Employees supporting Artemis were invited to attend an appreciation event, “The Road to the Moon,” at Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, Ohio. On Thursday, Nov. 21, please join NASA employees and support service contractors for Artemis Friends and Family Day. Employees had the opportunity to hear from center leadership and see the Orion module that flew around the Moon and back during 2022’s Artemis I mission. Lockheed Martin presented an article flown on Artemis I to Robert Overy. Experts have subjected the spacecraft to extreme conditions in Armstrong’s test facilities. This significant testing is slated to wrap up in December, and we want to give you a chance to see the capsule before the conclusion of the test campaign. Photo Credit: (NASA/Sara Lowthian-Hanna)

On Thursday, Nov. 21, employees supporting Artemis were invited to attend an appreciation event, “The Road to the Moon,” at Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, Ohio. Acting Deputy Director Dr. Wanda Peters interacts with the Hartenstine Family. NASA employees and support service contractors for Artemis Friends and Family Day had the opportunity to hear from center leadership and see the Orion module that flew around the Moon and back during 2022’s Artemis I mission. Photo Credit: (NASA/Sara Lowthian-Hanna)

Employees supporting Artemis were invited to attend an appreciation event, “The Road to the Moon,” at Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, Ohio. On Thursday, Nov. 21, please join NASA employees and support service contractors for Artemis Friends and Family Day. Employees had the opportunity to hear from center leadership and see the Orion module that flew around the Moon and back during 2022’s Artemis I mission. Lockheed Martin presented an article flown on Artemis I to Robert Overy. Experts have subjected the spacecraft to extreme conditions in Armstrong’s test facilities. This significant testing is slated to wrap up in December, and we want to give you a chance to see the capsule before the conclusion of the test campaign.

Acting Deputy Center Director Dr. Wanda Peters Poses in front of the Orion Capsule. Employees supporting Artemis were invited to attend an appreciation event, “The Road to the Moon,” at Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, Ohio. On Thursday, Nov. 21, please join NASA employees and support service contractors for Artemis Friends and Family Day. Employees had the opportunity to hear from center leadership and see the Orion module that flew around the Moon and back during 2022’s Artemis I mission. Lockheed Martin presented an article flown on Artemis I to Robert Overy. Experts have subjected the spacecraft to extreme conditions in Armstrong’s test facilities. This significant testing is slated to wrap up in December, and we want to give you a chance to see the capsule before the conclusion of the test campaign. Photo Credit: (NASA/Sara Lowthian-Hanna)

Employees supporting Artemis were invited to attend an appreciation event, “The Road to the Moon,” at Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, Ohio. On Thursday, Nov. 21, please join NASA employees and support service contractors for Artemis Friends and Family Day. Employees had the opportunity to hear from center leadership and see the Orion module that flew around the Moon and back during 2022’s Artemis I mission. Lockheed Martin presented an article flown on Artemis I to Robert Overy. Experts have subjected the spacecraft to extreme conditions in Armstrong’s test facilities. This significant testing is slated to wrap up in December, and we want to give you a chance to see the capsule before the conclusion of the test campaign.

Michael Belair, European Service Module Propulsion Subsystem Manager, with his little astronaut in front of the Orion Crew Module on November 21, 2024. Employees supporting Artemis were invited to attend an appreciation event, “The Road to the Moon,” at Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, Ohio. Experts have subjected the spacecraft to extreme conditions in Armstrong’s test facilities. This significant testing is slated to wrap up in December, and we want to give you a chance to see the capsule before the conclusion of the test campaign. Photo Credit: (NASA/Sara Lowthian-Hanna)

