, and ability to overcome obstacles. Scoring the most points is a secondary goal. Winning means building partnerships that last. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Senior executives from the Renault-Nissan Alliance, including Carlos Ghosn, chairman and CEO of Nissan, and Jose Munoz, chairman of Nissan North America, visited Ames for meetings and a showcase of the technical partnership between NASA and Nissan North America. The partnership allows researchers to develop and test autonomy algorithms, concepts, and integrated prototypes for a variety of vehicular transport applications – from rovers to self-driving cars. After briefings, the group on left from left to right Kathy Sun and Liam Pedersen, Nissan and on right from front to back Carlos Ghosn, CE, Nissan chatted before taking a ride in the autonomous vehicle to observed testing of Nissan’s all-electric LEAF as it performed safe autonomous drives across the center.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Kissimmee, Fla., team (right) prepares its robot for competition with a New Jersey team (center) during the FIRST robotics event held at the University of Central Florida Arena March 8-10. The FIRST, or For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, Robotics Competition challenges teams of young people and their mentors to solve a common problem in a six-week timeframe using a standard "kit of parts" and a common set of rules. Teams build robots from the parts and enter them in a series of competitions designed by FIRST founder Dean Kamen and Dr. Woodie Flowers, chairman and vice chairman of the Executive Advisory Board respectively, and a committee of engineers and other professionals. FIRST redefines winning for these students. Teams are rewarded for excellence in design, demonstrated team spirit, gracious professionalism and maturity, and ability to overcome obstacles. Scoring the most points is a secondary goal. Winning means building partnerships that last. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Center Director Bill Parsons (left) greets the Lt. Governor of the State of Florida, Jeff Kottkamp, at the FIRST robotics event held at the University of Central Florida Arena March 8-10. The FIRST, or For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, Robotics Competition challenges teams of young people and their mentors to solve a common problem in a six-week timeframe using a standard "kit of parts" and a common set of rules. Teams build robots from the parts and enter them in a series of competitions designed by FIRST founder Dean Kamen and Dr. Woodie Flowers, chairman and vice chairman of the Executive Advisory Board respectively, and a committee of engineers and other professionals. FIRST redefines winning for these students. Teams are rewarded for excellence in design, demonstrated team spirit, gracious professionalism and maturity, and ability to overcome obstacles. Scoring the most points is a secondary goal. Winning means building partnerships that last. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RLV Hangar, Adm. Harold Gehman, chairman of the Columbia Investigation Accident Board, points to data on a chart. He and other board members are visiting as part of the ongoing investigation. Recovery efforts as of May 5 included 82,500 pieces of debris weighing 84,800 pounds, almost 40 percent of the total dry weight of the shuttle. About 25,000 personnel took part, utilizing almost 1.5 million total man-hours in the recovery effort and involving more than 130 federal, state and local agencies. The operation was also supported by more than 270 organizations that included businesses and volunteer groups.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Adm. Harold Gehman, far left, chairman of the Columbia Investigation Accident Board, looks at pieces of Columbia debris collected in the KSC RLV Hangar. Other members of the board accompanied him as part of the ongoing investigation. Recovery efforts as of May 5 included 82,500 pieces of debris weighing 84,800 pounds, almost 40 percent of the total dry weight of the shuttle. About 25,000 personnel took part, utilizing almost 1.5 million total man-hours in the recovery effort and involving more than 130 federal, state and local agencies. The operation was also supported by more than 270 organizations that included businesses and volunteer groups.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Retired Navy Admiral Harold W. Gehman Jr., chairman of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board, addresses the press at the Shuttle Landing Facility before departing KSC. Gehman and other members of the board visited sites at KSC to become familiar with Shuttle processing procedures. The independent board is charged with determining what caused the destruction of the Space Shuttle Columbia and the loss of its seven-member crew on Feb. 1 during reentry.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Retired Navy Admiral Harold W. Gehman Jr. (left), chairman of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board, is given a guided tour of the Space Shuttle Main Engine shop. Gehman and other members of the board are visiting sites at KSC to become familiar with the Shuttle launch process. The independent board is charged with determining what caused the destruction of the Space Shuttle Columbia and the loss of its seven-member crew on Feb. 1 during reentry.

NASA Research Park (NRP) Moffett Field, California: Timothy Collins, President and Chairman, KleenSpeed Technologies, Inc. and Captain Andrew Butte, rescue helicopter pilot and former Army Aviator, with Butte's 1999 SWIFT. ChampCar Butte has given his racecar to KleenSpeed for conversion to electric. KleenSpeed is an advanced R&D firm focusing on scalable electric propulsion systems for transportation.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Center Director Roy Bridges (left) greets Retired Navy Admiral Harold W. Gehman Jr., chairman of the Columbia Accident Board, after his arrival at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility. Gehman and other members of the board are visiting sites at KSC to become familiar with the Shuttle launch process. The independent board is charged with determining what caused the destruction of the Space Shuttle Columbia and the loss of its seven-member crew on Feb. 1 during reentry.

Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Oversight, U.S. Rep. Paul Broun, R-Ga, talks during a hearing titled "Operating Unmanned Aircraft Systems in the National Airspace System: Assessing Research and Development Efforts to Ensure Safety" on Friday, Feb. 15, 2013 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant looks on as Apollo 13 astronaut and INFINITY Science Center Inc. Vice Chairman Fred Haise points out features of the spacesuit he wore on his lunar mission in 1970. The suit is on display at the INFINITY at NASA Stennis Space Center visitor center and museum. The two men toured the facility during ribbon-cutting activities April 11, 2012.

In the Space Shuttle Atlantis facility at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Astronaut Scholarship Foundation Chairman Dan Brandenstein, left, also a Hall of Fame astronaut, presents inductee Michael Foale with his hall of fame medal. Former NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden, right, a Hall of Fame member, presented Foale for induction. During this year's ceremonies, space shuttle astronaut Ellen Ochoa also was enshrined.

Chairman Hal Rogers, R-Ky., delivers an opening statement before NASA Administrator Bill Nelson testifies before the House Appropriations Committee’s Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcomittee, during a hearing on the fiscal year 2025 budget request, Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, DC. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Former space shuttle astronaut Dan Brandenstein, chairman of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation board of directors, speaks to guests during the opening of the Heroes and Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The new facility includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and looks back to the pioneering efforts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It sets the stage by providing the background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered the nation's journey into space.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, left, NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, right, and S Somanath, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), center, pose for a picture following a meeting to discuss ways to enhance bilateral space cooperation on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Michael McCulley, former astronaut and chairman of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, speaks to a crowd gathered in front of the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida to honor space shuttle Challenger's STS-51L crew members who gave their lives for while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the loss of Challenger, which broke apart over the Atlantic Ocean 73 seconds into flight on Jan. 28, 1986. NASA/Jack Pfaller