The Payload Operations Center (POC) is the science command post for the International Space Station (ISS). Located at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, it is the focal point for American and international science activities aboard the ISS. The POC's unique capabilities allow science experts and researchers around the world to perform cutting-edge science in the unique microgravity environment of space. The POC is staffed around the clock by shifts of payload flight controllers. At any given time, 8 to 10 flight controllers are on consoles, operating, plarning for, and controlling various systems and payloads. This photograph shows the Payload Operations Director (POD) at work. The POD is the leader of the POC flight control team. The Director guides all payload activities in coordination with Mission Control at Johnson Space Center at Houston, Texas, the Station crew, the international partners, and other research facilities.

Official group photo of the new class of PODs (Payload Operations Directors) for 2019, taken in building 4663 Payload Operations Center. (L to R) Stacey Steele, Michael Vigo, Dr. Ian Howley, Luke Bingaman, Jennifer McMillian, Luke Mays, Carlos Barreto, David Nicholas Benjamin

Official group photo of the new class of PODs (Payload Operations Directors) for 2019, taken in building 4663 Payload Operations Center. (L to R) Stacey Steele, Dr. Ian Howley, Michael Vigo, Jennifer McMillian, Luke Bingaman, Carlos Barreto, Luke Mays, David Nicholas Benjamin

David A. Wright is associate director for Center Operations at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, Calif. He was formerly director of Flight Operations. He is also a research pilot, flying NASA's ER-2 and T-38. The ER-2s are civilian variants of the military U-2S reconnaissance aircraft and carry scientific instruments to study the Earth during worldwide deployments. Wright has more than 4,500 hours in six different aircraft. He held the position of deputy director of the Airborne Science Program at Dryden from 2002 until 2004. Wright came to Dryden after retiring from the U.S. Air Force as a lieutenant colonel. His final assignment was to the Joint Staff J3, Directorate of Operations at the Pentagon from November 1996 until August 1999. Prior to the Pentagon assignment, he served as commander of the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron at Beale Air Force Base near Marysville, Calif., the unit responsible for training all U-2 pilots. He was the operations officer for one the largest U-2 operations in history, flying combat missions against Iraq and managing an unprecedented U-2 flying schedule during the 1991 Desert Storm conflict. He was selected for the Air Force U-2 program in 1987 following duty as an aircraft commander in the E-3A AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft. Wright was a T-38 instructor for three years at Reese Air Force Base, Lubbock, Texas, following completion of pilot training in 1978. He graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics and computer science. Wright earned a Master of Arts in Adult Education from Troy State University, Montgomery, Ala., in 1987, and a Master of Science in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College, Newport, R.I., in 1995.

Air Force Two lands with Vice President Mike Pence along with Congressman Robert Aderholt at the Redstone Army Airfield in Huntsville, Alabama, on Monday, Sept. 25. They were greeted by NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center Director Todd May and Redstone Arsenal’s Lt. Gen. Edward Daly. The Vice President is visiting NASA’s Marshall Center to meet with employees, view test hardware for NASA’s Space Launch System — America’s new deep-space rocket, and tour the Payload Operations Integration Center, “science central” for the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Emmett Given)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Mike McCulley (left), chief operating officer with United Space Alliance, talks with Center Director Roy Bridges Jr. (center) and NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe (right) during the annual Congressional Dinner hosted by the Florida Space Business Roundtable. The dinner kicked off the annual Space Congress, held April 28-May 1, 2003, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The theme for the event was "Linking the Past to the Future: A Celebration of Space" and commemorated the 40th anniversary of the Kennedy Space Center and the Centennial of Flight.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Bill Pickavance, vice president and deputy program manager, Florida operations, United Space Alliance, speaks to employees during Center Director Jim Kennedy’s first all-hands meeting for employees. Also on the agenda was Dr. Woodrow Whitlow Jr., KSC deputy director, and Tim Wilson, assistant chief engineer for Shuttle. Representatives from the Shuttle program and contractor team were on hand to discuss the Columbia Accident Investigation Board report and where KSC stands in its progress toward return to flight.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Center Director Jim Kennedy talks to employees during his first all-hands meeting. Making presentations were Dr. Woodrow Whitlow Jr., KSC deputy director; Tim Wilson, assistant chief engineer for Shuttle; and Bill Pickavance, vice president and deputy program manager, Florida operations, United Space Alliance. Representatives from the Shuttle program and contractor team were on hand to discuss the Columbia Accident Investigation Board report and where KSC stands in its progress toward return to flight.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Employees in the Training Auditorium listen to Center Director Jim Kennedy’s first all-hands meeting for employees. Making presentations were Dr. Woodrow Whitlow Jr., KSC deputy director; Tim Wilson, assistant chief engineer for Shuttle; and Bill Pickavance, vice president and deputy program manager, Florida operations, United Space Alliance. Representatives from the Shuttle program and contractor team were on hand to discuss the Columbia Accident Investigation Board report and where KSC stands in its progress toward return to flight.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Center Director Jim Kennedy talks to employees during his first all-hands meeting. Making presentations were Dr. Woodrow Whitlow Jr., KSC deputy director;Tim Wilson, assistant chief engineer for Shuttle; and Bill Pickavance, vice president and deputy program manager, Florida operations, United Space Alliance.. Representatives from the Shuttle program and contractor team were on hand to discuss the Columbia Accident Investigation Board report and where KSC stands in its progress toward return to flight.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Dr. Woodrow Whitlow Jr., KSC deputy director, speaks to employees during Center Director Jim Kennedy’s first all-hands meeting for employees. Also on the agenda was Tim Wilson, assistant chief engineer for Shuttle, and Bill Pickavance, vice president and deputy program manager, Florida operations, United Space Alliance.. Representatives from the Shuttle program and contractor team were on hand to discuss the Columbia Accident Investigation Board report and where KSC stands in its progress toward return to flight.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Center Director Jim Kennedy (left) welcomes Bill Pickavance to the podium during the CD’s first all-hands meeting with employees. Pickavance is vice president and deputy program manager, Florida operations, United Space Alliance. Also, making presentations were Dr. Woodrow Whitlow Jr., KSC deputy director, and Tim Wilson, assistant chief engineer for Shuttle. Representatives from the Shuttle program and contractor team were on hand to discuss the Columbia Accident Investigation Board report and where KSC stands in its progress toward return to flight.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Tim Wilson, assistant chief engineer for Shuttle, speaks to employees during Center Director Jim Kennedy’s first all-hands meeting for employees. Also on the agenda was Dr. Woodrow Whitlow Jr., KSC deputy director, and Bill Pickavance, vice president and deputy program manager, Florida operations, United Space Alliance. Representatives from the Shuttle program and contractor team were on hand to discuss the Columbia Accident Investigation Board report and where KSC stands in its progress toward return to flight.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Dr. Woodrow Whitlow Jr., KSC deputy director, speaks to employees during Center Director Jim Kennedy’s first all-hands meeting for employees. Also on the agenda was Tim Wilson, assistant chief engineer for Shuttle, and Bill Pickavance, vice president and deputy program manager, Florida operations, United Space Alliance.. Representatives from the Shuttle program and contractor team were on hand to discuss the Columbia Accident Investigation Board report and where KSC stands in its progress toward return to flight.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Center Director Jim Kennedy talks to employees during his first all-hands meeting. Making presentations were Dr. Woodrow Whitlow Jr., KSC deputy director,; Tim Wilson, assistant chief engineer for Shuttle; and Bill Pickavance, vice president and deputy program manager, Florida operations, United Space Alliance. Representatives from the Shuttle program and contractor team were on hand to discuss the Columbia Accident Investigation Board report and where KSC stands in its progress toward return to flight.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Center Director Jim Kennedy talks to employees during his first all-hands meeting. Making presentations were Dr. Woodrow Whitlow Jr., KSC deputy director; Tim Wilson, assistant chief engineer for Shuttle; and Bill Pickavance, vice president and deputy program manager, Florida operations, United Space Alliance.. Representatives from the Shuttle program and contractor team were on hand to discuss the Columbia Accident Investigation Board report and where KSC stands in its progress toward return to flight.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Suzy Cunningham sings the national anthem to kick off Center Director Jim Kennedy’s first all-hands meeting conducted for employees. She is senior spaceport manager, NASA/Air Force Spaceport Planning and Customer Service Office. Making presentations were Dr. Woodrow Whitlow Jr., KSC deputy director; Tim Wilson, assistant chief engineer for Shuttle; and Bill Pickavance, vice president and deputy program manager, Florida operations, United Space Alliance. Representatives from the Shuttle program and contractor team were on hand to discuss the Columbia Accident Investigation Board report and where KSC stands in its progress toward return to flight.

Center Director Eugene Tu, left, with Multi-Mission Operations Center (MMOC) Director Justin Pane during the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) vehicle operational readiness test in the MMOC, N240A. Deputy Center Director David Korsmeyer, back left, with VIPER Project Manager Daniel Andrews.

NASA Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate and Marshall Center Director Jody Singer participate in the hanging of a new International Space Station flag out side of the Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC). Also participating were employees of the support center and the Payload Operations Integration Center.

NASA Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate and Marshall Center Director Jody Singer participate in the hanging of a new International Space Station flag out side of the Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC). Also participating were employees of the support center and the Payload Operations Integration Center.

NASA Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate and Marshall Center Director Jody Singer participate in the hanging of a new International Space Station flag out side of the Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC). Also participating were employees of the support center and the Payload Operations Integration Center.

Women Of Color, Cleveland Magazine, CL Magazine Feature Photo

Pictured in front of the Saturn 1 launch vehicle are (L to R): Dr. Rocco Petrone, Director of Launch Operations at Kennedy Space Center; Dr. Werher von Braun, Director of Marshall Space Flight Center; Dr. Oswald Lange, Director of the Saturn Systems Office; Mr. Hans. H. Maus, Director of Fabrication and Assembly Engineering Division; and Dr. Hans Gruene, Deputy Director of Launch Operations Directorate. Maus and Gruene were original members of von Braun's rocket team.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Columbia Debris Hangar, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (center) points to some of the tiles recovered from the orbiter as he explains to the media about activities that have taken place since the Columbia accident on Feb. 1, 2003. STS-107 debris recovery and reconstruction operations are winding down. To date, nearly 84,000 pieces of debris have been recovered and sent to KSC. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Before the start of the kickoff presentation for Spaceport Super Safety and Health Day, Center Director Jim Kennedy (left) chats with guest speaker Capt. Charles Plumb (USNR retired) and United Space Alliance Vice President and Deputy Program Manager, Florida Operations, Bill Pickavance. Spaceport Super Safety and Health Day is an annual event at KSC and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station dedicated to reinforcing safe and healthful behaviors in the workforce. Safety Awards were also given to individuals and groups.

This image depicts the tension in the Launch Control Center of the Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral, Florida, during the SA-8 on May 25, 1965. Pointing, center is Dr. Kurt Debus, Director, Launch Operations Directorate, MSFC. To the right is Dr. Hans Gruene, Deputy Director, Launch Operations Directorate, MSFC; Dr. von Braun, Director, Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC); and leaning, Dr. Eberhard Rees, Director, Deputy Director for Research and Development, MSFC. The SA-8 mission, with a Saturn I launch vehicle, made the first night launch and deployed Pegasus II, micrometeoroid detection satellite.

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.

Inside Mercury flight control, Walter C. Williams, associate director for Project Mercury operations (center) listens to Christopher Kraft, flight director (right).

Dr. von Braun, Director of the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), and Dr. Debus, Director of Launch Operations Directorate, photographed in the blockhouse during the Apollo launch simulation.

Dr. von Braun, Director of the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), and Dr. Debus, Director of Launch Operations Directorate, photographed in the blockhouse during the Apollo launch simulation.

S69-34038 (18 May 1969) --- View of activity at the flight director's console in the Mission Operations Control Room in the Mission Control Center, Building 30, on the first day of the Apollo 10 lunar orbit mission. Seated are Gerald D. Griffin (foreground) and Glynn S. Lunney, Shift 1 (Black Team) flight directors. Milton L. Windler, standing behind them, is the flight director of Shift 2 (Maroon Team). In the center background, standing, is Dr. Christopher C. Kraft Jr., MSC Director of Flight Operations.

S73-36909 (16 Nov. 2013) --- An overall view of the Flight Operations Director's console in the Mission Operations Control Room in the Mission Control Center at Johnson Space Center during the launch of the Skylab 4 mission. The television monitor records the progress of the flight seconds after liftoff. Left to right, are Dr. Christopher C. Kraft Jr., JSC Director; Howard W. Tindall Jr., JSC Director of Flight Operations; and Flight Director M.P. Frank. Public Affairs commentator John E. McLeish can be seen at the PAO console in the background. Photo credit: NASA

Douglas Loverro, NASA Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, and Marshall Center Director Jody Singer participate in a Town Hall with Marshall Space Flight Center employees

Douglas Loverro, NASA Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, and Marshall Center Director Jody Singer participate in a Town Hall with Marshall Space Flight Center employees

Douglas Loverro, NASA Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, and Marshall Center Director Jody Singer participate in a Town Hall with Marshall Space Flight Center employees

Douglas Loverro, NASA Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, and Marshall Center Director Jody Singer participate in a Town Hall with Marshall Space Flight Center employees

Douglas Loverro, NASA Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, and Marshall Center Director Jody Singer participate in a Town Hall with Marshall Space Flight Center employees

Douglas Loverro, NASA Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, and Marshall Center Director Jody Singer participate in a Town Hall with Marshall Space Flight Center employees

Douglas Loverro, NASA Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, and Marshall Center Director Jody Singer participate in a Town Hall with Marshall Space Flight Center employees

Douglas Loverro, NASA Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, and Marshall Center Director Jody Singer participate in a Town Hall with Marshall Space Flight Center employees

Dr. Rocco A. Petrone served at director of the Marshall Space Flight Center from January 26, 1973 to March 15, 1974. Prior to his tenure at Marshall, Petrone served as director of the Apollo program and director of launch operations at Kennedy Space Center. His career in rocket development and space programs began with his participation in the development of the Redstone missiles at the Army's Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. Upon his departure from Marshall, Petrone served as NASA Associate Administrator for Center Operations.

U.S. Navy officials visited with NASA Stennis leaders Nov. 13 for a meet-and-greet opportunity, also receiving an overview briefing about the work and operations of south Mississippi site. Participants in the gathering included (left to right): Anita Harrell, executive director of the NASA Shared Services Center; Joe Schuyler, director of the NASA Stennis Engineering and Test Directorate; Herschel Mims, a management support specialist with the Naval Oceanography Operations Command; Rodney McKellip, NASA Stennis associate director; Francis Prikasky, an electronics engineer and information technology administrator with the Naval Oceanographic Office; Robert Gavagnie, a contract specialist with the Naval Oceanographic Office; James “Brett” English, information systems security manager with the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command; Dr. Brooke Jones, head of the Ocean Forecasting Division for the Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center; Maxwell Williamson, a physical scientists with the Naval Oceanographic Office; Dr. Benjamin Phrampus, a research geophysicist with the Naval Research Laboratory; Gary Benton, director of the NASA Stennis Safety and Mission Assurance Directorate; Thom Rich, associate director of the NASA Stennis Center Operations Directorate; Ken Newton, director of service delivery for the NASA Shared Services Center; and Eli Ouder, director of the NASA Stennis/NASA Shared Services Center Office of Procurement.

PAYLOAD OPERATIONS INTEGRATION CENTER TEAM MEMBER STEPHANIE DUDLEY TALKS TO STUDENTS ABOUT HER DAY-TO-DAY JOB DUTIES AS A PAYLOAD OPERATIONS DIRECTOR.

JSC2001-E-06209 (8 March 2001) --- At the Mission Operations Directorate (MOD) console in Houston's Mission Control Center (MCC), (from the left) Robbie D. Gest, Jeffrey W. Bantle and Steven A. Hawley monitor pre-launch activity for STS-102. Gest is Project Leader for Mission Operations for the United Space Alliance (USA); Bantle is with the Flight Director Office in MOD; and Hawley is with the Flight Crew Operations Directorate.

NASA cut the ribbon on a new cryogenics control center at John C. Stennis Space Center on March 30. The new facility is part of a project to strengthen Stennis facilities to withstand the impacts of future storms like hurricane Katrina in 2005. Participants in the ribbon-cutting included (l to r): Jason Zuckerman, director of project management for The McDonnel Group; Keith Brock, director of the NASA Project Directorate at Stennis; Stennis Deputy Director Rick Gilbrech; Steve Jackson, outgoing program manager of the Jacobs Technology NASA Test Operations Group; and Troy Frisbie, Cryo Control Center Construction project manager for NASA Center Operations at Stennis.

JSC officials, laughing, listen to crewmembers' commentary onboard Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, during STS-26. In the Flight Control Room (FCR) of JSC's Mission Control Center (MCC) Bldg 30 and seated at the Mission Operations Directorate (MOD) console, MOD Director Eugene F. Kranz (foreground), wearing red, white and blue vest, smiles along with JSC Director Aaron Cohen and Flight Crew Operations Deputy Director Henry W. Hartsfield, Jr. (far right).

S70-35013 (15 April 1970) --- Prototype of the "mail box" constructed at the Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC) to remove carbon dioxide from the Apollo 13 Command Module (CM) is displayed in the Mission Control Center (MCC). The "mail box" was constructed when it became apparent CO2 was prevalent in the CM and the spacecraft's lithium hydroxide system was not removing it sufficiently. A space suit exhaust hose is connected to a lithium hydroxide canister to purge the cabin air. There are 16 such canisters in the CM and each will last approximately 12 hours. Looking at the "mail box" are (from the left): Milton L. Windler, shift 1 flight director; Dr. Donald K. (Deke) Slayton, director of flight crew operations, MSC; Howard W. Tindall, deputy director, flight operations, MSC; Sigurd A. Sjoberg, director, flight operations, MSC; Dr. Christopher C. Kraft, deputy director, MSC; and Dr. Robert R. Gilruth, director, MSC.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Center Director Bill Parsons responds to a question from the media in the NASA News Center Auditorium. He used the occasion to introduce himself and his expectations for the center. Parsons took over the helm of the Kennedy Space Center on Jan. 4 as the ninth director, succeeding James W. Kennedy, who is retiring from the agency. Parsons had served as deputy director under Kennedy during 2006. In 1990, Parsons joined the NASA team at Kennedy Space Center as a launch site support manager in the Shuttle Operations Directorate. He also worked as an executive management intern and later as the shuttle flow director of the Shuttle Operations Directorate at Kennedy. In 1996, he became manager of the Space Station Hardware Integration Office at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Center Director Bill Parsons talks to the media in the NASA News Center Auditorium. He used the occasion to introduce himself and his expectations for the center. Parsons took over the helm of the Kennedy Space Center on Jan. 4 as the ninth director, succeeding James W. Kennedy, who is retiring from the agency. Parsons had served as deputy director under Kennedy during 2006. In 1990, Parsons joined the NASA team at Kennedy Space Center as a launch site support manager in the Shuttle Operations Directorate. He also worked as an executive management intern and later as the shuttle flow director of the Shuttle Operations Directorate at Kennedy. In 1996, he became manager of the Space Station Hardware Integration Office at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

JSC2010-E-046805 (5 April 2010) --- John McCullough, chief of the Flight Director Office; and Janet Kavandi, deputy director, Flight Crew Operations, watch television screens at the Mission Operations Directorate (MOD) console in the space shuttle flight control room in the Mission Control Center at NASA's Johnson Space Center during launch a few hundred miles away in Florida, site of space shuttle Discovery's STS-131 liftoff.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, third from left, joins Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro, second from left, on Oct. 29, 2021, at the center for a briefing on the upcoming SpaceX Crew-3 mission. The briefing was moderated by Megan Cruz, far left, NASA Communications. Also participating were Bob Cabana, NASA associate administrator; Kathy Lueders, NASA associate administrator for Space Operations; and NASA astronaut Woody Hoburg. The SpaceX Falcon 9 with Crew Dragon atop is scheduled to launch Oct. 31 at 2:21 a.m. EDT from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy. Crew Dragon will carry four astronauts to the International Space Station for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. Crew-3 is the third crew rotation flight to the space station, and the first flight of a new Crew Dragon spacecraft.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Center Director Bill Parsons introduces himself to media in the NASA News Center Auditorium. Parsons took over the helm of the Kennedy Space Center on Jan. 4 as the ninth director, succeeding James W. Kennedy, who is retiring from the agency. Parsons had served as deputy director under Kennedy during 2006. In 1990, Parsons joined the NASA team at Kennedy Space Center as a launch site support manager in the Shuttle Operations Directorate. He also worked as an executive management intern and later as the shuttle flow director of the Shuttle Operations Directorate at Kennedy. In 1996, he became manager of the Space Station Hardware Integration Office at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

TQM (Total Quality Management) Kickoff at Ames Flightline (Jana Coleman, Director of Center Operations, speaker)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Official portrait of Joe D. Dowdy, Special Operations Manager in the Office of the Director.

Mr. David A. King has been named the tenth Director of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). Appointed to take Director's office June 15, 2003, King has been serving as Deputy Director of MSFC since November 2002. With 20 years experience in spacecraft and high-technology systems, Mr. King began his NASA career at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Florida in 1983 as a main propulsion system engineer. He later served as flow director for the Space Shuttle Discovery and then as the acting deputy director of the installation Operations Directorate. He was appointed deputy director of Shuttle Processing in 1996, Launch Director in 1997, and director of Shuttle Processing in 1999.

Kathy Lueders, third from left, associate administrator of the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, tours the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Jan. 14, 2021. In the background is the Orion crew module for the Artemis II mission. From left are NASA astronaut Randy Bresnik; Tony Antonelli, Lockheed Martin Orion Program director and Artemis II Mission director; Howard Hu, Orion deputy program manager; Cathy Koerner, Orion Program manager; Scott Wilson, Orion Production Operations manager; Jules Schneider, Lockheed Martin director of Orion Assembly, Test and Launch Operations at Kennedy; and Nathan Varn, Lockheed Martin Production Control director. The group also viewed the Orion spacecraft for Artemis I as it was lowered onto a transporter for the move to the Multi-Payload Processing Facility to begin ground processing by the Exploration Ground Systems and Jacobs teams.

S65-28462 (3-7 June 1965) --- Christopher C. Kraft Jr., assistant director for Flight Operations, at his console in the Mission Control Center during Gemini-4 spaceflight. He served as mission director and as a flight director.

CFC Awards ceremony: William, Ames Deputy Director (L) Grace Ann Weiler, Ames 2001 CFC chairperson (C) and Tom Moyles, Director of Center Operations accepts CFC Inter-Directorate Competition Outstanding Participation plaque .

Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Director, Dr. Wernher von Braun (left) confers with the Director of the MSFC Launch Operation Directorate, Dr. Debus, during the countdown for the Saturn/Pegasus (Saturn I, SA-9) launch. The successful launch of the Pegasus satellite marked the largest unmarned instrumented satellite in orbit up to 1965.

The NASA Kennedy Space Center senior leaders and employees celebrated the center’s 60th anniversary with a “Cheers to 60 Years” cake and non-alcoholic toast in the Central Campus Headquarters on June 28, 2022. From left are Janet Sellars, director of Human Resources; Janet Petro, center director; Burt Summerfield, associate center director, management; Jennifer Kunz, associate center director, technical; and Tom Engler, director of Center Planning and Development. In July 1962, the Launch Operations Center in Florida was established. By December 1963, it was renamed the John F. Kennedy Space Center.

President George Bush is taken for a tour of Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC) by Marshall's sixth Center Director Thomas J. Lee (1989-1994).

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Columbia Debris Hangar, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (left) talks to the media about activities that have taken place since the Columbia accident on Feb. 1, 2003. Behind him is a model of the left wing of the orbiter. STS-107 debris recovery and reconstruction operations are winding down. To date, nearly 84,000 pieces of debris have been recovered and sent to KSC. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The media get a guided tour of the Columbia Debris Hangar. Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach discussed activities that have taken place since the Columbia accident on Feb. 1, 2003. STS-107 debris recovery and reconstruction operations are winding down. To date, nearly 84,000 pieces of debris have been recovered and sent to KSC. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Columbia Debris Hangar, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (right) talks to the media about activities that have taken place since the Columbia accident on Feb. 1, 2003. STS-107 debris recovery and reconstruction operations are winding down. To date, nearly 84,000 pieces of debris have been recovered and sent to KSC. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Columbia Debris Hangar, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach points to some of the tiles recovered from the orbiter as he explains to the media about activities that have taken place since the Columbia accident on Feb. 1, 2003. STS-107 debris recovery and reconstruction operations are winding down. To date, nearly 84,000 pieces of debris have been recovered and sent to KSC. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Columbia Debris Hangar, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach points to some of the debris as he explains to the media about activities that have taken place since the Columbia accident on Feb. 1, 2003. STS-107 debris recovery and reconstruction operations are winding down. To date, nearly 84,000 pieces of debris have been recovered and sent to KSC. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Columbia Debris Hangar, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach talks to the media about activities that have taken place since the Columbia accident on Feb. 1, 2003. Behind him is a model of the left wing of the orbiter. STS-107 debris recovery and reconstruction operations are winding down. To date, nearly 84,000 pieces of debris have been recovered and sent to KSC. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Columbia Debris Hangar, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach points to some of the tiles recovered from the orbiter as he explains to the media about activities that have taken place since the Columbia accident on Feb. 1, 2003. STS-107 debris recovery and reconstruction operations are winding down. To date, nearly 84,000 pieces of debris have been recovered and sent to KSC. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Columbia Debris Hangar, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (right) talks to the media about activities that have taken place since the Columbia accident on Feb. 1, 2003. STS-107 debris recovery and reconstruction operations are winding down. To date, nearly 84,000 pieces of debris have been recovered and sent to KSC. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Columbia Debris Hangar, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach points to some of the debris as he explains to the media about activities that have taken place since the Columbia accident on Feb. 1, 2003. STS-107 debris recovery and reconstruction operations are winding down. To date, nearly 84,000 pieces of debris have been recovered and sent to KSC. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Columbia Debris Hangar, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (right) talks to the media about activities that have taken place since the Columbia accident on Feb. 1, 2003. STS-107 debris recovery and reconstruction operations are winding down. To date, nearly 84,000 pieces of debris have been recovered and sent to KSC. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From left, NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for Space Station and Shuttle Programs Michael Kostelnik, United Space Alliance (USA) Director of Orbiter Operations Patty Stratton, and NASA Space Shuttle Program Manager William Parsons view the underside of Shuttle Discovery in Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3. NASA and USA Space Shuttle program management are participating in a leadership workday. The day is intended to provide management with an in-depth, hands-on look at Shuttle processing activities at KSC.

JSC2001-E-21323 (12 July 2001) --- From left to right, Robert Gest with United Space Alliance; Steven A. Hawley, deputy director of Flight Crew Operations; Alan L. (Lee) Briscoe, chief engineer for the Mission Operations Directorate (MOD); and J. Milton (Milt) Heflin, chief of the Flight Director's Office, watch the monitor at the MOD console during the pre-launch activity for the STS-104 mission in the shuttle flight control room (WFCR) of Houston's Mission Control Center (MCC).

S68-18733 (22 Jan. 1968) --- Dr. Robert R. Gilruth (right), MSC Director, sits with Dr. Christopher C. Kraft Jr., MSC director of flight operations, at his flight operations director console in the Mission Control Center, Building 30, during the Apollo 5 (LM-1/Saturn 204) unmanned space mission.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Kennedy Space Center Director Lt. Gen. Forrest S. McCartney, far right, stands in front of the space shuttle Atlantis the morning after it is rolled out to Launch Pad 39B. Standing with McCartney is, from right to left, Bob Sieck, director of Shuttle Management and Operations, Bill Warren, pad site manager, and Gene Thomas, director of Launch and Landing Operations. Photo credit: NASA

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.

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.

FROM LEFT, EUGENA GOGGANS AND MELISSA HOPPER, BOTH STOWAGE ENGINEERS, AND LYBREASE WOODARD, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF THE MISSION OPERATIONS LAB, GREET DR. ELLEN OCHOA IN THE PAYLOAD OPERATIONS INTEGRATION CENTER FOR THE ISS

LEWIS WOOTEN, NEW DIRECTOR OF THE MISSION OPERATIONS LABORATORY AT NASA'S MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER IN HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA, MANAGES OPERATIONS IN THE PAYLOAD OPERATIONS INTEGRATION CENTER-THE COMMAND POST FOR ALL SCIENCE AND RESEARCH ACTIVITIES ON THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION

Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro, fourth from right, poses with other center leaders and support staff during the 2022 Center Director’s Holiday Coffee on Dec. 7, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. From left are Deputy Director Kelvin Manning; Kennedy Space Center employees Michael Haddad, Maggi Dutczak, and Cindy Rymer; Associate Director Technical Burt Summerfield; Associate Director Operations Jennifer Kunz; Petro; Kennedy employees Heidi Culp, Amber Chieffe, and Amanda Hayes. The annual holiday event is an opportunity for Kennedy employees and NASA retirees to exchange holiday greetings with center leaders and fellow support staff.

Megan Cruz, NASA Communications, moderates a briefing on the upcoming SpaceX Crew-3 mission, featuring NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Oct. 29, 2021. Participants included Kennedy Director Janet Petro, Bob Cabana, NASA associate administrator, Kathy Lueders, NASA associate administrator for Space Operations; and NASA astronaut Woody Hoburg. The SpaceX Falcon 9 with Crew Dragon atop is scheduled to launch Oct. 31 at 2:21 a.m. EDT from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy. Crew Dragon will carry four astronauts to the International Space Station for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. Crew-3 is the third crew rotation flight to the space station, and the first flight of a new Crew Dragon spacecraft.

Members of NASA’s Mission Support Directorate met with leaders from NASA’s Stennis Space Center and the NASA Shared Services Center during an onsite visit June 3. The group also participated in an in-depth tour of the NASA Stennis facilities. Pictured (left to right) are Ron Bald, chief counsel for the Office of the General Counsel at NASA Stennis and NASA Shared Services Center; Dinna Cottrell, chief information officer for the NASA Stennis and NASA Shared Services Center Office of the Chief Information Officer; Eli Ouder, procurement officer for NASA Stennis and NASA Shared Services Center; Stacy Houston, executive officer for NASA’s Mission Support Directorate; Michael Tubbs, acting director for the NASA Stennis Center Operations Directorate; Michael Hess, deputy associate administrator for NASA’s Mission Support Directorate; Rodney McKellip, associate director for NASA Stennis; Nichole Pinkney, program manager for NASA’s Mission Support Directorate; Duane Armstrong, manager for the NASA Stennis Strategic Development Office; Gary Benton, director for the NASA Stennis Safety and Mission Assurance Directorate; and Alison Butsch, associate chief financial officer for the External Business Operations Division within the NASA Stennis Office of the Chief Financial Officer.

JSC2001-E-12119 (19 April 2001) --- Steven A. Hawley of the Flight Crew Operations Directorate chats with Daniel K. Carpenter, Director of the Johnson Space Center (JSC) Public Affairs Office, as the two await liftoff of the Space Shuttle Endeavour. The two are at the rear of the flight control room of JSC's Mission Control Center.

S81-39431 (12 Nov. 1981) --- Eugene F. Kranz, left, and Dr. Christopher C. Kraft Jr. monitor data displayed on the FOD console in the mission operations control room (MOCR) in the Johnson Space Center?s mission control center following the successful launch of the Columbia, and the beginning of NASA?s second space shuttle mission. Dr. Kraft is director of the Johnson Space Center and Kranz is deputy director of the flight operations directorate (FOD) at JSC. Houston time for the launch was approximately 9:10 a.m., Nov 12, 1981. Photo credit: NASA

NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for Space Operations Mission Directorate, Joel Montalbano participates in a postlaunch news conference at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida held on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida following the first launch attempt of NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test. As part of the agency’s Commercial Crew Program, the first crewed launch to the International Space Station aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex-41 at nearby Cape Canaveral Space Force Station was targeted for 10:52 a.m. EDT.

Kathy Lueders, second from right, associate administrator of the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, tours the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Jan. 14, 2021. In the background is the Orion crew module for the Artemis II mission. From left are Tony Antonelli, Lockheed Martin Orion Program director and Artemis II Mission director; Cathy Koerner, Orion Program manager; and Scott Wilson, Orion Production Operations manager. The group also viewed the Orion spacecraft for Artemis I as it was lowered onto a transporter for the move to the Multi-Payload Processing Facility to begin ground processing by the Exploration Ground Systems and Jacobs teams.

S68-20986 (4 April 1968) --- Scene at the flight operations director's console in the Mission Control Center, Building 30, during the Apollo 6 (Spacecraft 020/Saturn 520) unmanned space flight. Left to right, are Air Force Maj. Gen. Vincent G. Huston, DOD Manager, Manned Space Flight Operations, Andrews Air Force Base, Washington, D.C.; Dr. Christopher C. Kraft Jr., MSC director of flight operations; George M. Low, manager, MSC Apollo Spacecraft Program Office; and Dr. Robert R. Gilruth, MSC Director.

Groundbreaking for the new Central Campus took place in the Industrial Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Digging in with shovels during the groundbreaking ceremony, are Dan Tweed, associate director for Facilities at Kennedy Steve Belflower, vice president of HuntonBrady Architects of Orlando Nancy Bray, director of Kennedy's Center Operations Directorate Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana Kirk Hazen, southeast district manager and vice president of Hensel Phelps, the construction contractor and Kelvin Manning, Kennedy's associate director. Kennedy is transforming into a multi-user, 21st century spaceport supporting both commercial and government users and operations. Central Campus Phase I includes construction of a new Headquarters Building as one of the major components of the strategy. The new Headquarters Building will be a seven-story, 200,000-square-foot facility that will house about 500 NASA civil service and contractor employees.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Groundbreaking for the new Central Campus took place in the Industrial Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Digging in with shovels during the groundbreaking ceremony, are Dan Tweed, associate director for Facilities at Kennedy Steve Belflower, vice president of HuntonBrady Architects of Orlando Nancy Bray, director of Kennedy's Center Operations Directorate Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana Kirk Hazen, southeast district manager and vice president of Hensel Phelps, the construction contractor and Kelvin Manning, Kennedy's associate director. Kennedy is transforming into a multi-user, 21st century spaceport supporting both commercial and government users and operations. Central Campus Phase I includes construction of a new Headquarters Building as one of the major components of the strategy. The new Headquarters Building will be a seven-story, 200,000-square-foot facility that will house about 500 NASA civil service and contractor employees. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Groundbreaking for the new Central Campus took place in the Industrial Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Digging in with shovels during the groundbreaking ceremony, are Dan Tweed, associate director for Facilities at Kennedy Steve Belflower, vice president of HuntonBrady Architects of Orlando Nancy Bray, director of Kennedy's Center Operations Directorate Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana Kirk Hazen, southeast district manager and vice president of Hensel Phelps, the construction contractor and Kelvin Manning, Kennedy's associate director. Kennedy is transforming into a multi-user, 21st century spaceport supporting both commercial and government users and operations. Central Campus Phase I includes construction of a new Headquarters Building as one of the major components of the strategy. The new Headquarters Building will be a seven-story, 200,000-square-foot facility that will house about 500 NASA civil service and contractor employees. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Groundbreaking for the new Central Campus took place in the Industrial Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Digging in with shovels during the groundbreaking ceremony, are Dan Tweed, associate director for Facilities at Kennedy Steve Belflower, vice president of HuntonBrady Architects of Orlando Nancy Bray, director of Kennedy's Center Operations Directorate Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana Kirk Hazen, southeast district manager and vice president of Hensel Phelps, the construction contractor and Kelvin Manning, Kennedy's associate director. Kennedy is transforming into a multi-user, 21st century spaceport supporting both commercial and government users and operations. Central Campus Phase I includes construction of a new Headquarters Building as one of the major components of the strategy. The new Headquarters Building will be a seven-story, 200,000-square-foot facility that will house about 500 NASA civil service and contractor employees.

S70-36782 (10 April 1970) --- Several NASA and military officials (background at dais) meet the press on April 10, 1970, during a scheduled a T-1 prelaunch briefing for the Apollo 13 mission in the Apollo News Center at the Kennedy Space Center. The briefing participants, from the left, are Dr. Charles A. Berry, Director, Medical Research and Operations Directorate, Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC); Dr. Donald K. (Deke) Slayton, director of flight crew operations, MSC; Chester M. Lee of the Apollo Program Directorate, Office Manned Space Flight (OMSF),NASA Hq. and Apollo 13 Mission Director; Dale Myers, Associate Administrator, OMSF,NASA Hq.; Dr. Thomas O. Paine, NASA Administrator; Dr. Rocco A. Petrone, Apollo Program Director, OMSF,NASA Hq.; Walter J. Kapryan, NASA's Director of Launch Operations; James A. McDivitt, Manager of the Apollo Spacecraft Program Office; Roy E. Godfrey, Manager, Saturn Program Office; and Col. Kenneth J. Mask, USAF, DOD Manned Space Flight Support Office. Photo credit: NASA

Employees from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida attend a panel discussion featuring women in leadership roles across NASA in honor of Women's History Month inside the Operations Support Building II at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida held on Friday, March 15, 2024. Participants in the Women Launching Women panel commemorate inspirational women and men who have lifted and helped others excel in their careers across the agency and offer words of advice for the current workforce include JoAnn Morgan, former associate director of Kennedy Space Center; Janet Petro, Kennedy Space Center director; Charlie Blackwell Thompson, NASA Artemis launch director; Lorna Kenna, vice president and program manager of Jacobs Space Operations Group; Kim Carter, Kennedy Space Center Office of Center Engagement and Business Integration Services director; and Casey Swails, NASA deputy associate administrator.

JSC FLIGHT DIRECTOR CLASS OF 2015 VISITS THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION PAYLOAD OPERATION INTEGRATION CENTER AT MSFC, NOVEMBER 17, 2015

From left, Jennifer Kunz, associate director, technical; Janet Petro, center director; and Burt Summerfield, associate director, management, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida participate in an employee town hall meeting held on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at Kennedy’s Operations Support Building II. Center leadership provided the workforce a center update, safety presentation, and answered employee questions during the town hall.

From left, Jennifer Kunz, associate director, technical; Janet Petro, center director; and Burt Summerfield, associate director, management, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida participate in an employee town hall meeting held on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at Kennedy’s Operations Support Building II. Center leadership provided the workforce a center update, safety presentation, and answered employee questions during the town hall.

From left, Jennifer Kunz, associate director, technical; Janet Petro, center director; and Burt Summerfield, associate director, management, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida participate in an employee town hall meeting held on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at Kennedy’s Operations Support Building II. Center leadership provided the workforce a center update, safety presentation, and answered employee questions during the town hall.

From left, NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro and Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Kelvin Manning participate in an employee town hall meeting held on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, at Kennedy’s Operations Support Building II. Center Director Janet Petro and other executive leadership hosted the meeting to provide updates on center milestones, celebrate the year’s achievements, and answer questions from the workforce.

S66-52157 (12 Sept. 1966) --- Discussing the Gemini-11 spaceflight in the Mission Control Center are: (left to right) Christopher C. Kraft Jr., (wearing glasses), Director of Flight Operations; Charles W. Mathews (holding phone), Manager, Gemini Program Office; Dr. Donald K. Slayton (center, checked coat), Director of Flight Crew Operations; astronaut William A. Anders, and astronaut John W. Young. Photo credit: NASA

41D-3073 (30 Aug 1984) --- The beginning stages of a busy six-day mission are monitored by some NASA officials in the flight control room (FCR-1) of the Johnson Space Center's (JSC) mission control center (MCC). They are (l.-r., foreground) Daniel M. Germany, manager of the Shuttle flight equipment project offices; Eugene F. Kranz, director of mission operations; and Clifford E. Charlesworth, director of space operations.