Employees supporting Artemis were invited to attend an appreciation event, “The Road to the Moon,” at Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, Ohio. On Thursday, Nov. 21, please join NASA employees and support service contractors for Artemis Friends and Family Day. Employees had the opportunity to hear from center leadership and see the Orion module that flew around the Moon and back during 2022’s Artemis I mission. Lockheed Martin presented an article flown on Artemis I to Robert Overy. Experts have subjected the spacecraft to extreme conditions in Armstrong’s test facilities. This significant testing is slated to wrap up in December, and we want to give you a chance to see the capsule before the conclusion of the test campaign. Photo Credit: (NASA/Sara Lowthian-Hanna)

Employees supporting Artemis were invited to attend an appreciation event, “The Road to the Moon,” at Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, Ohio. On Thursday, Nov. 21, please join NASA employees and support service contractors for Artemis Friends and Family Day. Employees had the opportunity to hear from center leadership and see the Orion module that flew around the Moon and back during 2022’s Artemis I mission. Lockheed Martin presented an article flown on Artemis I to Robert Overy. Experts have subjected the spacecraft to extreme conditions in Armstrong’s test facilities. This significant testing is slated to wrap up in December, and we want to give you a chance to see the capsule before the conclusion of the test campaign.

Employees supporting Artemis were invited to attend an appreciation event, “The Road to the Moon,” at Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, Ohio. Lockheed Martin presented an article flown on Artemis I to Robert Overy. Pictured from left to right: Robert Overy, General David Stringer, John Zang, Debbie Korth, Aaron Horz, Paul Anderson, Benjamin, Emma Gaerke, Mark Cmar and Michael Henry. On Thursday, Nov. 21, please join NASA employees and support service contractors for Artemis Friends and Family Day. Employees had the opportunity to hear from center leadership and see the Orion module that flew around the Moon and back during 2022’s Artemis I mission. Experts have subjected the spacecraft to extreme conditions in Armstrong’s test facilities. This significant testing is slated to wrap up in December, and we want to give you a chance to see the capsule before the conclusion of the test campaign. Photo Credit: (NASA/Sara Lowthian-Hanna)

Employees supporting Artemis were invited to attend an appreciation event, “The Road to the Moon,” at Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, Ohio. Lockheed Martin presented an article flown on Artemis I to Robert Overy. Pictured from left to right: John Zang, Pho Nguyen, General David Stringer, Robert Overy, Paul Anderson, Debbie Korth, Aaron Horz, Emma Gaerke, Benjamin, Michael Henry and Mark Cmar. On Thursday, Nov. 21, please join NASA employees and support service contractors for Artemis Friends and Family Day. Employees had the opportunity to hear from center leadership and see the Orion module that flew around the Moon and back during 2022’s Artemis I mission. Experts have subjected the spacecraft to extreme conditions in Armstrong’s test facilities. This significant testing is slated to wrap up in December, and we want to give you a chance to see the capsule before the conclusion of the test campaign. Photo Credit: (NASA/Sara Lowthian-Hanna)

Hortense Diggs, director of the Communication and Public Engagement directorate at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, relays her appreciation and thanks to volunteers and docents during an appreciation event on Nov. 1, 2019. The event honored the efforts of NASA retirees, current civil servant and contractor employees, and docents for their tireless efforts and volunteer hours spent sharing the NASA story with the public and members of the media.

Hortense Diggs, director of the Communication and Public Engagement directorate at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, relays her appreciation and thanks to volunteers and docents during an appreciation event on Nov. 1, 2019. The event honored the efforts of NASA retirees, current civil servant and contractor employees, and docents for their tireless efforts and volunteer hours spent sharing the NASA story with the public and members of the media.

Crystal Jones, Ground and Mission Operations lead for SpaceX in the Commercial Crew Program, speaks to volunteers and docents during an appreciation event at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Nov. 1, 2019. The appreciation event, hosted by the center’s Communication and Public Engagement directorate, honored the efforts of NASA retirees, current civil servant and contractor employees, and docents for their tireless efforts and volunteer hours spent sharing the NASA story with the public and members of the media.

