Dr. von Braun, Director of the Development Operations Divisons, and Dr. Debus, Director of the Missile Firing Laboratory; Army Ballistic Missile Agency (ABMA), in the blockhouse during the launch of the Pioneer IV, March 3, 1959.

Dignataries (KSC Director Dr. Kurt Debus is second from right, NASA Administrator James C. Fletcher speaking), at the Last Major Beam Installation, attending the VAB Topping-Off Ceremony. MILA.

Dr. Kurt Debus (Director, NASA-KSC) signs the last major beam autographed by construction workers, NASA, and Corps of Engineers employees to be installed during the VAB Topping-Off Ceremony. MILA.

Center Director Roy Bridges speaks to guests at the 12th annual Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award Dinner held at the KSC Visitor Complex’s Debus Conference Facility. Presented with the 2001 Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award, Bridges was honored for his progressive, visionary leadership and contributions to space technology and exploration. The Florida Committee of the National Space Club presented the award. The Debus Award was first given in 1980. Created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to the American aerospace effort, the award is named for the KSC’s first Director, Dr. Kurt H. Debus

Center Director Roy Bridges speaks to guests at the 12th annual Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award Dinner held at the KSC Visitor Complex’s Debus Conference Facility. Presented with the 2001 Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award, Bridges was honored for his progressive, visionary leadership and contributions to space technology and exploration. The Florida Committee of the National Space Club presented the award. The Debus Award was first given in 1980. Created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to the American aerospace effort, the award is named for the KSC’s first Director, Dr. Kurt H. Debus

The 12th annual Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award Dinner included as speakers the first Shuttle crew from STS-1, John Young (left) and Robert Crippen (right). At the dinner, Center Director Roy Bridges received the 2001 Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award honoring his progressive, visionary leadership and contributions to space technology and exploration. The Florida Committee of the National Space Club presented the award. The Debus Award was first given in 1980. Created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to the American aerospace effort, the award is named for the KSC’s first Director, Dr. Kurt H. Debus

The 12th annual Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award Dinner included as speakers the first Shuttle crew from STS-1, John Young (left) and Robert Crippen (right). At the dinner, Center Director Roy Bridges received the 2001 Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award honoring his progressive, visionary leadership and contributions to space technology and exploration. The Florida Committee of the National Space Club presented the award. The Debus Award was first given in 1980. Created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to the American aerospace effort, the award is named for the KSC’s first Director, Dr. Kurt H. Debus

Dr. Kurt Debus and Dr. von Braun during prelaunch activities of the Ranger IV at Launch Pad 12 on April 12. 1962.

Center Director Roy Bridges (center) is congratulated by Spaceport Florida Authority Executive Director Ed Gormel (left) at the 12th annual Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award Dinner held at the KSC Visitor Complex’s Debus Conference Facility. At right is Rick Abramson, president of Delaware North Parks Services of Spaceport, Inc. Bridges was presented with the 2001 Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award honoring his progressive, visionary leadership and contributions to space technology and exploration. The Florida Committee of the National Space Club presented the award. The Debus Award was first given in 1980. Created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to the American aerospace effort, the award is named for the KSC’s first Director, Dr. Kurt H. Debus

Center Director Roy Bridges (center) is congratulated by Spaceport Florida Authority Executive Director Ed Gormel (left) at the 12th annual Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award Dinner held at the KSC Visitor Complex’s Debus Conference Facility. At right is Rick Abramson, president of Delaware North Parks Services of Spaceport, Inc. Bridges was presented with the 2001 Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award honoring his progressive, visionary leadership and contributions to space technology and exploration. The Florida Committee of the National Space Club presented the award. The Debus Award was first given in 1980. Created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to the American aerospace effort, the award is named for the KSC’s first Director, Dr. Kurt H. Debus

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Debus Award recipient John J. “Tip” Talone speaks to guests at the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet, held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the Visitor Complex. Talone, director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate, received the award in recognition of his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The award was created by the National Space Club Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Debus Award recipient John J. “Tip” Talone speaks to guests at the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet, held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the KSC Visitor Complex. Director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate, Talone received the award in recognition of his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The award was created by the National Space Club Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet, Master of Ceremonies Dick Beagley (left) presents the Debus Award to John J. “Tip” Talone, director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate. He was honored for his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The event was held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the Visitor Complex. The award was created by the National Space Club to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Winners of the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award attending the 2003 awards dinner are (from left) Lee Solid, Robert B. Sieck, Adrian Laffitte, Roy D. Bridges, and Dr. Maxwell King. Laffitte, director of Atlas Programs for Lockheed Martin Astronautics at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, was honored as the winner of the 2003 Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award from the National Space Club Florida Committee. The Debus Award was created by the committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts.

Dr. Kurt H. Debus, Kennedy Space Center's First Director: A doctor of philosophy in engineering from Darmstadt University, Debus was selected by Dr. Wernher von Braun to direct the Experimental Missile Firing Branch which began launching missiles from Cape Canaveral in 1953. Dr. Debus became the first Center Director for the new independent Launch Operations Center, and it was his job to put Saturn/Apollo into space. His tenure at Kennedy Space Center spanned 13 years, from 1962 to 1974. Poster designed by Kennedy Space Center Graphics Department/Greg Lee. Credit: NASA

At the opening of the Early Space Education and Conference Center, KSC Visitor Complex, the facility is dedicated to Dr.Kurt H. Debus, who served as the first director of the John F. Kennedy Space Center, 1962-1974. Attending the dedication are (left to right) Delaware North President Rick Abramson, Ute Debus, Center Director Roy Bridges and Sigi Debus Northcutt. Ute and Sigi are the daughters of Dr. Debus

At the opening of the Early Space Education and Conference Center, KSC Visitor Complex, the facility is dedicated to Dr.Kurt H. Debus, who served as the first director of the John F. Kennedy Space Center, 1962-1974. Attending the dedication are (left to right) Delaware North President Rick Abramson, Ute Debus, Center Director Roy Bridges and Sigi Debus Northcutt. Ute and Sigi are the daughters of Dr. Debus

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Saturn blockhouse personnel at Complex 37 during liftoff of SA-3. Dr. Kurt Debus and Dr. Wernher von Braun are in the foreground.

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.

CAPE KENNEDY, Fla. -- Official portrait of Dr. Kurt H. Debus, director of the John F. Kennedy Space Center Photo Credit: NASA

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Adrian Laffitte (second from left) and his family enjoy a moment in the spotlight at a formal dinner held in the Debus Conference Center at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Laffitte, director of Atlas Programs for Lockheed Martin Astronautics at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, was honored as the winner of the 2003 Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award from the National Space Club Florida Committee. The Debus Award was created by the committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Jim Chilton, CAPPS program manager, speaks to guests at the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet, held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the KSC Visitor Complex. Receiving the Debus Award was KSC’s Director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate John J. “Tip” Talone. He was honored for his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The award was created by the National Space Club Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Center Director Jim Kennedy and his wife pose during a break in the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet. The event was held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the Visitor Complex. Receiving the Debus Award was KSC’s Director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate John J. “Tip” Talone. He was honored for his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The award was created by the National Space Club Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the Visitor Complex, David E. Bartine, chief technologist and associate director for the Spaceport Technology Development Office, reads a proclamation honoring John J. “Tip” Talone . The proclamation named April 3, 2004, in Knox County, Tenn., as John J. “Tip” Talone Jr. Day, in recognition of his being given the 2004 Debus Award. KSC’s Director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate, Talone was presented the award for his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The award was created by the National Space Club Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Past recipients of the Debus Award join the 2004 awardee John J. “Tip” Talone (center) at the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet, held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the KSC Visitor Complex. From left are Forrest McCartney, Lee Solid, Maxwell King, Talone, Bob Sieck, Ernie Briel and Adrian Laffitte. Director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate, Talone received the award in recognition of his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The award was created by the National Space Club Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Christopher Scolese speaks to the guests at the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet, held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the KSC Visitor Complex. He is the deputy associate administrator in the Office of Space Science at NASA Headquarters. Receiving the Debus Award was KSC’s Director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate John J. “Tip” Talone. He was honored for his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The award was created by the National Space Club Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Jim Chilton (left), CAPPS program manager, and Dick Beagley, chairman of the National Space Club Debus Award Banquet committee, present the 2004 Debus Award to John J. “Tip” Talone (right). The event was held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the Visitor Complex. Talone is director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate at KSC that is responsible for prelaunch and launch preparations for all Shuttle payloads. He was honored for his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The award was created by the National Space Club Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, previous winners of the National Space Club Florid Committee's Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award pose with this year's honoree, center director Bob Cabana. From the left, are: Rick Abramson, Dick Beagley, Dick Lyon, Patty Stratton, Lyle Holloway, Lee Solid, Cabana, Dr. Maxwell King, Bob Sieck, Jerry Jamison, Roy Tharpe and Ernie Briel. A former U.S. Marine Corps aviator and NASA astronaut, Cabana was honored at the gala Debus Award Dinner. Named for the spaceport’s first director, the Debus Award was created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The Debus Award was created by the space club's Florida committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet, held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the KSC Visitor Complex, Master of Ceremonies Dick Beagley (left) presents a memento to guest speaker Christopher Scolese, who is the deputy associate administrator in the Office of Space Science at NASA Headquarters. KSC’s Director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate John J. “Tip” Talone received the Debus award. He was honored for his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. Beagley is chairman of the National Space Club Florida Committee, which created the award to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

The 12th annual Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award Dinner gathered these distinguished guests: (from left), Center Director Roy Bridges, who received the 2001 Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award, Maxwell King, Lee Solid, JoAnn Morgan, Bob Sieck, Forrest McCartney and Ernie Briel. Solid is the former vice president and general manager of Space Systems Division, Florida Operations, Rockwell International. Morgan is the director of KSC’s External Relations & Business Development Directorate; Bob Sieck is the former director of Shuttle Processing at KSC. McCartney, center director of KSC from 1986-1991, received the first Debus award ever given to a KSC director. Bridges was given the honor for his progressive, visionary leadership and contributions to space technology and exploration. The Florida Committee of the National Space Club presented the award. The Debus Award was first given in 1980. Created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to the American aerospace effort, the award is named for the KSC’s first Director, Dr. Kurt H. Debus

The 12th annual Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award Dinner gathered these distinguished guests: (from left), Center Director Roy Bridges, who received the 2001 Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award, Maxwell King, Lee Solid, JoAnn Morgan, Bob Sieck, Forrest McCartney and Ernie Briel. Solid is the former vice president and general manager of Space Systems Division, Florida Operations, Rockwell International. Morgan is the director of KSC’s External Relations and Business Development Directorate; Bob Sieck is the former director of Shuttle Processing at KSC. McCartney, center director of KSC from 1986-1991, received the first Debus award ever given to a KSC director. Bridges was given the honor for his progressive, visionary leadership and contributions to space technology and exploration. The Florida Committee of the National Space Club presented the award. The Debus Award was first given in 1980. Created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to the American aerospace effort, the award is named for the KSC’s first Director, Dr. Kurt H. Debus

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Adrian Laffitte (left) and his son show off a small copy of the Debus Award Trophy presented to him at a formal dinner held in the Debus Conference Center at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Laffitte, director of Atlas Programs for Lockheed Martin Astronautics at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, was honored as the winner of the 2003 Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award from the National Space Club Florida Committee. The Debus Award was created by the committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, National Space Club Florida Committee Chairman Jim McCarthy, at the podium, has just presented the prestigious Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award to Kennedy's director, Bob Cabana. A former U.S. Marine Corps aviator and NASA astronaut, Cabana was honored at the gala Debus Award Dinner. Named for the spaceport’s first director, the Debus Award was created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The Debus Award was created by the space club's Florida committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, National Space Club Florida Committee Chairman Jim McCarthy, left, presents the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award to Kennedy's director, Bob Cabana. A former U.S. Marine Corps aviator and NASA astronaut, Cabana was honored at the gala Debus Award Dinner. Named for the spaceport’s first director, the Debus Award was created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The Debus Award was created by the space club's Florida committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, center director Bob Cabana speaks after being presented the prestigious Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award. A former U.S. Marine Corps aviator and NASA astronaut, Cabana was honored at the gala Debus Award Dinner. Named for the spaceport’s first director, the Debus Award was created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The Debus Award was created by the space club's Florida committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, NASA Administrator Charles Bolden speaks at the annual the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award gala in which the prestigious honor was presented to Kennedy's director, Bob Cabana. A former U.S. Marine Corps aviator and NASA astronaut, Cabana was honored at the gala Debus Award Dinner. Named for the spaceport’s first director, the Debus Award was created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The Debus Award was created by the space club's Florida committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, center director Bob Cabana speaks after being presented the prestigious Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award. A former U.S. Marine Corps aviator and NASA astronaut, Cabana was honored at the gala Debus Award Dinner. Named for the spaceport’s first director, the Debus Award was created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The Debus Award was created by the space club's Florida committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, center director Bob Cabana speaks after being presented the prestigious Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award. A former U.S. Marine Corps aviator and NASA astronaut, Cabana was honored at the gala Debus Award Dinner. Named for the spaceport’s first director, the Debus Award was created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The Debus Award was created by the space club's Florida committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award for 2013 was presented to director Bob Cabana by the National Space Club Florida Committee. A former U.S. Marine Corps aviator and NASA astronaut, Cabana was honored at the gala Debus Award Dinner. Named for the spaceport’s first director, the Debus Award was created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The Debus Award was created by the space club's Florida committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, the center's associate director, Kelvin Manning, served as emcee for the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award gala in which the prestigious honor was presented to Kennedy's director, Bob Cabana. A former U.S. Marine Corps aviator and NASA astronaut, Cabana was honored at the gala Debus Award Dinner. Named for the spaceport’s first director, the Debus Award was created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The Debus Award was created by the space club's Florida committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Return To Flight Task Group (RTFTG) holds the first public meeting at the Debus Center, KSC Visitor Complex. Members and staff at the table, from left, are retired Navy Rear Adm. Walter H. Cantrell, David Raspet, retired Air Force Col. Gary S. Geyer, Dr. Kathryn Clark, Dr. Decatur B. Rogers, Dr. Dan L. Crippen, Dr. Walter Broadnax and astronaut Carlos Noriega. The RTFTG was at KSC to conduct organizational activities, tour Space Shuttle facilities and receive briefings on Shuttle-related topics. The task group was chartered by NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe to perform an independent assessment of NASA’s implementation of the final recommendations of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board. The group is co-chaired by former Shuttle commander Richard O. Covey and retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Stafford, who was an Apollo commander.

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.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Dr. Kurt Debus, Kennedy Space Center's first director, adds his name to the thousands of signatures affixed to the 38-foot-long steel beam used in the VAB's 'Topping Off' ceremonies.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- John J. “Tip” Talone (right) poses with Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach and his wife during the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet. Talone received the award that was created to recognize significant achievements made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The event was held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the Visitor Complex. Talone is director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate at KSC that is responsible for prelaunch and launch preparations for all Shuttle payloads. He was honored for his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The award was created by the National Space Club Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- John J. “Tip” Talone (left) talks to George English, former director of KSC’s Executive Management Office, during the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet. Talone received the award that was created to recognize significant achievements made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The event was held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the Visitor Complex. Talone is director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate at KSC that is responsible for prelaunch and launch preparations for all Shuttle payloads. He was honored for his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The award was created by the National Space Club Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- John J. “Tip” Talone (right) shares a bit of humor with Shuttle Program Manager Bill Parsons (left) and Center Director Jim Kennedy during the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet. Talone received the award that was created by the National Space Club to recognize significant achievements made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The event was held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the Visitor Complex. Talone is director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate at KSC that is responsible for prelaunch and launch preparations for all Shuttle payloads. He was honored for his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The award was created by the National Space Club Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- John J. “Tip” Talone (center) poses with his son and daughter during the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet. Talone received the award that was created to recognize significant achievements made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The event was held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the Visitor Complex. Talone is director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate at KSC that is responsible for prelaunch and launch preparations for all Shuttle payloads. He was honored for his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The award was created by the National Space Club Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- John J. “Tip” Talone (right) poses with Lisa Malone, director of KSC External Affairs, and Kevin Hoshstrasser, her fiancé, during the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet. Talone received the award that was created to recognize significant achievements made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The event was held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the Visitor Complex. Talone is director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate at KSC that is responsible for prelaunch and launch preparations for all Shuttle payloads. He was honored for his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The award was created by the National Space Club Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

This photograph shows Dr. von Braun, second from the left, in the blockhouse at the Florida launch facilities on March 3, 1959. He and others gathered for the launch of the Pioneer IV satellite. On the left of Dr. von Braun is Kurt Debus, who managed the Florida launch facilities. To the right of Dr. von Braun is Army General John B. Medaris. Next to him is General John Barclay. At this time, Dr. von Braun and his associates were members of the Army Ballistic Missile Agency in Huntsville, Alabama.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- NASA Deputy Administrator and former astronaut Frederick Gregory is the featured speaker at a formal dinner held in the Debus Conference Center at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Adrian Laffitte, director of Atlas Programs for Lockheed Martin Astronautics at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, was honored as the winner of the 2003 Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award from the National Space Club Florida Committee at the dinner. The Debus Award was created by the committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - KSC Director of External Relations and Business Development JoAnn Morgan talks with Dr. Adena Williams Loston at a reception and dinner at the Debus Conference Center June 6. Loston is NASA’s new associate administrator of Education and the reception was in her honor. Loston was previously NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe’s senior advisor of education and assumed her new position in October 2002. KSC Director Roy Bridges Jr. also attended the reception to welcome Loston during her visit to the Center.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Dr. Adena Williams Loston (left) addresses attendees at a reception and dinner in her honor at the Debus Conference Center June 6. Loston is NASA’s new associate administrator of Education and the reception was in her honor. Loston was previously NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe’s senior advisor of education and assumed her new position in October 2002.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Center Director Roy Bridges Jr. introduces Dr. Adena Williams Loston at a reception and dinner in her honor at the Debus Conference Center June 6. Loston is NASA’s new associate administrator of Education and the reception was in her honor. Loston was previously NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe’s senior advisor of education and assumed her new position in October 2002.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Dr. Adena Williams Loston (center) talks to attendees (left) of a reception and dinner in her honor at the Debus Conference Center June 6. With her are Director of External Relations and Business Development JoAnn Morgan and Center Director Roy Bridges Jr. Loston is NASA’s new associate administrator of Education and the reception was in her honor. Loston was previously NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe’s senior advisor of education and assumed her new position in October 2002.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, National Space Club Florida Committee Chairman Jim McCarthy speaks at the annual the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award gala in which the prestigious honor was presented to Kennedy's director, Bob Cabana. A former U.S. Marine Corps aviator and NASA astronaut, Cabana was honored at the gala Debus Award Dinner. Named for the spaceport’s first director, the Debus Award was created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The Debus Award was created by the space club's Florida committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Russell Romanella, director of NASA's Safety and Mission Assurance Directorate at the spaceport, speaks at the annual the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award gala in which the prestigious honor was presented to Kennedy's director, Bob Cabana. A former U.S. Marine Corps aviator and NASA astronaut, Cabana was honored at the gala Debus Award Dinner. Named for the spaceport’s first director, the Debus Award was created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The Debus Award was created by the space club's Florida committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE KENNEDY, Fla. -- At the Cape Kennedy Air Force Station skid strip, Dr. Kurt H. Debus, director of the Kennedy Space Center, greets returning Gemini 12 astronauts James A. Lovell and Edwin E. Buzz Aldrin Jr. following their four-day Earth orbital mission. Photo Credit: NASA

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Center Director Roy D. Bridges Jr. speaks to attendees of the 2002 Florida Press Association and Florida Society of Newspaper Editors Convention held at the Debus Center, KSC Visitors Complex. NASA Associate Deputy Administrator Dr. Daniel Mulville was a keynote speaker.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Center Director Roy D. Bridges Jr. speaks to attendees of the 2002 Florida Press Association and Florida Society of Newspaper Editors Convention held at the Debus Center, KSC Visitors Complex. NASA Associate Deputy Administrator Dr. Daniel Mulville was a keynote speaker.

CAPE CANAVERAL Fla. -- President John F. Kennedy is escorted by Launch Operations Center Director Dr. Kurt H. Debus, on the right, on a tour of Launch Complex-14 at the Cape Canaveral Missile Test Annex in Florida. Photo Credit: NASA

CAPE CANAVERAL, FLA. -- After arrival at Cape Canaveral Missile Test Annex, Skid Strip, President John F. Kennedy left is welcomed by a Color Guard. Dr. Kurt Debus is at right. The President is touring Complex 37, Cape Canaveral Missile Test Annex.

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.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- NASA Associate Deputy Administrator Dr. Daniel Mulville speaks with KSC External Relations and Business Development Director JoAnn Morgan during the 2002 Florida Press Association and Florida Society of Newspaper Editors Convention held at the Debus Center, KSC Visitors Complex. Serving as keynote speaker for the event was NASA Associate Deputy Administrator Dr. Daniel Mulville. Center Director Roy D. Bridges Jr. also addressed attendees and kicked off a tour of the Center

Dr. von Braun, Director of the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), and Dr. Debus, Director of the Launch Operations Center, at Complex 34 prior to the Launch of the SA-4 (the fourth flight of Saturn I), March 28, 1963. The mission conducted the second "Project Highwater" experiment, which the upper stage ejected 30,000 gallons of ballast water in the upper atmosphere for a physics experiment.

In this photo, (left to right) Army Ballistic Missile Agency (ABMA) Missile Firing Laboratory Chief Dr. Kurt Debus, Director of the ABMA Development Operations Division, Dr. von Braun and an unidentified individual in blockhouse during the CM-21 (Jupiter) firing. The Jupiter missile CM-21 became the first Chrysler production qualification missile to be fired and in March 1959 launched the Pioneer IV.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Return To Flight Task Group (RTFTG) holds the first public meeting at the Debus Center, KSC Visitor Complex. Shown at the table on the left are Dr. Amy K. Donahue, James D. Lloyd, Robert Sieck, retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Forrest C. McCartney, Richard Kohrs, Sy Rubenstein and Dr. Charles C. Daniel. The group is co-chaired by former Shuttle commander Richard O. Covey and retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Stafford, who was an Apollo commander. The RTFTG was at KSC to conduct organizational activities, tour Space Shuttle facilities and receive briefings on Shuttle-related topics. The task group was chartered by NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe to perform an independent assessment of NASA’s implementation of the final recommendations of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA leaders discuss the Agency’s One NASA initiative with selected employees at the KSC Visitor Complex IMAX Theater®. From left are KSC Director Jim Kennedy; James Jennings, NASA’s associate deputy administrator for institutions and asset management; Ed Weiler, associate administrator for Space Science; Kevin Peterson, Dryden Flight Research Center director; incoming KSC Deputy Director Woodrow Whitlow; and implementation team lead Johnny Stevenson. Glenn Research Center Director Dr. Julian Earls gave a motivational speech during the luncheon held at the Visitor Complex Debus Conference Center.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - KSC Director Jim Kennedy (left) and incoming KSC Deputy Director Woodrow Whitlow talk about One NASA during the rollout of the Agency initiative at KSC. They were joined at the IMAX Theater® by other NASA leaders James Jennings, NASA’s associate deputy administrator for institutions and asset management; Ed Weiler, associate administrator for Space Science; Kevin Peterson, Dryden Flight Research Center director; and implementation team lead Johnny Stevenson to explain how their respective centers contribute to One NASA. Glenn Research Center Director Dr. Julian Earls gave a motivational speech during the luncheon held at the Visitor Complex Debus Conference Center.

In this photo, Director of the U.S. Army Ballistic Missile Agency's (ABMA) Development Operations Division, Dr. Wernher von Braun, and Director of Missile Firing Division, Dr. Kurt Debus, are shown with unidentified individuals, discussing two components that would make up the Pioneer IV Lunar Probe. The mercury batteries (left) were used to power the radio transmitter, cosmic radiation counter and other instruments in Pioneer IV. The conical shroud placed over the instruments of Pioneer IV was plated with gold to improve conductivity. The metal surface also served as the anterna for the probe's instruments signaling back to the Earth receiving stations.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- NASA Associate Deputy Administrator Dr. Daniel Mulville addresses attendees of the 2002 Florida Press Association and Florida Society of Newspaper Editors Convention held at the Debus Center, KSC Visitors Complex. Mulville was the keynote speaker. Center Director Roy D. Bridges Jr. also addressed attendees and kicked off a tour of the Center

Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro addresses friends, colleagues, and family following her acceptance of the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award on June 24, 2022, during a ceremony held at the Florida spaceport’s visitor complex. The National Space Club Florida Committee presented Petro with the prestigious award for her contributions to America’s aerospace efforts within the state of Florida. The award – originating in 1990 – is named after Kennedy’s first director.

National Space Club Florida Chapter Chair Tara Miller presents Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro with the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award during a ceremony held at the Florida spaceport’s visitor complex on June 24, 2022. The committee presented Petro with the prestigious award for her contributions to America’s aerospace efforts within the state of Florida. The award – originating in 1990 – is named after Kennedy’s first director.

Scott Henderson, vice president of Test and Operations at Blue Origin, speaks at a ceremony honoring Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro with the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award on June 24, 2022, at the Florida spaceport’s visitor complex. The National Space Club Florida Committee presented Petro with the prestigious award for her contributions to America’s aerospace efforts within the state of Florida. The award – originating in 1990 – is named after Kennedy’s first director.

Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro addresses friends, colleagues, and family following her acceptance of the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award on June 24, 2022, during a ceremony held at the Florida spaceport’s visitor complex. The National Space Club Florida Committee presented Petro with the prestigious award for her contributions to America’s aerospace efforts within the state of Florida. The award – originating in 1990 – is named after Kennedy’s first director.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- External Relations and Business Development Division Chief Lisa Malone (left) and Director JoAnn Morgan take a break during the 2002 Florida Press Association and Florida Society of Newspaper Editors Convention held at the Debus Center, KSC Visitors Complex. Serving as keynote speaker for the event was NASA Associate Deputy Administrator Dr. Daniel Mulville. Center Director Roy D. Bridges Jr. also addressed attendees and kicked off a tour of the Center

Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro is photographed in the audience during an award ceremony held in her honor on June 24, 2022, at the Florida spaceport’s visitor complex. The National Space Club Florida Committee presented Petro with the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award for her contributions to America’s aerospace efforts within the state of Florida. The award – originating in 1990 – is named after Kennedy’s first director.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A baby alligator is displayed during the dedication of the Sendler Education Outpost, located at Dummit Cove on the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (MINWR). The outpost is a resource for environmental educational students in the Central Florida area. It is named for Karl Sendler, a space pioneer and manager under Dr. Kurt Debus, KSC's first center director. Funding for the facility was provided by the Merritt Island Wildlife Association with assistance from MINWR and Kennedy Space Center.

CAPE KENNEDY, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Dr. Kurt H. Debus, center director, speaks at the "topping off" ceremonies for the Vehicle Assembly Building. A crawler-transporter is seen at the right. One of the largest buildings in the world, the 129 million cubic foot structure will be used to prepare the Apollo Saturn V launch vehicles for missions to land astronauts on the moon. Photo Credit: NASA

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- An owl is held just before its release during the dedication of the Sendler Education Outpost, located at Dummit Cove on the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (MINWR). The outpost is a resource for environmental educational students in the Central Florida area. It is named for Karl Sendler, a space pioneer and manager under Dr. Kurt Debus, KSC's first center director. Funding for the facility was provided by the Merritt Island Wildlife Association with assistance from MINWR and Kennedy Space Center.

Scott Henderson, vice president of Test and Operations at Blue Origin, speaks at a ceremony honoring Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro with the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award on June 24, 2022, at the Florida spaceport’s visitor complex. The National Space Club Florida Committee presented Petro with the prestigious award for her contributions to America’s aerospace efforts within the state of Florida. The award – originating in 1990 – is named after Kennedy’s first director.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Carl Cannon, publisher, Florida Times-Union, speaks during a meeting of the 2002 Florida Press Association and Florida Society of Newspaper Editors Convention held at the Debus Center, KSC Visitors Complex. Cannon is also FPA president. Serving as keynote speaker for the event was NASA Associate Deputy Administrator Dr. Daniel Mulville. Center Director Roy D. Bridges Jr. also addressed attendees and kicked off a tour of the Center

Brigadier General Stephen Purdy, commander of Space Launch Delta 45, speaks at a ceremony honoring Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro with the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award on June 24, 2022, at the Florida spaceport’s visitor complex. The National Space Club Florida Committee presented Petro with the prestigious award for her contributions to America’s aerospace efforts within the state of Florida. The award – originating in 1990 – is named after Kennedy’s first director.

Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro addresses friends, colleagues, and family following her acceptance of the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award on June 24, 2022, during a ceremony held at the Florida spaceport’s visitor complex. The National Space Club Florida Committee presented Petro with the prestigious award for her contributions to America’s aerospace efforts within the state of Florida. The award – originating in 1990 – is named after Kennedy’s first director.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- NASA Associate Deputy Administrator Dr. Daniel Mulville addresses attendees of the 2002 Florida Press Association and Florida Society of Newspaper Editors Convention held at the Debus Center, KSC Visitors Complex. Mulville was the keynote speaker. Center Director Roy D. Bridges Jr. also addressed attendees and kicked off a tour of the Center

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Michael Coleman, publisher, Florida Today, addresses attendees of the 2002 Florida Press Association and Florida Society of Newspaper Editors Convention held at the Debus Center, KSC Visitors Complex. Coleman hosted the convention. Serving as keynote speaker for the event was NASA Associate Deputy Administrator Dr. Daniel Mulville. Center Director Roy D. Bridges Jr. also addressed attendees and kicked off a tour of the Center

Bill Parsons, vice president of Human Space Programs at Peraton, speaks at a ceremony honoring Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro with the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award on June 24, 2022, at the Florida spaceport’s visitor complex. The National Space Club Florida Committee presented Petro with the prestigious award for her contributions to America’s aerospace efforts within the state of Florida. The award – originating in 1990 – is named after Kennedy’s first director.

S65-20864 (25 March 1965) --- News conference held at the Carriage House press site the day after the successful Gemini-Titan 3 three-orbit mission. Being interviewed at the press table by news media are (left to right) Dr. Kurt H. Debus, director of Kennedy Space Center; Christopher C. Kraft Jr., MSC assistant director for Flight Operations; astronaut John W. Young, pilot of the GT-3 flight; astronaut Virgil I. Grissom, command pilot of the GT-3 mission; Dr. Robert R. Gilruth, MSC director; Dr. Robert C. Seamans, NASA associate administrator; and Julian Scheer, assistant administrator, Office Of Public Affairs, NASA.

Twelve scientific specialists of the Peenemuende team at the front of Building 4488, Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Alabama. They led the Army's space efforts at ABMA before transfer of the team to National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA), George C. Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). (Left to right) Dr. Ernst Stuhlinger, Director, Research Projects Office; Dr. Helmut Hoelzer, Director, Computation Laboratory: Karl L. Heimburg, Director, Test Laboratory; Dr. Ernst Geissler, Director, Aeroballistics Laboratory; Erich W. Neubert, Director, Systems Analysis Reliability Laboratory; Dr. Walter Haeussermarn, Director, Guidance and Control Laboratory; Dr. Wernher von Braun, Director Development Operations Division; William A. Mrazek, Director, Structures and Mechanics Laboratory; Hans Hueter, Director, System Support Equipment Laboratory;Eberhard Rees, Deputy Director, Development Operations Division; Dr. Kurt Debus, Director Missile Firing Laboratory; Hans H. Maus, Director, Fabrication and Assembly Engineering Laboratory

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Dryden Flight Research Center Director Kevin Peterson talks about One NASA during the rollout of the Agency initiative at KSC. The event was held at the IMAX Theater® where NASA leaders discussed One NASA with selected employees. Explaining how their respective centers contribute to One NASA, along with Peterson, were KSC Director Jim Kennedy, James Jennings, NASA’s associate deputy administrator for institutions and asset management; Ed Weiler, associate administrator for Space Science; Kevin Peterson, Dryden Flight Research Center director; incoming KSC Deputy Director Woodrow Whitlow; and implementation team lead Johnny Stevenson. Glenn Research Center Director Dr. Julian Earls gave a motivational speech during the luncheon held at the Visitor Complex Debus Conference Center.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA’s Ed Weiler, associate administrator for Space Science, speaks to employees and guests during the rollout at KSC of the Agency initiative One NASA . The event was held at the IMAX Theater®. Explaining how their respective centers contribute to One NASA, along with Weiler, were KSC Director Jim Kennedy; James Jennings, NASA’s associate deputy administrator for institutions and asset management; Kevin Peterson, Dryden Flight Research Center director; incoming KSC Deputy Director Woodrow Whitlow; and implementation team lead Johnny Stevenson. Glenn Research Center Director Dr. Julian Earls gave a motivational speech during the luncheon held at the Visitor Complex Debus Conference Center.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - KSC’s incoming Deputy Director Woodrow Whitlow speaks to employees and guests during the rollout at KSC of the Agency initiative One NASA . The event was held at the IMAX Theater® where NASA leaders discussed One NASA with selected employees. Explaining how their respective centers contribute to One NASA, along with Whitlow, were KSC Director Jim Kennedy; James Jennings, NASA’s associate deputy administrator for institutions and asset management; Ed Weiler, associate administrator for Space Science; Kevin Peterson, Dryden Flight Research Center director; and implementation team lead Johnny Stevenson. Glenn Research Center Director Dr. Julian Earls gave a motivational speech during the luncheon held at the Visitor Complex Debus Conference Center.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the rollout of the One NASA initiative at KSC, Glenn Research Center Director Dr. Julian Earls embraces implementation team lead Johnny Stevenson while KSC Director Jim Kennedy (left) applauds. Earls gave a motivational speech during the luncheon held at the Visitor Complex Debus Conference Center. The event was held at the IMAX Theater® where NASA leaders discussed One NASA with selected employees. Explaining how their respective centers contribute to One NASA, along with Kennedy and Earls, were James Jennings, NASA’s associate deputy administrator for institutions and asset management; Ed Weiler, associate administrator for Space Science; Kevin Peterson, Dryden Flight Research Center director; incoming KSC Deputy Director Woodrow Whitlow; and implementation team lead Johnny Stevenson.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - KSC Director Jim Kennedy and Glenn Research Center Director Dr. Julian Earls share the stage during the rollout of the One NASA initiative at KSC. Earls gave a motivational speech during the luncheon held at the Visitor Complex Debus Conference Center. The event was held at the IMAX Theater® where NASA leaders discussed One NASA with selected employees. Explaining how their respective centers contribute to One NASA, along with Kennedy and Earls, were James Jennings, NASA’s associate deputy administrator for institutions and asset management; Ed Weiler, associate administrator for Space Science; Kevin Peterson, Dryden Flight Research Center director; incoming KSC Deputy Director Woodrow Whitlow; and implementation team lead Johnny Stevenson.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Sen. John F. Kerry (center), D-Mass., discusses Space Shuttle processing with NASA Vehicle Manager Stephanie Stilson during a tour of the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF). They are standing under the orbiter Discovery, which is being prepared for flight on the next Space Shuttle mission. The tour follows a public meeting Kerry held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. He said he chose to speak at KSC because it symbolizes America’s commitment to science, innovation and technology. He and Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., are on a speaking tour prior to their appearance at the Democratic National Convention in Boston.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The 2002 Florida Press Association and Florida Society of Newspaper Editors Convention offers a panel on space. At the podium is Bob Stover, managing editor, Florida Today. Panel participants enjoying a laugh are (left to right) Craig Covault, senior editor, Aviation Week; Howard Benedict, retired AP reporter; JoAnn Morgan, director, External Relations and Business Development, Kennedy Space Center; Marcia Dunn, AP reporter. The convention was held at the Debus Center, KSC Visitors Complex. Also speaking at the convention were Center Director Roy Bridges and NASA Associate Deputy Administrator Dr. Daniel Mulville

Center Directors: The Kennedy Space Center has had ten Center Directors. The first Center Director, Dr. Kurt H. Debus, was followed by: Row 1, left to right – Lee R. Scherer, Richard G. Smith, and Lieutenant General Forrest S. McCartney, USAF, ret.. Row 2, left to right – Robert L. Crippen, Jay F. Honeycutt and Roy D. Bridges. Row 3, left to right – James W. Kennedy, William W. Parsons and Robert D. Cabana, KSC’s Center Director since 2008. Poster designed by Kennedy Space Center Graphics Department/Greg Lee. Credit: NASA

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Sen. John F. Kerry, D-Mass., greets Kennedy Space Center employees during a tour of the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF). The orbiter Discovery is being prepared for flight in the OPF on the next Space Shuttle mission. The tour follows a public meeting Kerry held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. He said he chose to speak at KSC because it symbolizes America’s commitment to science, innovation and technology. He and Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., are on a speaking tour prior to their appearance at the Democratic National Convention in Boston.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Representatives from the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (MINWR) and KSC unveil a plaque dedicating the Sendler Education Outpost, located at Dummit Cove on the Refuge. Fourth from right is Acting Deputy Director JoAnn Morgan. The outpost is a resource for environmental educational students in the Central Florida area. It is named for Karl Sendler, a space pioneer and manager under Dr. Kurt Debus, KSC's first center director. Funding for the facility was provided by the Merritt Island Wildlife Association with assistance from MINWR and Kennedy Space Center.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Atlas_Redstone Room of the Debus Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Dr. Edward F. Crawley, Ford professor of engineering at MIT, speaks to the attendees at the 'Expanding our Reach into the Solar System' break-out session, part of the Conference on the American Space Program for the 21st Century. The panel included Scott Hubbard, former director of NASA's Ames Research Center, John Holdren, assistant to the President for science and technology and director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and NASA, panel moderator; NASA Astronaut John Grunsfeld and Scott Hubbard, former director of NASA's Ames Research Center. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann.