Actor Chris Evans (left) receives a "boarding pass" to the Moon from Suzanne Dodd, director of the Interplanetary Network Directorate at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. The pair are seen in the Space Flight Operations Facility at JPL on June 6, 2022. Evans visited JPL to learn more about space missions after starring as the lead voice in the space-themed movie "Lightyear." More than 3 million names, including Evans', were submitted online and will be included on a flash drive that will fly on the Orion spacecraft during NASA's Artemis I mission to the Moon. Artemis I will be the first uncrewed flight test of the Space Launch System rocket and the Orion spacecraft launching from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA's Artemis program aims to establish a sustained human presence on the Moon that will serve as a launching pad for exploring Mars and beyond. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA25311

From left, actor Chris Evans, NASA's Perseverance Mars rover Surface Mission Manager Jessica Samuels, and NASA astronaut Tom Marshburn are seen in front of the rover model at the agency's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California on June 6, 2022. Evans visited JPL to learn more about space missions after starring as the lead voice in the space-themed movie "Lightyear." A key objective for Perseverance's mission on Mars is astrobiology, including the search for signs of ancient microbial life. The rover will characterize the planet's geology and past climate, pave the way for human exploration of the Red Planet, and be the first mission to collect and cache Martian rock and regolith (broken rock and dust). Subsequent NASA missions, in cooperation with ESA (European Space Agency), would send spacecraft to Mars to collect these sealed samples from the surface and return them to Earth for in-depth analysis. The Mars 2020 Perseverance mission is part of NASA's Moon to Mars exploration approach, which includes Artemis missions to the Moon that will help prepare for human exploration of the Red Planet. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA25312

This night-time view of Cyclone Evan was taken from the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on NASA/NOAA's Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership on Dec. 16, 2012. The rectangular bright object in the image is a lightning flash. &quot;Because of the scan time as compared to how quickly lightning flashes, you get a nice streak in the data,&quot; said William Straka, of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, who provided this image. On Dec. 17 at 0900 UTC (4 a.m. EST), Cyclone Evan had maximum sustained winds near 115 knots (132 mph/213 kph). Evan was a Category 4 cyclone on the Saffir-Simpson Scale and was battering Fiji. Image Credit: NASA/NOAA/UWM/William Straka Text Credit: NASA Goddard/Rob Gutro <b><a href="http://www.nasa.gov/audience/formedia/features/MP_Photo_Guidelines.html" rel="nofollow">NASA image use policy.</a></b> <b><a href="http://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/home/index.html" rel="nofollow">NASA Goddard Space Flight Center</a></b> enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. <b>Follow us on <a href="http://twitter.com/NASA_GoddardPix" rel="nofollow">Twitter</a></b> <b>Like us on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Greenbelt-MD/NASA-Goddard/395013845897?ref=tsd" rel="nofollow">Facebook</a></b> <b>Find us on <a href="http://instagrid.me/nasagoddard/?vm=grid" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a></b>

AS17-152-23392 (17 Dec. 1972) --- Astronaut Ronald E. Evans is photographed performing extravehicular activity during the Apollo 17 spacecraft's trans-Earth coast. During his EVA, command module pilot Evans retrieved film cassettes from the Lunar Sounder, Mapping Camera, and Panoramic Camera. The cylindrical object at Evans' left side is the Mapping Camera cassette. The total time for the trans-Earth EVA was one hour seven minutes 18 seconds, starting at ground elapsed time of 257:25 (2:28 p.m.) and ending at ground elapsed timed of 258:42 (3:35 p.m.) on Sunday, Dec. 17, 1972.

S72-49970 (29 Sept. 1972) --- Astronaut Ronald E. Evans, command module pilot of the Apollo 17 lunar landing mission, is suited up in preparation for extravehicular activity training in a water tank in Building 5 at the Manned Spacecraft Center. Evans is scheduled to perform trans-Earth extravehicular activity after the Apollo 17 spacecraft leaves lunar orbit on its way back home.

S72-49971 (29 Sept. 1972) --- Astronaut Ronald E. Evans, command module pilot of the Apollo 17 lunar landing mission, participates in extravehicular activity training in a water tank in Building 5 at the Manned Spacecraft Center. Evans is scheduled to perform trans-Earth extravehicular activity after the Apollo 17 spacecraft leaves lunar orbit on its way back home. The structure in the picture simulates the Scientific Instrument Module (SIM) bay of the Apollo 17 Service Module.

AS17-162-24053 (7-19 Dec. 1972) --- Scientist-astronaut Harrison H. "Jack" Schmitt, lunar module pilot, took this photograph of his two fellow crew men under zero-gravity conditions aboard the Apollo 17 spacecraft during the final lunar landing mission in NASA's Apollo program. That is astronaut Eugene A. Cernan, commander, who is seemingly "right side up." Astronaut Ronald E. Evans, command module pilot, appears to be "upside down." While astronauts Cernan and Schmitt descended in the Lunar Module (LM) "Challenger" to explore the Taurus-Littrow region of the moon, astronaut Evans remained with the Command and Service Modules (CSM) "America" in lunar orbit.

AS17-152-23393 (17 Dec. 1972) --- Astronaut Ronald E. Evans is photographed performing extravehicular activity during the Apollo 17 spacecraft's trans-Earth coast. During his EVA, command module pilot Evans retrieved film cassettes from the Lunar Sounder, Mapping Camera, and Panoramic Camera. The cylindrical object at Evans' left side is the Mapping Camera cassette. The total time for the trans-Earth EVA was one hour seven minutes 18 seconds, starting at ground elapsed time of 257:25 (2:28 p.m.) and ending at ground elapsed timed of 258:42 (3:35 p.m.) on Sunday, Dec. 17, 1972.

AS17-152-23391 (17 Dec. 1972) --- Astronaut Ronald E. Evans is photographed performing extravehicular activity during the Apollo 17 spacecraft's trans-Earth coast. During his EVA, Evans, command module pilot, retrieved film cassettes from the lunar sounder, mapping camera and panoramic camera. The cylindrical object at Evans' left side is the mapping camera cassette. The total time for the trans-Earth EVA was one hour, seven minutes, 18 seconds, starting at ground elapsed time of 257:25 (2:28 p.m.) and ending at G.E.T. of 258:42 (3:35 p.m.) on Sunday, Dec. 17, 1972.

STUDENTS FROM THE CENTER FOR TECHNOLOGY SHOW APOLLO 13 ASTRONAUT FRED HAISE A DISPLAY MODEL FOR A MOON BASED PROJECT THEY ARE DESIGNING FOR COMPETITION WITH OTHER SCHOOLS IN ALABAMA. (L to R) QUIANA HUNT, SARAH FOLSE, MICHAEL HARTMAN, MIKE EVANS (TEACHER), AND FRED HAISE

Seated from From Left: Katherine G Johnson, Lawrence W Brown, and J Norwood Evans, Employment Officer. Standing from Left: John J Cox, secretary; and Edward T Maher, chairman. Absent when picture was taken: Vernon S Courtney. Members are shown as they review the Center's Affirmative Action Program. The committee serves in an advisory capacity to the Personnel Division and Center management officials and seeks to explore realistic approaches to accomplishment of the objectives of the Affirmative Action program.

Evan Wilson (undergraduate student, University of Florida) observes a test apparatus to measure interfacial tension in support of Dr. Ranga Narayanan’s (University of Florida) NASA grant “A Novel Way to Measure Interfacial Tension Using the Electrostatic Levitation Furnace (ELF)” (NNX17AL27G).

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, right, signs an agreement with Dr. Marc Serres, chief executive officer, Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA), left, while the Honorable James Randolph Evans, Ambassador to the Grant Duchy of Luxembourg, back right, and Etienne Schneider, Deputy Prime Minister, back left, observe at the 70th International Astronautical Congress, Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, right, and Dr. Marc Serres, chief executive officer, Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA), left, shake hands after signing an agreement while the Honorable James Randolph Evans, Ambassador to the Grant Duchy of Luxembourg, back right, and Etienne Schneider, Deputy Prime Minister, back left, observed at the 70th International Astronautical Congress, Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Cassini imaging science subsystem (ISS) team associate Mike Evans speaks with Cassini NASA Social attendees, Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017 at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. Since its arrival in 2004, the Cassini-Huygens mission has been a discovery machine, revolutionizing our knowledge of the Saturn system and captivating us with data and images never before obtained with such detail and clarity. On Sept. 15, 2017, operators will deliberately plunge the spacecraft into Saturn, as Cassini gathered science until the end. The “plunge” ensures Saturn’s moons will remain pristine for future exploration. During Cassini’s final days, mission team members from all around the world gathered at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California, to celebrate the achievements of this historic mission. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Cassini imaging science subsystem (ISS) team associate Mike Evans discusses an image of Saturn's moon Daphnis with Cassini NASA Social attendees, Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017 at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. Since its arrival in 2004, the Cassini-Huygens mission has been a discovery machine, revolutionizing our knowledge of the Saturn system and captivating us with data and images never before obtained with such detail and clarity. On Sept. 15, 2017, operators will deliberately plunge the spacecraft into Saturn, as Cassini gathered science until the end. The “plunge” ensures Saturn’s moons will remain pristine for future exploration. During Cassini’s final days, mission team members from all around the world gathered at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California, to celebrate the achievements of this historic mission. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Daniel Evans, assistant deputy associate administrator for Research in NASA's Science Mission Directorate, gives opening remarks are seen during a public meeting of NASA’s unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) independent study team, Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. The UAP independent study team is a counsel of 16 community experts across diverse areas on matters relevant to potential methods of study for unidentified anomalous phenomena. NASA commissioned the nine-month study to examine UAP from a scientific perspective and create a roadmap for how to use data and the tools of science to move our understanding of UAP forward. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Daniel Evans, assistant deputy associate administrator for Research in NASA's Science Mission Directorate, gives opening remarks are seen during a public meeting of NASA’s unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) independent study team, Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. The UAP independent study team is a counsel of 16 community experts across diverse areas on matters relevant to potential methods of study for unidentified anomalous phenomena. NASA commissioned the nine-month study to examine UAP from a scientific perspective and create a roadmap for how to use data and the tools of science to move our understanding of UAP forward. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Make a wish foundation VMS ride for Tom Evans.

Apollo 17 Lunar Module Pilot Harrison H. Schmitt, center, examines items that will be carried aboard the Apollo 17 spacecraft to the moon. Behind and at his left is Astronaut Ronald E. Evans and Mission Commander Eugene A. Cernan next to Evans.

Daniel Evans, assistant deputy associate administrator for Research in NASA's Science Mission Directorate, left, gives opening remarks are seen during a public meeting of NASA’s unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) independent study team, Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. The UAP independent study team is a counsel of 16 community experts across diverse areas on matters relevant to potential methods of study for unidentified anomalous phenomena. NASA commissioned the nine-month study to examine UAP from a scientific perspective and create a roadmap for how to use data and the tools of science to move our understanding of UAP forward. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA Assistant Deputy Associate Administrator for Research, Science Mission Directorate, Daniel Evans, answers a question during a media briefing to discuss the findings from an unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) independent study team, Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. The UAP independent study team, commissioned in 2022, is a counsel of 16 community experts across diverse areas on matters relevant to potential methods of study for unidentified anomalous phenomena. NASA published the team’s full report online, which aims to inform about what possible data could be collected in the future to shed light on the nature and origin of UAP. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, right, and Associate Administrator Bob Cabana, second from right, meet with, from left to right, Israel’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Ofir Akunis, Israel’s Deputy Director General, Omer Shechter, Israel’s Chief of Staff, Asaf Magen, Chief of Staff, Ambassador of Israel to the United States, Evan Charney, NASA Office of International and Interagency Relations, Rebecca Levy, NASA Office of International and Interagency Relations, Amber McIntyre, and NASA Associate Administrator, Office of International and Interagency Relations, Karen Feldstein, Monday, March 27, 2023 at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington DC. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, right, and Associate Administrator Bob Cabana, second from right, meet with, from left to right, Israel’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Ofir Akunis, Israel’s Deputy Director General, Omer Shechter, Israel’s Chief of Staff, Asaf Magen, Chief of Staff, Ambassador of Israel to the United States, Evan Charney, NASA Office of International and Interagency Relations, Rebecca Levy, NASA Office of International and Interagency Relations, Amber McIntyre, and NASA Associate Administrator, Office of International and Interagency Relations, Karen Feldstein, Monday, March 27, 2023 at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington DC. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA James Webb Space Telescope Ground Engineer Evan Adams monitors the progress of the Webb observatory as it’s second primary mirror wing is prepared to rotate into position, Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022, from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope Mission Operations Center at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore. Webb, an infrared telescope with a 21.3-foot (6.5-meter) primary mirror, was folded up for launch and underwent an unprecedented deployment process to unfold in space. As NASA's next flagship observatory, Webb will study every phase of cosmic history—from within our solar system to the most distant observable galaxies in the early universe. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA James Webb Space Telescope Project Scientist at ESA (European Space Agency) Christopher Evans is seen during a briefing following the release of the first full-color images from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. The first full-color images and spectroscopic data from the James Webb Space Telescope, a partnership with ESA (European Space Agency) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), are a demonstration of the power of Webb as the telescope begins its science mission to unfold the infrared universe. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Actor Marc Evan Jackson, left, and NASA Landsat 9 Project Scientist Jeff Masek pose for a photograph by the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket with the Landsat 9 satellite onboard, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The Landsat 9 satellite, a joint NASA/U.S. Geological Survey mission that will continue the legacy of monitoring Earth’s land and coastal regions, is scheduled for liftoff Monday, Sept. 27. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Actor Marc Evan Jackson listens as NASA Landsat 9 Project Scientist Jeff Masek, left, talk next to the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket with the Landsat 9 satellite onboard, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The Landsat 9 satellite, a joint NASA/U.S. Geological Survey mission that will continue the legacy of monitoring Earth’s land and coastal regions, is scheduled for liftoff Monday, Sept. 27. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Actor Marc Evan Jackson poses for a photograph by the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket with the Landsat 9 satellite onboard, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The Landsat 9 satellite, a joint NASA/U.S. Geological Survey mission that will continue the legacy of monitoring Earth’s land and coastal regions, is scheduled for liftoff Monday, Sept. 27. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Landsat 9 Project Scientist Jeff Masek, left, and Actor Marc Evan Jackson, pose for a photograph by the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket with the Landsat 9 satellite onboard, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The Landsat 9 satellite, a joint NASA/U.S. Geological Survey mission that will continue the legacy of monitoring Earth’s land and coastal regions, is scheduled for liftoff Monday, Sept. 27. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Actor Marc Evan Jackson poses for a photograph by the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket with the Landsat 9 satellite onboard, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The Landsat 9 satellite, a joint NASA/U.S. Geological Survey mission that will continue the legacy of monitoring Earth’s land and coastal regions, is scheduled for liftoff Monday, Sept. 27. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Apollo 17 Mission commander Eugene A. Cernan, left, reviews flight plan with crewmates Ronald E. Evans, center, and Harrison H. Schmitt in the astronaut's quarters. Evans will pilot the command module alone in lunar orbit while Cernan and Lunar Module Pilot Schmitt explore the Taurus-Littrow region of the Moon's surface. The launch of Apollo 17 is scheduled for December 6, 1972 at 9:53 p.m.

Leaving the Manned Spacecraft Operations Building enroute to the launch pad. Apollo 17 Mission Commander Eugene A. Cernan greets Mrs. Jan Evans, wife of Command module Pilot Ronald E. Evans, shown in background shaking hand with Cernan's wife Barbara. Further in the background is lunar Module Pilot Harrison H. Schmitt. At the right, next to the transfer van is Charles Buckley KSC Security Chief.

jsc2023e065187 (2/6/2023) --- Student researchers work on their experiment, which will be included in the Nanoracks-National Center for Earth and Space Science Education-Orbiter-Student Spaceflight Experiments Program Mission 17 to ISS (Nanoracks-NCESSE-Orbiter-SSEP). Pictured left to right: Evan Hernandez, Georgi Shourmaroff, Evan Boyer, Bryan Nash, and Kagan Holder.

Panelists, from left to right, NASA Assistant Deputy Associate Administrator for Research, Science Mission Directorate, Daniel Evans; NASA Administrator Bill Nelson; NASA Associate Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate, Nicola Fox; and President of the Simons Foundation and Chair of NASA's UAP Independent Study Team, David Spergel, are seen in a video camera during a media briefing to discuss the findings from an unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) independent study team, Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. The UAP independent study team, commissioned in 2022, is a counsel of 16 community experts across diverse areas on matters relevant to potential methods of study for unidentified anomalous phenomena. NASA published the team’s full report online, which aims to inform about what possible data could be collected in the future to shed light on the nature and origin of UAP. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Mike Gold, chief growth officer at Redwire, left, David Spergel, chair of NASA's independent study on unidentified anomalous phenomena and President of the Simons Foundation, center, and Daniel Evans, assistant deputy associate administrator for Research in NASA's Science Mission Directorate, right, are seen during a public meeting of NASA’s unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) independent study team, Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. The UAP independent study team is a counsel of 16 community experts across diverse areas on matters relevant to potential methods of study for unidentified anomalous phenomena. NASA commissioned the nine-month study to examine UAP from a scientific perspective and create a roadmap for how to use data and the tools of science to move our understanding of UAP forward. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA Assistant Deputy Associate Administrator for Research, Science Mission Directorate, Daniel Evans, provides remarks during a media briefing to discuss the findings from an unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) independent study team, Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. The UAP independent study team, commissioned in 2022, is a counsel of 16 community experts across diverse areas on matters relevant to potential methods of study for unidentified anomalous phenomena. NASA published the team’s full report online, which aims to inform about what possible data could be collected in the future to shed light on the nature and origin of UAP. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Apollo 17 Astronaut-Scientist Harrison H. Schmitt, right, reviews lunar flight plan with Mission Commander Eugene A. Cernan, left and Command Module Pilot Ronald H. Evans.

Make a wish foundation VMS ride for Tom Evans. Tom receives a Pioneer 10 Plaque from Dr McDonald at a meeting attended by Shelia Johnson, organizer of the wish.

The Apollo 17 prime astronaut crew observes pre-launch activity at Complex 39A while participating in Emergency Egress Test. They are, left to right, Ronald E. Evans, Harrison H. Schmitt, and Eugene A. Cernan.

Apollo 17 Commander Eugene A. Cernan undergoes spacesuit Checkout prior to launch to the Moon tonight. In the background are Command Module Pilot Ronald E. Evans and Lunar Module Pilot Harrison H. Schmitt.

Apollo 17 Astronauts, front to rear, Eugene A. Cernan, Ronald E. Evans and Harrison H. Schmitt walk to the transfer van at start of brief ride to launch pad during countdown Demonstration test activities.

NASA photographers Evan Deroche and Brandon Hancock joined the U.S. Coast Guard in an HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter to capture aerial views of NASA’s Pegasus barge just after it departed NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans July 17 with the core stage of NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket for Artemis II. These photos and videos show the barge as it traveled down the Intracoastal Waterway to the Gulf of Mexico. Pegasus ferried the Artemis II core stage more than 900 miles to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It arrived with the flight hardware July 22. The barge is maintained at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, where the core stage is fully manufactured. NASA is working to land the first woman, first person of color, and its first international partner astronaut on the Moon under Artemis. SLS is part of NASA’s backbone for deep space exploration, along with the Orion spacecraft, supporting ground systems, advanced spacesuits and rovers, the Gateway in orbit around the Moon, and commercial human landing systems. SLS is the only rocket that can send Orion, astronauts, and supplies to the Moon in a single launch.

NASA photographers Evan Deroche and Brandon Hancock joined the U.S. Coast Guard in an HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter to capture aerial views of NASA’s Pegasus barge just after it departed NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans July 17 with the core stage of NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket for Artemis II. These photos and videos show the barge as it traveled down the Intracoastal Waterway to the Gulf of Mexico. Pegasus ferried the Artemis II core stage more than 900 miles to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It arrived with the flight hardware July 22. The barge is maintained at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, where the core stage is fully manufactured. NASA is working to land the first woman, first person of color, and its first international partner astronaut on the Moon under Artemis. SLS is part of NASA’s backbone for deep space exploration, along with the Orion spacecraft, supporting ground systems, advanced spacesuits and rovers, the Gateway in orbit around the Moon, and commercial human landing systems. SLS is the only rocket that can send Orion, astronauts, and supplies to the Moon in a single launch.

NASA photographers Evan Deroche and Brandon Hancock joined the U.S. Coast Guard in an HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter to capture aerial views of NASA’s Pegasus barge just after it departed NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans July 17 with the core stage of NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket for Artemis II. These photos and videos show the barge as it traveled down the Intracoastal Waterway to the Gulf of Mexico. Pegasus ferried the Artemis II core stage more than 900 miles to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It arrived with the flight hardware July 22. The barge is maintained at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, where the core stage is fully manufactured. NASA is working to land the first woman, first person of color, and its first international partner astronaut on the Moon under Artemis. SLS is part of NASA’s backbone for deep space exploration, along with the Orion spacecraft, supporting ground systems, advanced spacesuits and rovers, the Gateway in orbit around the Moon, and commercial human landing systems. SLS is the only rocket that can send Orion, astronauts, and supplies to the Moon in a single launch.

NASA photographers Evan Deroche and Brandon Hancock joined the U.S. Coast Guard in an HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter to capture aerial views of NASA’s Pegasus barge just after it departed NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans July 17 with the core stage of NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket for Artemis II. These photos and videos show the barge as it traveled down the Intracoastal Waterway to the Gulf of Mexico. Pegasus ferried the Artemis II core stage more than 900 miles to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It arrived with the flight hardware July 22. The barge is maintained at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, where the core stage is fully manufactured. NASA is working to land the first woman, first person of color, and its first international partner astronaut on the Moon under Artemis. SLS is part of NASA’s backbone for deep space exploration, along with the Orion spacecraft, supporting ground systems, advanced spacesuits and rovers, the Gateway in orbit around the Moon, and commercial human landing systems. SLS is the only rocket that can send Orion, astronauts, and supplies to the Moon in a single launch.

NASA photographers Evan Deroche and Brandon Hancock joined the U.S. Coast Guard in an HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter to capture aerial views of NASA’s Pegasus barge just after it departed NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans July 17 with the core stage of NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket for Artemis II. These photos and videos show the barge as it traveled down the Intracoastal Waterway to the Gulf of Mexico. Pegasus ferried the Artemis II core stage more than 900 miles to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It arrived with the flight hardware July 22. The barge is maintained at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, where the core stage is fully manufactured. NASA is working to land the first woman, first person of color, and its first international partner astronaut on the Moon under Artemis. SLS is part of NASA’s backbone for deep space exploration, along with the Orion spacecraft, supporting ground systems, advanced spacesuits and rovers, the Gateway in orbit around the Moon, and commercial human landing systems. SLS is the only rocket that can send Orion, astronauts, and supplies to the Moon in a single launch.

NASA photographers Evan Deroche and Brandon Hancock joined the U.S. Coast Guard in an HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter to capture aerial views of NASA’s Pegasus barge just after it departed NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans July 17 with the core stage of NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket for Artemis II. These photos and videos show the barge as it traveled down the Intracoastal Waterway to the Gulf of Mexico. Pegasus ferried the Artemis II core stage more than 900 miles to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It arrived with the flight hardware July 22. The barge is maintained at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, where the core stage is fully manufactured. NASA is working to land the first woman, first person of color, and its first international partner astronaut on the Moon under Artemis. SLS is part of NASA’s backbone for deep space exploration, along with the Orion spacecraft, supporting ground systems, advanced spacesuits and rovers, the Gateway in orbit around the Moon, and commercial human landing systems. SLS is the only rocket that can send Orion, astronauts, and supplies to the Moon in a single launch.

AS17-145-22273 (7-19 Dec. 1972) --- In this view, taken from the Lunar Module (LM), the Command and Service Module (CSM) are seen preparing to rendezvous with the LM. Note the reflection of the lunar surface on the CSM. The CSM, is piloted by Ronald E. Evans; while astronauts Eugene A. Cernan, commander; and Harrison W. Schmitt, lunar module pilot, are onboard the LM, following their extravehicular activities (EVA) on the moon's surface. While astronauts Cernan and Schmitt descended in the LM "Challenger" to explore the Taurus-Littrow region of the moon, astronaut Evans remained with the CSM "America" in lunar orbit.

NASA James Webb Space Telescope Project Scientist, Space Telescope Science Institute, Klaus Pontoppidan, center, answers a question from a member of the media alongside NASA James Webb Space Telescope Project Scientist at ESA (European Space Agency) Christopher Evans, left, and Principal Investigator for the Canadian Near-Infrared Imager and Slitless Spectrograph at the University of Montreal René Doyon, right, during a briefing following the release of the first full-color images from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. The first full-color images and spectroscopic data from the James Webb Space Telescope, a partnership with ESA (European Space Agency) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), are a demonstration of the power of Webb as the telescope begins its science mission to unfold the infrared universe. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA James Webb Space Telescope Project Scientist at ESA (European Space Agency) Christopher Evans, left, answers a question from a member of the media alongside NASA James Webb Space Telescope Project Scientist, Space Telescope Science Institute, Klaus Pontoppidanduring a briefing following the release of the first full-color images from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. The first full-color images and spectroscopic data from the James Webb Space Telescope, a partnership with ESA (European Space Agency) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), are a demonstration of the power of Webb as the telescope begins its science mission to unfold the infrared universe. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

S70-20418 (December 1969) --- Enlarged view shows cosmic dust on broken glass particles, photographed by Dr. G. J. Wasserberg, J. DeVaney and K. Evans at California Institute of Technology during examination of the Apollo 11 lunar material. The photograph was enlarged to 1,700 time its actual size.

Apollo 17 Mission Commander Eugene A. Cernan, left, jokes with crewmates Ronald E. Evans, center, and Harrison H. Schmitt following training exercises today at the Florida Spaceport. Cernan and Schmitt practiced aspects of their upcoming mission in the full-scale Lunar Module Spacecraft mockup, shown in rear.

The Apollo 17 space vehicle towers over the astronauts it will launch to the moon on December 6, 1972 from KSC. The astronauts, L-R, Harrison H. Schmitt, Ronald E. Evans and Eugene A. Cernan participated in a walkdown of the emergency route at Launch complex 39A.

The Apollo 17 Space Vehicle sits poised beneath a full moon on Launch Pad 39A during launch countdown. Astronauts Eugene A. Cernan, Commander Ronald Evans, Command Module Pilot and Dr. Harrison "Jack" Schmitt, Lunar Module Pilot, will be the crew for the sixth U.S. manned Lunar landing mission.

The Apollo 17 crew took time out from training for the press after the Space Vehicle for their Manned Lunar Landing Mission was moved to Complex 39A. Seated, Eugene A. Cernan, Commander standing, left to right, Dr. Harrison H. “Jack” Schmitt, Lunar Module Pilot and Ronald A. Evans, Command Module Pilot.

Ann Hutchinson (as subject), Dr. Joan Vernikos (R), Dee O'Hara (L), J. Evans and E. Lowe pose for pictures in the NASA Magazine aritcle 'How it Feels to be a Human Test Subject' as they prepare for a bed rest study to simulate the efects of microgravity on the human body.

S70-20416 (December 1969) --- Enlarged view show hypervelocity impact on iron particles of lunar surface material returned to Earth by the crew of the Apollo 11 lunar landing mission. This photograph, enlarged to 270 times the actual size, was taken by Dr. G. J. Wasserberg, J. DeVaney and K. Evans at the California Institute of Technology.

AS17-145-22285 (7-19 Dec. 1972) --- This is a view of the Eratosthenes Crater, taken looking southward from the Command and Service Module (CSM), being piloted by astronaut Ronald E. Evans. Copernicus is on the horizon. The other astronauts are Eugene A. Cernan, commander; and Harrison H. Schmitt, lunar module pilot.

Apollo 17 Mission commander, Eugene A. Cernan, in center is flanked by Command Module Pilot Ronald E. Evans and lunar Module Pilot Harrison H. Schmitt as they participate in emergency egress test on the mobile launcher at Complex 39A. They will be launched to the Moon December 6, 1972 on NASA's last manned lunar landing scheduled for this decade.

Apollo 17 prime crewman Eugene A. Cernan, Commander, Ronald E. Evans, Command Module Pilot, and Harrison H. Schmitt, Lunar Module Pilot, from right, leave the MSOB to participate in a final dress rehearsal for the Launch of Apollo 17 December 6 at 9:53 P.M. EST.

S70-20417 (December 1969) --- Enlarged view shows hypervelocity impact of cosmic dust on broken glass particles, taken during the examination of Apollo 11 lunar material by Dr. G. J. Wasserberg, J. DeVaney and K. Evans at California Institute of Technology. The photograph is enlarged 4,850 times actual size.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Apollo 14 backup crewmen, left to right, Eugene A. Cernan, Joe H. Engle and Ronald E. Evans speak with nurse Dee O’Hara prior to undergoing flight physicals today at the Kennedy Space Center. Photo credit: NASA

The Apollo 17 prime crew leaves the Manned Spaceflight Operations Building to enter the transfer van which will carry them to Complex 39's Pad A to participate in the CDDT. From right are Eugene A. Cernan, Commander Ronald E. Evans, Command Module Pilot, and Harrison H. Schmitt, Lunar Module Pilot.

About 4 1_2 hours prior to launch to the Moon from Kennedy Space Center, the Apollo 17 astronauts relax in crew quarters during dinner. They are, left to right, Harrison H. Schmitt, Eugene A. Cernan and Ronald E. Evans.

Artemis geology training lead at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Cindy Evans (left) and NASA astronaut and Artemis II mission specialist Christina Koch study geologic features in Iceland during Artemis II crew geology training in August 2024.

AS17-148-22717 (7 Dec. 1972) --- This view of a portion of Earth was taken from the Apollo 17 spacecraft following trans-lunar insertion during the final lunar landing mission in NASA's Apollo Program. The visible land mass is the southern two-thirds of the African continent, with Madagascar at right. A portion of Antarctica is visible at bottom frame. Onboard the Apollo 17 spacecraft were astronauts Eugene A. Cernan, commander; Ronald E. Evans, command module pilot; and Harrison H. Schmitt, lunar module pilot. While astronauts Cernan and Schmitt descended in the Lunar Module (LM) "Challenger" to explore the Hadley-Apennine region of the moon, astronaut Evans remained with the Command and Service Modules (CSM) "America" in lunar orbit.

jsc2023e065220 (10/19/2023) --- Pinecrest Academy Space Coast students Liam Hauser, Connor Santore, Eric Distasi, Evan Ireland, and Luke Costa work on their experiment, E-coli and Endotoxin Detection in Microgravity via LAL-Horseshoe Crab Blood Testing, which will be included in the Nanoracks-National Center for Earth and Space Science Education-Orbiter-Student Spaceflight Experiments Program Mission 17 to ISS (Nanoracks-NCESSE-Orbiter-SSEP).

S75-21063 (January 1975) --- The three members of the American ASTP backup crew are suited up for the testing of the Apollo spacecraft at the Kennedy Space Center. They are (from foreground) astronauts Alan L. Bean, commander; Ronald E. Evans, command module pilot; and Jack R. Lousma, docking module pilot. Later, they entered the Apollo Command Module in an altitude chamber for tests of spacecraft systems. The testing was in preparation for the joint U.S.?USSR Apollo-Soyuz Test Project docking mission in Earth orbit scheduled for July 1975.

AS17-163-24129 (7-19 Dec. 1972) --- A fellow crewman took this photograph of astronaut Eugene A. Cernan eating a meal under weightlessness conditions of space during the final lunar landing mission in NASA's Apollo program. Also, aboard the Apollo 17 spacecraft were astronaut Ronald E. Evans, command module pilot, and scientist-astronaut Harrison H. "Jack" Schmitt, lunar module pilot. Cernan was the mission commander.

AS17-145-22216 (7-19 Dec. 1972) --- In this view looking out the Lunar Module (LM) windows shows the United States Flag on the moon's surface. This view looks toward the north Massif. The LM thrusters can be seen in foreground. While astronauts Eugene A. Cernan, commander, and Harrison H. Schmitt, lunar module pilot, descended in the LM "Challenger" to explore the Taurus-Littrow region of the moon, astronaut Ronald E. Evans, command module pilot, remained with the Command and Service Modules (CSM) "America" in lunar orbit.

AS17-162-24050 (7-19 Dec. 1972) --- Astronaut Eugene A. Cernan appears to be relaxing in this candid photograph taken by a fellow crewman aboard the Apollo 17 spacecraft during the final lunar landing mission in NASA's Apollo program. Also, aboard Apollo 17 were astronaut Ronald E. Evans, command module pilot, and scientist-astronaut Harrison H. "Jack" Schmitt, lunar module pilot. Cernan was the mission commander.

The Artemis II crew astronauts, their backups, and the geology training field team pose in a valley in Iceland’s Vatnajökull national park. From front left: Angela Garcia, Jacob Richardson, Cindy Evans, Jenni Gibbons, Jacki Mahaffey, back row from left: Jeremy Hansen, John Ramsey, Reid Wiseman, Ron Spencer, Scott Wray, Kelsey Young, Patrick Whelley, Christina Koch, Andre Douglas, Jacki Kagey, Victor Glover, Rick Rochelle (NOLS), Trevor Graff.

AS17-162-24049 (7-19 Dec. 1972) --- A fellow crewman took this picture of astronaut Eugene A. Cernan dozing aboard the Apollo 17 spacecraft during the final lunar landing mission in NASA's Apollo program. Also, aboard Apollo 17 were astronaut Ronald E. Evans, command module pilot, and scientist-astronaut Harrison H. "Jack" Schmitt, lunar module pilot. Cernan was the mission commander.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Apollo 17 Backup Mission Commander John W. Young, in dark shirt, speaks to suited prime crew astronauts Harrison H. Schmitt, left, and Eugene A. Cernan, who are seated in the Lunar Rover training vehicle, Cernan and Schmitt will be launched to the Moon with Command Module Pilot Ronald E. Evans no earlier than December 6, 1972. Photo credit: NASA

Standing in front of an encouraging sign on the wall, Apollo 17 Lunar Module Pilot Harrison H. Schmitt undergoes spacesuit checks prior to launch to the Moon tonight with astronauts Eugene A. Cernan and Ronald E. Evans. The wall poster points out that while Apollo 17 may be the last manned mission in the Apollo program NASA has additional on-going manned space flights planned for the future.

Apollo 17 Mission Commander Eugene A Cernan, a Navy Captain, and Lunar Module Pilot Dr. Harrison H. Schmitt, civilian scientist-astronaut, at right, familiarize themselves with equipment used in the Lunar Module in which they will descend to the lunar surface during December. Cernan and Dr. Schmitt are undergoing pre-launch training in the lunar Module Simulator at the Flight Crew Training Building at the Space Center. Navy Commander Ronald E. Evans, Command Module Pilot, will accompany Cernan and Schmitt on the mission.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Apollo 17 Lunar Module Pilot Harrison H. Schmitt, left, brushes Mission Commander Eugene A. Cernan's spacesuit boot prior to entering the Lunar Module mock-up, at left, during lunar surface training exercise conducted at the Spaceport. This is the same procedure astronauts will follow on the Moon. Their Apollo 17 launch to the Moon's Taurus-Littrow region with Command Module Pilot Ronald E. Evans will take place no earlier than December 6, 1972. Photo credit: NASA

AS17-163-24148 (7-19 Dec. 1972) --- Astronaut Eugene A. Cernan (left) and scientist-astronaut Harrison H. "Jack" Schmitt are photographed by the third crew man aboard the Apollo 17 spacecraft during the final lunar landing mission in NASA's Apollo program. Astronaut Ronald E. Evans, command module pilot, took this picture. Cernan was the mission commander. Schmitt served as the lunar module pilot.

S72-48887 (September 1972) --- Astronaut Eugene A. Cernan (right), commander, and scientist-astronaut Harrison H. Schmitt, lunar module pilot, work at the aft end of a Lunar Roving Vehicle trainer during lunar surface extravehicular activity simulation training at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Florida. Astronauts Cernan, Schmitt, and Ronald E. Evans, command module pilot, are the prime crewmen of the Apollo 17 lunar landing mission. A Lunar Module mock-up can be seen in the background.

S72-48888 (September 1972) --- Astronaut Eugene A. Cernan (left), commander, and scientist-astronaut Harrison H. Schmitt, lunar module pilot, simulate collecting lunar samples during extravehicular activity training at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida. Astronauts Cernan, Schmitt, and Ronald E. Evans, command module pilot, are the prime crewmen of the Apollo 17 lunar landing mission.

AS17-134-20476 (13 Dec. 1972) --- Astronaut Eugene A. Cernan, Apollo 17 commander, approaches the parked Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) on the lunar surface during the flight's third period of extravehicular activity (EVA). South Massif can be seen in the background. The photograph was taken with a hand-held Hasselblad camera by scientist-astronaut Harrison H. Schmitt, lunar module pilot. While the two explored the surface of the moon, astronaut Ronald E. Evans remained with the Command and Service Modules (CSM) in lunar orbit.

AS17-134-20454 (13 Dec. 1972) --- Scientist-astronaut Harrison H. Schmitt is photographed seated in the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) at Station 9 (Van Serg Crater) during the third Apollo 17 extravehicular activity (EVA) at the Taurus-Littrow landing site. This photograph was taken by astronaut Eugene A. Cernan, commander. Schmitt, lunar module pilot, and Cernan explored the moon while astronaut Ronald E. Evans, command module pilot, remained with the Command and Service Modules in lunar orbit.

AS17-163-24122 (7-19 Dec. 1972) --- This candid photograph of astronaut Eugene A. Cernan was taken by a fellow crewman aboard the Apollo 17 spacecraft during the final lunar landing mission in NASA's Apollo program. Cernan was the mission commander. Also, aboard Apollo 17 were astronaut Ronald E. Evans, command module pilot, and scientist-astronaut Harrison H. "Jack" Schmitt, lunar module pilot.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Apollo 17 Astronauts, Eugene A. Cernan, left, and Harrison H. Schmitt conduct simulated lunar surface activity in preparation for their launch to the moon with Ronald E. Evans. The three space pilots will be launched to the moon aboard an Apollo_Saturn V space vehicle no earlier than December 6, 1972. Photo credit: NASA

Dr. Harrison H. Schmitt, civilian scientist-astronaut, who will pilot the Lunar Module of Apollo 17 to the Moon’s Surface in December, preps for his task by undergoing training in the Lunar Module Simulator at the Flight Crew Training Building at Kennedy Space Center. Dr. Schmitt, accompanied by Commander Eugene A. Cernan and Ronald E. Evans, Command Module Pilot, will lift-off from the Center no earlier than December 6.

Apollo 17 Lunar Module Pilot Harrison H. Schmitt prepares to fly a T-38 jet aircraft today on a training flight over the Spaceport area to sharpen his flying skills. Astronaut Schmitt together with Mission Commander Eugene Cernan and Command Module Pilot Ronald E. Evans will be launched to the Moon no earlier than December 6, 1972.

AS17-134-20513 (11 Dec. 1972) --- The Lunar Module (LM) is in the background of this view of the Taurus-Littrow landing site. This was one of the last photographs taken on the lunar surface. The Apollo 17 crewmembers were astronauts Eugene A. Cernan, commander; Ronald E. Evans, command and service module pilot; and Harrison H. Schmitt, lunar module pilot.

AS17-149-22857 (14 Dec. 1972) --- This 70mm view of the Lunar Module (LM) "Challenger" in lunar orbit before rendezvous with the Apollo 17 Command and Service Modules (CSM). While astronauts Eugene A. Cernan, commander, and Harrison H. Schmitt, lunar module pilot, descended in the Challenger to explore the Taurus-Littrow region of the moon, astronaut Ronald E. Evans, command module pilot, remained with the CSM "America" in lunar orbit.

AS17-134-20530 (11 Dec. 1972) --- Astronaut Harrison H. Schmitt, lunar module pilot, displays several days of growth on his beard aboard the Lunar Module (LM) prior to its liftoff from the moon's surface. The photograph was taken by astronaut Eugene A. Cernan, mission commander. The two later re-joined astronaut Ronald E. Evans, who was orbiting the moon in the Apollo 17 Command and Service Modules (CSM).

AS17-152-23279 (7-19 Dec. 1972) --- Eclipsed by the silhouetted horizon of the moon, the crescent Earth appears in the shape of a Viking's headwear in this unusual Apollo 17 photograph. The three astronauts--Eugene A. Cernan, Ronald E. Evans and Harrison H. Schmitt--were just about to begin their journey homeward following the successful lunar landing phase of their mission.

This distant view of Mt. Fuji, on the main home island of Honshu, Japan (34.0N, 139.0E) was taken from about 450 miles to the south. Evan at that great distance, the majestic and inspiring Mt. Fuji is still plainly visible and easily recognized as a world renowned symbol of Japan. The snow capped extinct volcano lies just a few miles south of Tokyo.

AS17-148-22727 (7 Dec. 1972) --- This view of Earth was seen by the Apollo 17 crew as they traveled toward the moon on their NASA lunar landing mission. This outstanding trans-lunar coast photograph extends from the Mediterranean Sea area to the Antarctica south polar ice cap. This is the first time the Apollo trajectory made it possible to photograph the south polar ice cap. Note the heavy cloud cover in the Southern Hemisphere. Almost the entire coastline of Africa is clearly visible. The Arabian Peninsula can be seen at the northeastern edge of Africa. The large island off the coast of Africa is the Malagasy Republic. The Asian mainland is on the horizon toward the northeast. The Apollo 17 crew consisted of astronauts Eugene A. Cernan, mission commander; Ronald E. Evans, command module pilot; and Harrison H. Schmitt, lunar module pilot. While astronauts Cernan and Schmitt descended in the Lunar Module (LM) to explore the moon, astronaut Evans remained with the Command and Service Modules (CSM) in lunar orbit.

AS17-134-20473 (13 Dec. 1972) --- Earth appears in the far distant background above the hi-gain antenna of the Lunar Roving Vehicle in this photograph taken by scientist-astronaut Harrison H. Schmitt during the third Apollo 17 extravehicular activity (EVA) at the Taurus-Littrow landing site. Astronaut Eugene A. Cernan, Apollo 17 commander, stands beside the LRV. Schmitt is the mission's lunar module pilot. While Cernan and Schmitt descended in the lunar module "Challenger" to explore the moon, astronaut Ronald E. Evans, command module pilot, remained with the Command and Service Modules in lunar orbit.

S72-55168 (12 Dec. 1972) --- Astronaut Eugene A. Cernan (on left) and scientist-astronaut Harrison H. Schmitt walk through a field of small boulders during the second Apollo 17 extravehicular activity (EVA) at the Taurus-Littrow landing site, as seen in this black and white reproduction taken from a color television transmission made by the color RCA TV camera mounted on the Lunar Roving Vehicle. Cernan is the Apollo 17 commander; and Schmitt is the lunar module pilot. Astronaut Ronald E. Evans, command module pilot, remained with the Command and Service Modules in lunar orbit. (Their backs are toward the camera)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Dr. Woodrow Whitlow, KSC deputy director, greets a student outside Trojan Intermediate School in Potosi, Mo. Students from three area schools — Potosi High School, John Evans Middle School and Trojan — are on a team taking part in NASA’s Explorer Schools program. Whitlow visited the school to share America’s new vision for space exploration with the next generation of explorers. He is talking with students about our destiny as explorers, NASA’s stepping stone approach to exploring Earth, the Moon, Mars and beyond, how space impacts our lives, and how people and machines rely on each other in space.

Robert Lightfoot, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin Space, speaks during an event celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 17 mission, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022, at the National Academies of Science in Washington. The three-astronaut crew of Apollo 17 - commander Eugene Cernan, lunar module pilot Harrison Schmitt, and command module pilot Ronald Evans, embarked on the last mission of the Apollo program to land humans on the Moon in December of 1972. Cernan and Schmitt spent three days on the lunar surface collecting samples and performing scientific experiments before lifting off from the Taurus-Littrow Valley on December 14, 1972. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Guests gather for the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation's dinner at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral celebrating the 40th anniversary of Apollo 17. The gala commemorating the anniversary of Apollo 17 included mission commander Eugene Cernan and other astronauts who flew Apollo missions. Launched Dec. 7, 1972, Cernan and lunar module pilot Harrison Schmitt landed in the moon's Taurus-Littrow highlands while command module pilot Ronald Evans remained in lunar orbit operating a scientific instrument module. For more information, visit http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/history/apollo/apollo-17/apollo-17.htm Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson delivers remarks during an event celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 17 mission, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022, at the National Academies of Science in Washington. The three-astronaut crew of Apollo 17 - commander Eugene Cernan, lunar module pilot Harrison Schmitt, and command module pilot Ronald Evans, embarked on the last mission of the Apollo program to land humans on the Moon in December of 1972. Cernan and Schmitt spent three days on the lunar surface collecting samples and performing scientific experiments before lifting off from the Taurus-Littrow Valley on December 14, 1972. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- KSC Deputy Director Dr. Woodrow Whitlow stands outside the office at Trojan Intermediate School in Potosi, Mo. He gave a presentation to students to share America’s new vision for space exploration with the next generation of explorers. He is talking with students about our destiny as explorers, NASA’s stepping stone approach to exploring Earth, the Moon, Mars and beyond, how space impacts our lives, and how people and machines rely on each other in space. Students from three area schools — Potosi High School, John Evans Middle School and Trojan — are on a team taking part in NASA’s Explorer Schools program.