Crystal Jones, Ground and Mission Operations lead for SpaceX in the Commercial Crew Program, speaks to volunteers and docents during an appreciation event at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Nov. 1, 2019. The appreciation event, hosted by the center’s Communication and Public Engagement directorate, honored the efforts of NASA retirees, current civil servant and contractor employees, and docents for their tireless efforts and volunteer hours spent sharing the NASA story with the public and members of the media.

Mike Ciannilli, left, manager of the Apollo, Challenger, Columbia Lessons Learned Program (ACCLLP), presents a certificate of appreciation to Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, during an ACCLLP employee event in the Training Auditorium at the center in Florida. The theme of the presentation was "Columbia: Lessons and Legends of Recovery," and featured a panel discussion moderated by Cabana.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Astronaut Fernando Caldeiro (left) and Joseph Tellado (right) present a memento of appreciation to Tom Neimeyer (with InDyne Corp.) at KSC’s annual Hispanic American Heritage luncheon. The theme was “Hispanic Americans Making a Difference.” Tellado was co-chair of the event hosted by the Hispanic Employment Program Working Group. InDyne was one of the sponsors of the luncheon. The annual event helps employees reflect on the extensive contributions Hispanics have made to KSC, NASA and the nation.

Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, left, presents well-known documentary filmmaker Robin Hauser with a token of appreciation during the “KSC and Proud to Be” centerwide diversity event held at the Florida spaceport’s Operations Support Building II (OSB II) on Aug. 20, 2019. The plaque was made from glass that was a part of Kennedy’s Launch Control Center during the Apollo and Space Shuttle programs. Hauser, who has spoken at the White House and at conferences worldwide, addressed bias in artificial intelligence. A new employee video focusing on the importance of employee resource groups at the center made its debut showing at the event.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Guest speaker Charles A. Gambaro, NASA KSC engineering lead and Combat Engineering Group commander, speaks to an appreciative audience during KSC’s annual Hispanic American Heritage luncheon. The theme was “Hispanic Americans Making a Difference.” Gambaro recently returned from Operation Iraqi Freedom. Hosted by the Hispanic Employment Program Working Group, the luncheon also provided live cultural entertainment. The annual event helps employees reflect on the extensive contributions Hispanics have made to KSC, NASA and the nation.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At KSC’s annual Hispanic American Heritage luncheon, contractor sponsors were presented certificates of appreciation. Accepting were (from left) Dick Lyons, with ASRC Aerospace Corp.; Tom Niemeyer, with InDyne Corp.; Kevin Hoshstrasser (with Boeing); Vera Pettis, with Lockheed Martin; and Bill Sample, with SGS. Next to them are astronaut Fernando Caldeiro, Felix A. Soto Toro and Joseph Tellado. Soto Toro and Tellado were co-chairs of the event hosted by the Hispanic Employment Program Working Group. The annual event helps employees reflect on the extensive contributions Hispanics have made to KSC, NASA and the nation.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Astronaut Fernando Caldeiro (left) and Joseph Tellado (right) present a memento of appreciation to Charles A. Gambaro (center), NASA KSC engineering lead and Combat Engineering Group commander, who recently returned from Operation Iraqi Freedom. Gambaro was the guest speaker at KSC’s annual Hispanic American Heritage luncheon. The theme was “Hispanic Americans Making a Difference.” Caldeiro was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Tellado was co-chair of the event hosted by the Hispanic Employment Program Working Group. The annual event helps employees reflect on the extensive contributions Hispanics have made to KSC, NASA and the nation.

From left, NASA astronauts Bob Hines, Jessica Watkins, and Kjell Lindgren prepare to serve cake to Kennedy Space Center employees during an appreciation event held at the Florida spaceport’s KARS Park on March 22, 2023. Hines, Watkins, and Lindgren, along with ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti, launched to the International Space Station aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft on April 27, 2022, from Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39A. The crew remained at the orbiting laboratory for approximately six months, conducting critical science as part of the fourth crew rotation mission for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.

From left, NASA astronauts Kjell Lindgren, Jessica Watkins, and Bob Hines sign posters for Kennedy Space Center employees during an appreciation event held at the Florida spaceport’s KARS Park on March 22, 2023. Lindgren, Watkins, and Hines, along with ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti, launched to the International Space Station aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft on April 27, 2022, from Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39A. The crew remained at the orbiting laboratory for approximately six months, conducting critical science as part of the fourth crew rotation mission for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.

From left, NASA astronauts Bob Hines, Jessica Watkins, and Kjell Lindgren take a photo with a Kennedy Space Center employee during an appreciation event held at the Florida spaceport’s KARS Park on March 22, 2023. Lindgren, Watkins, and Hines, along with ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti, launched to the International Space Station aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft on April 27, 2022, from Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39A. The crew remained at the orbiting laboratory for approximately six months, conducting critical science as part of the fourth crew rotation mission for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.

NASA astronaut Kjell Lindgren shakes hands with a Kennedy Space Center employee during an appreciation event held at the Florida spaceport’s KARS Park on March 22, 2023. Lindgren, along with crewmates Bob Hines and Jessica Watkins, visited Kennedy to thank employees for supporting NASA’s SpaceX Crew-4 launch. Lindgren, Hines, and Watkins, along with ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti, launched to the International Space Station aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft on April 27, 2022, from Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39A. The crew remained at the orbiting laboratory for approximately six months, conducting critical science as part of the fourth crew rotation mission for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.

NASA astronaut Kjell Lindgren speaks to Kennedy Space Center employees during an appreciation event held at the Florida spaceport’s KARS Park on March 22, 2023. Lindgren, along with crewmates Bob Hines and Jessica Watkins, visited Kennedy to thank employees for supporting NASA’s SpaceX Crew-4 launch. Lindgren, Hines, and Watkins, along with ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti, launched to the International Space Station aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft on April 27, 2022, from Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39A. The crew remained at the orbiting laboratory for approximately six months, conducting critical science as part of the fourth crew rotation mission for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The thousands of workers who have processed, launched and landed the space shuttles for more than three decades welcome Atlantis home to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida during an employee appreciation event. Atlantis' final return from space at 5:57 a.m. EDT secured the space shuttle fleet's place in history and brought a close to the America's Space Shuttle Program. STS-135 delivered spare parts, equipment and supplies to the International Space Station. STS-135 was the 33rd and final flight for Atlantis, which has spent 307 days in space, orbited Earth 4,848 times and traveled 125,935,769 miles. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Atlantis is slowly towed from the Shuttle Landing Facility to an orbiter processing facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida for the last time. Atlantis' final return from space at 5:57 a.m. EDT secured the space shuttle fleet's place in history and brought a close to the America's Space Shuttle Program. There to welcome Atlantis home and an employee appreciation event are the thousands of workers who have processed, launched and landed the shuttles for more than three decades. STS-135 delivered spare parts, equipment and supplies to the International Space Station. STS-135 was the 33rd and final flight for Atlantis, which has spent 307 days in space, orbited Earth 4,848 times and traveled 125,935,769 miles. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, The Band of the United States Air Force Reserve provides entertainment at an employee appreciation event for the thousands of workers who have processed, launched and landed America's space shuttles for more than three decades. Following the successful STS-135 mission, space shuttle Atlantis was parked at the celebration site for photo opportunities. STS-135 secured the space shuttle fleet's place in history and brought a close to NASA's Space Shuttle Program. STS-135 delivered spare parts, equipment and supplies to the International Space Station. STS-135 was the 33rd and final flight for Atlantis, which has spent 307 days in space, orbited Earth 4,848 times and traveled 125,935,769 miles. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The STS-135 crew members express their gratitude to the thousands of workers who have processed, launched and landed the space shuttles for more than three decades during an employee appreciation event. From left, are Mission Specialists Rex Walheim and Sandy Magnus, Commander Chris Ferguson, and Pilot Doug Hurley. Space shuttle Atlantis' final return from space at 5:57 a.m. EDT secured the space shuttle fleet's place in history and brought a close to the STS-135 mission and America's Space Shuttle Program. STS-135 delivered spare parts, equipment and supplies to the International Space Station. STS-135 was the 33rd and final flight for Atlantis, which has spent 307 days in space, orbited Earth 4,848 times and traveled 125,935,769 miles. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Thousands of workers who have processed, launched and landed space shuttles for more than three decades, gather for an employee appreciation event in front of Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Atlantis' final return to Earth occurred at 5:57 a.m. EDT July 21, 2011. Securing the space shuttle fleet's place in history, Atlantis marks the 26th nighttime landing of NASA's Space Shuttle Program and the 78th landing at Kennedy. Atlantis and its crew delivered to the International Space Station the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with more than 9,400 pounds of spare parts, equipment and supplies that will sustain station operations for the next year. STS-135 is the 33rd and final flight for Atlantis and the final mission of the Space Shuttle Program. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Seen here in this panoramic image are thousands of workers who have processed, launched and landed space shuttles for more than three decades, welcoming space shuttle Atlantis home to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida during an employee appreciation event. Atlantis' final return from space at 5:57 a.m. EDT secured the space shuttle fleet's place in history and brought a close to the America's Space Shuttle Program. Atlantis and its crew delivered spare parts, equipment and supplies to the International Space Station. The STS-135 mission was the 33rd and final flight for Atlantis, which has spent 307 days in space, orbited Earth 4,848 times and traveled 125,935,769 miles. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The STS-135 crew members and NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana express their gratitude to the thousands of workers who have processed, launched and landed the space shuttles for more than three decades during an employee appreciation event. Space shuttle Atlantis' final return from space at 5:57 a.m. EDT secured the space shuttle fleet's place in history and brought a close to the STS-135 mission and America's Space Shuttle Program. STS-135 delivered spare parts, equipment and supplies to the International Space Station. STS-135 was the 33rd and final flight for Atlantis, which has spent 307 days in space, orbited Earth 4,848 times and traveled 125,935,769 miles. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, The Band of the United States Air Force Reserve provides entertainment at an employee appreciation event for the thousands of workers who have processed, launched and landed America's space shuttles for more than three decades. Following the successful STS-135 mission, space shuttle Atlantis was parked at the celebration site for photo opportunities. STS-135 secured the space shuttle fleet's place in history and brought a close to NASA's Space Shuttle Program. STS-135 delivered spare parts, equipment and supplies to the International Space Station. STS-135 was the 33rd and final flight for Atlantis, which has spent 307 days in space, orbited Earth 4,848 times and traveled 125,935,769 miles. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson, left, and NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana express their gratitude to the thousands of workers who have processed, launched and landed the space shuttles for more than three decades during an employee appreciation event. Space shuttle Atlantis' final return from space at 5:57 a.m. EDT secured the space shuttle fleet's place in history and brought a close to the STS-135 mission and America's Space Shuttle Program. STS-135 delivered spare parts, equipment and supplies to the International Space Station. STS-135 was the 33rd and final flight for Atlantis, which has spent 307 days in space, orbited Earth 4,848 times and traveled 125,935,769 miles. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-135 Pilot Doug Hurley expresses his gratitude to the thousands of workers who have processed, launched and landed the space shuttles for more than three decades during an employee appreciation event. On the left is Mission Specialist Rex Walheim and to the right is Commander Chris Ferguson. Space shuttle Atlantis' final return from space at 5:57 a.m. EDT secured the space shuttle fleet's place in history and brought a close to the STS-135 mission and America's Space Shuttle Program. STS-135 delivered spare parts, equipment and supplies to the International Space Station. STS-135 was the 33rd and final flight for Atlantis, which has spent 307 days in space, orbited Earth 4,848 times and traveled 125,935,769 miles. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson expresses his gratitude to the thousands of workers who have processed, launched and landed the space shuttles for more than three decades during an employee appreciation event. Space shuttle Atlantis' final return from space at 5:57 a.m. EDT secured the space shuttle fleet's place in history and brought a close to the STS-135 mission and America's Space Shuttle Program. STS-135 delivered spare parts, equipment and supplies to the International Space Station. STS-135 was the 33rd and final flight for Atlantis, which has spent 307 days in space, orbited Earth 4,848 times and traveled 125,935,769 miles. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Thousands of workers who have processed, launched and landed space shuttles for more than three decades, gather for an employee appreciation event in front of Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Atlantis' final return to Earth occurred at 5:57 a.m. EDT July 21, 2011. Securing the space shuttle fleet's place in history, Atlantis marks the 26th nighttime landing of NASA's Space Shuttle Program and the 78th landing at Kennedy. Atlantis and its crew delivered to the International Space Station the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with more than 9,400 pounds of spare parts, equipment and supplies that will sustain station operations for the next year. STS-135 is the 33rd and final flight for Atlantis and the final mission of the Space Shuttle Program. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, The Band of the United States Air Force Reserve will provide the entertainment at an employee appreciation event for the thousands of workers who have processed, launched and landed America's space shuttles for more than three decades. Following the successful STS-135 mission, space shuttle Atlantis was parked at the celebration site for photo opportunities. STS-135 secured the space shuttle fleet's place in history and brought a close to NASA's Space Shuttle Program. STS-135 delivered spare parts, equipment and supplies to the International Space Station. STS-135 was the 33rd and final flight for Atlantis, which has spent 307 days in space, orbited Earth 4,848 times and traveled 125,935,769 miles. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Thousands of workers who have processed, launched and landed space shuttles for more than three decades, gather for an employee appreciation event in front of Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Atlantis' final return to Earth occurred at 5:57 a.m. EDT July 21, 2011. Securing the space shuttle fleet's place in history, Atlantis marks the 26th nighttime landing of NASA's Space Shuttle Program and the 78th landing at Kennedy. Atlantis and its crew delivered to the International Space Station the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with more than 9,400 pounds of spare parts, equipment and supplies that will sustain station operations for the next year. STS-135 is the 33rd and final flight for Atlantis and the final mission of the Space Shuttle Program. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-135 Mission Specialist Sandy Magnus expresses her gratitude to the thousands of workers who have processed, launched and landed the space shuttles for more than three decades during an employee appreciation event. On the right is Pilot Doug Hurley. Space shuttle Atlantis' final return from space at 5:57 a.m. EDT secured the space shuttle fleet's place in history and brought a close to the STS-135 mission and America's Space Shuttle Program. STS-135 delivered spare parts, equipment and supplies to the International Space Station. STS-135 was the 33rd and final flight for Atlantis, which has spent 307 days in space, orbited Earth 4,848 times and traveled 125,935,769 miles. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Launch Services Program Deputy Director Ray Lugo (center) shows off a certificate of appreciation he received for his leadership and enthusiasm in his role as chairperson of KSC's Combined Federal Campaign. From left are Center Director Jim Kennedy, Lugo and Deputy Director Woodrow Whitlow. The NASA civil service work force donated $434,627.40 in this year's campaign, the highest amount ever raised. The occasion was a holiday dinner and celebration at KARS Park I on Merritt Island, Fla., hosted by Center Director Jim Kennedy for NASA civil service employees. The theme of the celebration was "Launching Dreams of Those in Need." The event was sponsored by the Change Leaders Network and the Combined Federal Campaign Cabinet.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-135 Mission Specialist Rex Walheim expresses his gratitude to the thousands of workers who have processed, launched and landed the space shuttles for more than three decades during an employee appreciation event. On the right is Pilot Doug Hurley. Space shuttle Atlantis' final return from space at 5:57 a.m. EDT secured the space shuttle fleet's place in history and brought a close to the STS-135 mission and America's Space Shuttle Program. STS-135 delivered spare parts, equipment and supplies to the International Space Station. STS-135 was the 33rd and final flight for Atlantis, which has spent 307 days in space, orbited Earth 4,848 times and traveled 125,935,769 miles. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, left, and Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana join Kennedy employees in the Pledge of Allegiance at an employee appreciation event for the thousands of workers who have processed, launched and landed America's space shuttles for more than three decades. Following the successful STS-135 mission, space shuttle Atlantis was parked at the celebration site for photo opportunities. STS-135 secured the space shuttle fleet's place in history and brought a close to NASA's Space Shuttle Program. On board were STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley, and Mission Specialists Sandra Magnus and Rex Walheim. On the 37th shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-135 delivered the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module filled with more than 9,400 pounds of spare parts, equipment and supplies that will sustain station operations for the next year. STS-135 was the 33rd and final flight for Atlantis, which has spent 307 days in space, orbited Earth 4,848 times and traveled 125,935,769 miles, and also the final mission of the Space Shuttle Program. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In front of Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida the STS-135 crew members express their gratitude to the thousands of workers who have processed, launched and landed the space shuttles for more than three decades during an employee appreciation event. Seen here is Commander Chris Ferguson shaking the hand of Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana. Atlantis' final return to Earth occurred at 5:57 a.m. EDT July 21, 2011. Securing the space shuttle fleet's place in history, Atlantis marks the 26th nighttime landing of NASA's Space Shuttle Program and the 78th landing at Kennedy. Atlantis and its crew delivered to the International Space Station the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with more than 9,400 pounds of spare parts, equipment and supplies that will sustain station operations for the next year. STS-135 is the 33rd and final flight for Atlantis and the final mission of the Space Shuttle Program. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The STS-135 crew members pause for a photograph in front of space shuttle Atlantis after an employee appreciation event held at Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Seen here are Commander Chris Ferguson (left), Mission Specialist Sandy Magnus, Pilot Doug Hurley and Mission Specialist Rex Walheim. Atlantis' final return to Earth occurred at 5:57 a.m. EDT July 21, 2011. Securing the space shuttle fleet's place in history, Atlantis marks the 26th nighttime landing of NASA's Space Shuttle Program and the 78th landing at Kennedy. Atlantis and its crew delivered to the International Space Station the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with more than 9,400 pounds of spare parts, equipment and supplies that will sustain station operations for the next year. STS-135 is the 33rd and final flight for Atlantis and the final mission of the Space Shuttle Program. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The STS-135 crew members express their gratitude to the thousands of workers who have processed, launched and landed the space shuttles for more than three decades during an employee appreciation event held in front of Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Seen here are Mission Specialists Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim, Commander Chris Ferguson and Pilot Doug Hurley. Atlantis' final return to Earth occurred at 5:57 a.m. EDT July 21, 2011. Securing the space shuttle fleet's place in history, Atlantis marks the 26th nighttime landing of NASA's Space Shuttle Program and the 78th landing at Kennedy. Atlantis and its crew delivered to the International Space Station the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with more than 9,400 pounds of spare parts, equipment and supplies that will sustain station operations for the next year. STS-135 is the 33rd and final flight for Atlantis and the final mission of the Space Shuttle Program. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The STS-135 crew members stop for a photograph after an employee appreciation event held in front of Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Seen here are Mission Specialists Rex Walheim (left) and Sandy Magnus, Commander Chris Ferguson and Pilot Doug Hurley. Atlantis' final return to Earth occurred at 5:57 a.m. EDT July 21, 2011. Securing the space shuttle fleet's place in history, Atlantis marks the 26th nighttime landing of NASA's Space Shuttle Program and the 78th landing at Kennedy. Atlantis and its crew delivered to the International Space Station the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with more than 9,400 pounds of spare parts, equipment and supplies that will sustain station operations for the next year. STS-135 is the 33rd and final flight for Atlantis and the final mission of the Space Shuttle Program. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The STS-135 crew members express their gratitude with a banner dedicated to the thousands of workers who have processed, launched and landed the space shuttles for more than three decades during an employee appreciation event held in front of Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Seen here are Mission Specialists Rex Walheim and Sandy Magnus, Commander Chris Ferguson and Pilot Doug Hurley. Atlantis' final return to Earth occurred at 5:57 a.m. EDT July 21, 2011. Securing the space shuttle fleet's place in history, Atlantis marks the 26th nighttime landing of NASA's Space Shuttle Program and the 78th landing at Kennedy. Atlantis and its crew delivered to the International Space Station the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with more than 9,400 pounds of spare parts, equipment and supplies that will sustain station operations for the next year. STS-135 is the 33rd and final flight for Atlantis and the final mission of the Space Shuttle Program. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Thousands of workers who have processed, launched and landed space shuttles for more than three decades, gather in front of space shuttle Atlantis after an employee appreciation event at Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Atlantis' final return to Earth occurred at 5:57 a.m. EDT July 21, 2011. Securing the space shuttle fleet's place in history, Atlantis marks the 26th nighttime landing of NASA's Space Shuttle Program and the 78th landing at Kennedy. Atlantis and its crew delivered to the International Space Station the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with more than 9,400 pounds of spare parts, equipment and supplies that will sustain station operations for the next year. STS-135 is the 33rd and final flight for Atlantis and the final mission of the Space Shuttle Program. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The STS-135 crew members express their gratitude to the thousands of workers who have processed, launched and landed the space shuttles for more than three decades during an employee appreciation event held in front of Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Seen here are Mission Specialists Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim, Commander Chris Ferguson and Pilot Doug Hurley. Atlantis' final return to Earth occurred at 5:57 a.m. EDT July 21, 2011. Securing the space shuttle fleet's place in history, Atlantis marks the 26th nighttime landing of NASA's Space Shuttle Program and the 78th landing at Kennedy. Atlantis and its crew delivered to the International Space Station the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with more than 9,400 pounds of spare parts, equipment and supplies that will sustain station operations for the next year. STS-135 is the 33rd and final flight for Atlantis and the final mission of the Space Shuttle Program. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The STS-135 crew members pause for a photograph in front of space shuttle Atlantis after an employee appreciation event held at Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Seen here are Commander Chris Ferguson (left), Mission Specialist Sandy Magnus, Pilot Doug Hurley and Mission Specialist Rex Walheim. Atlantis' final return to Earth occurred at 5:57 a.m. EDT July 21, 2011. Securing the space shuttle fleet's place in history, Atlantis marks the 26th nighttime landing of NASA's Space Shuttle Program and the 78th landing at Kennedy. Atlantis and its crew delivered to the International Space Station the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with more than 9,400 pounds of spare parts, equipment and supplies that will sustain station operations for the next year. STS-135 is the 33rd and final flight for Atlantis and the final mission of the Space Shuttle Program. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA Administrator Charles Bolden thanks the Kennedy work force for their dedication at an employee appreciation event for the thousands of workers who have processed, launched and landed America's space shuttles for more than three decades. Following the successful STS-135 mission, space shuttle Atlantis was parked at the celebration site for photo opportunities. STS-135 secured the space shuttle fleet's place in history and brought a close to NASA's Space Shuttle Program. On board were STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley, and Mission Specialists Sandra Magnus and Rex Walheim. On the 37th shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-135 delivered the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module filled with more than 9,400 pounds of spare parts, equipment and supplies that will sustain station operations for the next year. STS-135 was the 33rd and final flight for Atlantis, which has spent 307 days in space, orbited Earth 4,848 times and traveled 125,935,769 miles, and also the final mission of the Space Shuttle Program. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett