Patrick Scheuermann (left), deputy director at NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center, and Richard Gilbrech, associate director, place a wreath in memory of the 17 astronauts lost in service of the space program since 1967. The wreath was placed during NASA's 2010 Day of Remembrance, observed each year in January. The annual observance memorializes the three astronauts lost in the Apollo 1 launch pad fire in 1967, the seven astronauts lost in the Challenger tragedy in 1986 and the seven astronauts lost in the Columbia accident in 2003. During the Stennis observance, Scheuermann praised the fallen astronauts as 'brave space pioneers who gave their lives in the cause of exploration and discovery.'

STEVE MILEY, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF NASA'S MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER, LIGHTS A MEMORIAL CANDLE JAN. 30, HONORING THE BRAVE EXPLORERS WHO LOST THEIR LIVES IN PURSUIT OF HUMANITY’S DESTINY IN SPACE. MARSHALL, ALONG WITH NASA CENTERS AND PARTNER FACILITIES AROUND THE COUNTRY, HOLD DAY OF REMEMBRANCE CEREMONIES EARLY EACH YEAR TO RECOGNIZE ITS FALLEN HEROES

NASA Terra spacecraft shows that extremely heavy seasonal rains have fallen on northern Bolivia since October 2013. The worst affected province is Beni in the northeastern part of the country.

NASA Cassini spacecraft captures a still and partially sunlit Enceladus. The Saturnian moon is covered in ice that reflects sunlight similar to freshly fallen snow, making Enceladus one of the most reflective objects in the solar system.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The new Florida license plate honoring the fallen astronauts of Challenger and Columbia is unveiled at the KSC Visitor Complex, in front of the Space Memorial Mirror. Participants in the dedication included (from left) Susan Berry, a teacher from Mila Elementary School in Brevard County; Sen. Bill Posey; Florida Rep. Ralph Poppell; and Kirstie McCool Chadwick, sister of William “Willie” J. McCool, who was the pilot on mission STS-107 that ended in disaster Feb. 1, 2003. The Space Mirror, 42-1/2 feet high by 50 feet wide, illuminates the names of the fallen astronauts cut through the monument’s black granite surface.

Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the US, has fallen to its lowest level ever. The water is a major source for such cities as Los Angeles and Las Vegas. With the predicted drought through this summer, the lake's water supply is expected to further shrink. In 2000, the lake was at its highest, and has declined ever since. The images were acquired June 14, 2021 and July 6, 2000, cover an area of 25.5 by 30 km, and are located at 36 degrees north, 114.7 degrees west. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA24696

Stennis Space Center Director Patrick Scheuermann (left) and Associate Director Ken Human place a wreath in the Roy S. Estess Building on Jan. 25, 2012, in memory of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. The wreath was placed during NASA's 2012 Day of Remembrance, which is observed each January.

Flowers are placed in front of the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex after this year’s Day of Remembrance ceremony. The memorial, a 42-foot-high by 50-foot-wide granite monument, displays the names of the fallen astronauts from Apollo 1, space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as others who have lost their lives while on NASA missions or in training. Each year, Kennedy employees and guests gather with others throughout NASA to honor those astronauts who have fallen in the pursuit of space exploration.

Following the Kennedy Space Center's NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony, Family members of fallen astronauts placed a wreath at the Space Mirror Memorial. The monument includes the names of the fallen astronauts from Apollo 1, Challenger and Columbia, as well as the astronauts who perished in training and commercial airplane accidents are emblazoned on the monument's 45-foot-high-by-50-foot-wide polished black granite surface.

Family members of fallen astronauts Kathie Scobee Fulgham, Lowell Grissom, Sheryl Chaffee, and Karen Bassett Stevenson place a wreath at the Space Mirror Memorial at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, during the agency’s Day of Remembrance. The annual tradition pays tribute to fallen astronauts and astronaut candidates who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery, including the crews of Apollo 1, Challenger STS-51L, and Columbia STS-107.

Following Kennedy Space Center's Day of Remembrance ceremony in the Center for Space Education at the Kennedy visitor complex, guests gathered to place flowers at the Space Mirror Memorial. Many of those in attendance were family members of the fallen astronauts.

Following Kennedy Space Center's Day of Remembrance ceremony in the Center for Space Education at the Kennedy visitor complex, guests gathered to place flowers at the Space Mirror Memorial. Many of those in attendance were family members of the fallen astronauts.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Employees at KSC watch President George Bush on NASA television as he speaks at the memorial service for the fallen seven astronauts of Columbia bieng held at Johnson Space Center, Houston. .

Following Kennedy Space Center's Day of Remembrance ceremony in the Center for Space Education at the Kennedy visitor complex, guests gathered to place flowers at the Space Mirror Memorial. Many of those in attendance were family members of the fallen astronauts.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Following the loss of Columbia and crew on their return to Earth, Center Director Roy Bridges speaks to employees about the tragedy, the impact on the KSC family and, ultimately, to honor the fallen heroes by continuing the journey into space.

Following Kennedy Space Center's Day of Remembrance ceremony in the Center for Space Education at the Kennedy visitor complex, a wreath was placed at the Space Mirror Memorial family members of the fallen astronauts.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Employees listen solemnly as Center Director Roy Bridges speaks about the tragedy of the loss of Columbia and crew, the impact on the KSC family and, ultimately, the need to honor the fallen heroes by continuing the journey into space.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Following the loss of Columbia and crew on their return to Earth, Center Director Roy Bridges speaks to employees about the tragedy, the impact on the KSC family and, ultimately, to honor the fallen heroes by continuing the journey into space.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Employees at KSC gather to watch the memorial service for the fallen seven astronauts of Columbia being held at Johnson Space Center, Houston, and broadcast on NASA television. .

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Employees at KSC reveal emotion as they watch the memorial service for the fallen seven astronauts of Columbia being held at Johnson Space Center, Houston, and broadcast on NASA television. .

Guests place flowers in front of the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex during this year’s Day of Remembrance ceremony. The memorial, a 42-foot-high by 50-foot-wide granite monument, displays the names of the fallen astronauts from Apollo 1, space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as others who have lost their lives while on NASA missions or in training. Each year, Kennedy employees and guests gather with others throughout NASA to honor those astronauts who have fallen in the pursuit of space exploration.

Following the Kennedy Space Center's NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony, Family members of fallen astronauts placed a wreath at the Space Mirror Memorial. From the left, are Kathie Scobee Flugham, daughter of 51-L Challenger astronaut Dick Scobee, June Scobee Rodgers, Scobee's widow and State Rep. Thad Altman, president and chief executive officer of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation. They are standing in front of the memorial includes the names of the fallen astronauts from Apollo 1, Challenger and Columbia, as well as the astronauts who perished in training and commercial airplane accidents are emblazoned on the monument's 45-foot-high-by-50-foot-wide polished black granite surface.

A memorial wreath stands before the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex during this year’s Day of Remembrance ceremony. The memorial, a 42-foot-high by 50-foot-wide granite monument, displays the names of the fallen astronauts from Apollo 1, space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as others who have lost their lives while on NASA missions or in training. Each year, Kennedy employees and guests gather with others throughout NASA to honor those astronauts who have fallen in the pursuit of space exploration.

A memorial wreath stands before the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex during this year’s Day of Remembrance ceremony. The memorial, a 42-foot-high by 50-foot-wide granite monument, displays the names of the fallen astronauts from Apollo 1, space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as others who have lost their lives while on NASA missions or in training. Each year, Kennedy employees and guests gather with others throughout NASA to honor those astronauts who have fallen in the pursuit of space exploration.

Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana and guests place flowers in front of the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex during this year’s Day of Remembrance ceremony. The memorial, a 42-foot-high by 50-foot-wide granite monument, displays the names of the fallen astronauts from Apollo 1, space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as others who have lost their lives while on NASA missions or in training. Each year, Kennedy employees and guests gather with others throughout NASA to honor those astronauts who have fallen in the pursuit of space exploration.

NASA’s Stennis Space Center and NASA Shared Services Center leaders commemorate NASA Day of Remembrance on Jan. 25 with a ceremony at the south Mississippi site. Rodney McKellip, NASA Stennis associate director (right), and Ken Newton, NASA Shared Services Center acting executive director, observe a moment of silence as employees honor members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery, including the crews of Apollo 1, and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia.

The audience looks on during the NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 30, 2020. The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, were honored at the annual event.

A memorial wreath stands before the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex during this year’s Day of Remembrance ceremony. Each year, Kennedy employees and guests gather with others throughout NASA to honor those astronauts who have fallen in the pursuit of space exploration.

A wreath is displayed during the NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 30, 2020. The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, were honored at the annual event.

The Brevard County Fire Rescue Honor Guard presents the colors during this year’s Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Each year, Kennedy employees and guests gather with others throughout NASA to honor those astronauts who have fallen in the pursuit of space exploration.

Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana speaks during this year’s Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Each year, Kennedy employees and guests gather with others throughout NASA to honor those astronauts who have fallen in the pursuit of space exploration.

A plaque adjacent to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex's Space Mirror Memorial includes likenesses of the fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Kennedy Space Center's Day of Remembrance ceremony honors the contributions of all astronauts who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration.

At the Kremlin Wall in Moscow March 11, 2011, Russian cosmonaut Andrey Borisenko lays flowers in honor of fallen icons as part of the ceremonial activities leading to the scheduled launch of Expedition 27 to the International Space Station, scheduled for March 30 (Kazakhstan time) in the Soyuz TMA-21 spacecraft. Photo credit: NASA/Mark Polansky

At the Kremlin Wall in Moscow March 11, 2011, NASA astronaut Ron Garan lays flowers in honor of fallen icons as part of the ceremonial activities leading to the scheduled launch of Expedition 27 to the International Space Station, scheduled for March 30 (Kazakhstan time) in the Soyuz TMA-21 spacecraft. Photo credit: NASA/Mark Polansky

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Near the Astronauts Memorial Space Mirror at the KSC Visitor Complex, guests leave flowers as a tribute to the fallen crew of Columbia. The Columbia and her crew of seven were lost on Feb. 1, 2003, over East Texas as they returned to Earth after a 16-day research mission, STS-107.

At the Kremlin Wall in Moscow March 11, 2011, Russian cosmonaut Alexander Samokutyaev lays flowers in honor of fallen icons as part of the ceremonial activities leading to the scheduled launch of Expedition 27 to the International Space Station, scheduled for March 30 (Kazakhstan time) in the Soyuz TMA-21 spacecraft. Photo credit: NASA/Mark Polansky

A wreath is displayed during the NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 30, 2020. The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, were honored at the annual event.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At a site in the KSC Visitor Complex, flowers and mementos are left by guests as a memorial tribute to the fallen crew of Columbia. The Columbia and her crew of seven were lost on Feb. 1, 2003, over East Texas as they returned to Earth after a 16-day research mission, STS-107.

A memorial wreath stands before the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex during this year’s Day of Remembrance ceremony. Each year, Kennedy employees and guests gather with others throughout NASA to honor those astronauts who have fallen in the pursuit of space exploration.

Following Kennedy Space Center's Day of Remembrance ceremony in the Center for Space Education at the Kennedy visitor complex, guests including astronauts Tom Stafford, left, and Buzz Aldrin, center, gathered to place flowers at the Space Mirror Memorial. Many of those in attendance were family members of the fallen astronauts.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At a site in the KSC Visitor Complex, flowers are left by guests as a memorial tribute to the fallen crew of Columbia. The Columbia and her crew of seven were lost on Feb. 1, 2003, over East Texas as they returned to Earth after a 16-day research mission, STS-107.

An ice cap about three kilometers (two miles) thick exists at the North Pole of Mars. In some locations its edge is a cliff about 800 meters (half a mile) high that is an almost-vertical wall of ice. With HiRISE images like this one we can look at this cliff face and see it is broken up into jagged blocks. Debris piles at the base of the cliff show where these blocks have fallen out. In the spring, we also sometimes see avalanches pouring down these cliff faces and this image was taken to search for more of them. No avalanches are visible this time., however. For reasons we don't understand, the number of avalanches varies from year to year and this spring appears to be a low-avalanche year. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA25949

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Family members of the STS-107 astronauts and other dignitaries attend a dedication ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. During this solemn event, the names of the STS-107 astronauts who lost their lives during the Columbia accident -- Rick Husband, Willie McCool, Laurel Clark, Michael Anderson, David Brown, Kalpana Chawla, and Ilan Ramon -- join the names of 17 other space heroes who gave their lives for the U.S. space program. The "Space Mirror," 42 1/2 feet high by 50 feet wide, illuminates the names of the fallen astronauts cut through the monument's black granite surface.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA T-38 jets fly over the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in the Missing Man Formation. During this dedication ceremony, the names of the STS-107 astronauts who lost their lives during the Columbia accident -- Rick Husband, Willie McCool, Laurel Clark, Michael Anderson, David Brown, Kalpana Chawla, and Ilan Ramon -- join the names of 17 other space heroes who gave their lives for the U.S. space program. The "Space Mirror," 42 1/2 feet high by 50 feet wide, illuminates the names of the fallen astronauts cut through the monument's black granite surface.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Family members of the STS-107 astronauts and other dignitaries attend a dedication ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. During this solemn event, the names of the STS-107 astronauts who lost their lives during the Columbia accident -- Rick Husband, Willie McCool, Laurel Clark, Michael Anderson, David Brown, Kalpana Chawla, and Ilan Ramon -- join the names of 17 other space heroes who gave their lives for the U.S. space program. The "Space Mirror," 42 1/2 feet high by 50 feet wide, illuminates the names of the fallen astronauts cut through the monument's black granite surface.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A ceremonial wreath is placed at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. During this dedication ceremony, the names of the STS-107 astronauts who lost their lives during the Columbia accident -- Rick Husband, Willie McCool, Laurel Clark, Michael Anderson, David Brown, Kalpana Chawla, and Ilan Ramon -- join the names of 17 other space heroes who gave their lives for the U.S. space program. The "Space Mirror," 42 1/2 feet high by 50 feet wide, illuminates the names of the fallen astronauts cut through the monument's black granite surface.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A ceremonial wreath is placed at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. During this dedication ceremony, the names of the STS-107 astronauts who lost their lives during the Columbia accident -- Rick Husband, Willie McCool, Laurel Clark, Michael Anderson, David Brown, Kalpana Chawla, and Ilan Ramon -- join the names of 17 other space heroes who gave their lives for the U.S. space program. The "Space Mirror," 42 1/2 feet high by 50 feet wide, illuminates the names of the fallen astronauts cut through the monument's black granite surface.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Family members of the STS-107 astronauts and other dignitaries attend a dedication ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. During this solemn event, the names of the STS-107 astronauts who lost their lives during the Columbia accident -- Rick Husband, Willie McCool, Laurel Clark, Michael Anderson, David Brown, Kalpana Chawla, and Ilan Ramon -- join the names of 17 other space heroes who gave their lives for the U.S. space program. The "Space Mirror," 42 1/2 feet high by 50 feet wide, illuminates the names of the fallen astronauts cut through the monument's black granite surface.

NASA’s Day of Remembrance is marked by a memorial wreath placed before the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Jan. 28, 2021. The mirror was dedicated in 1991 to honor all astronauts who lost their lives on missions or during training. During the Day of Remembrance, NASA centers across the country honor those astronauts who have fallen in the pursuit of space exploration.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Students from Columbia Elementary School in Palm Bay, Fla., place flowers at the Astronaut Memorial to honor the fallen crew of Space Shuttle Columbia. The students visited the Center to learn about the past, present and future of space exploration. They also listened to Kirstie McCool Chadwick, the sister of Columbia astronaut William "Willie" J. McCool, and saw the 3-D IMAX film "Space Station."

Former NASA astronauts Buzz Aldrin, left, and Winston Scott, center, talk with Lowell Grissom, bother of astronaut Gus Grissom as they walk to the Space Mirror Memorial. The names of fallen astronauts from Apollo 1, Challenger and Columbia, as well as the astronauts who perished in training and commercial airplane accidents are emblazoned on the monument. Each year spaceport employees and guests join others throughout NASA honoring the contributions of astronauts who have perished in the conquest of space.

The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the KSC Visitor Complex Astronaut Memorial, Jasmine Haralson (second from right), a student from Columbia Elementary School in Palm Bay, Fla., recites during a tribute to the fallen crew of Space Shuttle Columbia. She and other students from the elementary school visited the Center to learn about the past, present and future of space exploration. They also listened to Kirstie McCool Chadwick, the sister of Columbia astronaut William "Willie" J. McCool, and saw the 3-D IMAX film "Space Station."

The Space Mirror Memorial is in view before the start of the Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on Jan. 26, 2023. The event honored the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives in the pursuit of spaceflight. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Columbia tragedy. This year’s ceremony was hosted by the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, which was founded after the shuttle Challenger accident in 1986 to honor the sacrifices of fallen astronauts each year.

Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Janet Petro listens during NASA’s Day of Remembrance ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial. The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, were honored by Kennedy employees and guests at the annual memorial event.

A wreath is on display at the Space Mirror Memorial at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida during the annual Day of Remembrance ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, honoring fallen astronauts who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery including the crews of Apollo 1, Challenger STS-51L, and Columbia STS-107.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the corner of Contractors Road and the Saturn Causeway, a KSC employee places an STS-107 crew photograph and surrounds it with flowers and U.S. flags as a memorial tribute to the fallen crew of Columbia. The Space Shuttle Columbia and her crew of seven were lost on Feb. 1, 2003, over East Texas as they returned to Earth after a 16-day research mission, STS-107.

Boatswain’s Mate First Class Ronald Stewart rings the bell during the NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 30, 2020. The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, were honored at the annual event.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the KSC Visitor Complex, Kirstie McCool Chadwick, the sister of astronaut William "Willie" J. McCool who perished in the Space Shuttle Columbia explosion Feb. 1, talks to students from Columbia Elementary School in Palm Bay, Fla. The students visited the Center to learn about the past, present and future of space exploration. They also visited the Astronaut Memorial, placing flowers and observing a moment of silence in honor of the fallen crew of Columbia, and saw the 3-D IMAX film "Space Station."

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Students from Columbia Elementary School in Palm Bay, Fla., place flowers at the Astronaut Memorial to honor the fallen crew of Space Shuttle Columbia. The students visited the Center to learn about the past, present and future of space exploration. They also listened to Kirstie McCool Chadwick, the sister of Columbia astronaut William "Willie" J. McCool, and saw the 3-D IMAX film "Space Station."

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Kirstie McCool Chadwick, the sister of Columbia astronaut William "Willie" J. McCool, places flowers at the Astronaut Memorial to honor the fallen crew of Space Shuttle Columbia. She joined students from Columbia Elementary School in Palm Bay, Fla., who also paid tribute to the Columbia crew. The students visited the Center to learn about the past, present and future of space exploration.

Kennedy Space Center Associate Director, Technical Kelvin Manning participates in NASA’s Day of Remembrance ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial. The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, were honored by Kennedy employees and guests at the annual memorial event.

During STS-34 mission, the Galileo spacecraft mounted atop the inertial upper stage (IUS) is tilted to a 58-degree deployment position by the airborne support equipment (ASE) aft frame tilt actuator (AFTA) table in Atlantis', Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104's, payload bay (PLB). Visible in the foreground is the ASE forward cradle and the umbilical boom which has fallen away from the IUS. OV-104's orbital maneuvering system (OMS) pods and the Earth's limb appear in the background.

The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

A memorial wreath inside the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida commemorates NASA’s Day of Remembrance on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. The annual event honors the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives in the pursuit of spaceflight. This year’s ceremony was hosted by the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, which was founded after the shuttle Challenger accident in 1986 to honor the sacrifices of fallen astronauts each year.

The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

In the gymnasium of Ronald McNair Magnet School in Cocoa, Fla., Ms. Maria Rodriguez, an Walt Disney World Ambassador, and Mickey Mouse pose with a portrait of NASA astronaut Ronald McNair. The portrait was presented to the school by Walt Disney World during a tribute to McNair. The school had previously been renamed for the fallen astronaut, who was one of a crew of seven who lost their lives during an accident following launch of the Space Shuttle Challenger in January 1986

The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

Workers add to the Astronaut Memorial Mirror the names of the Columbia crew who died in the STS-107 accident. Dedicated May 9, 1991, the Astronaut Memorial honors U.S. astronauts who gave their lives for space exploration. The "Space Mirror," 42 1/2 feet high by 50 feet wide, illuminates the names of the fallen astronauts cut through the monument's black granite surface. The Memorial Mirror is accessible through the KSC Visitor Complex.

The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Students from Columbia Elementary School in Palm Bay, Fla., place flowers at the Astronaut Memorial to honor the fallen crew of Space Shuttle Columbia. The students visited the Center to learn about the past, present and future of space exploration. They also listened to Kirstie McCool Chadwick, the sister of Columbia astronaut William "Willie" J. McCool, and saw the 3-D IMAX film "Space Station."

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Former astronaut Bob Crippen places a rose in the fence surrounding the Space Mirror Memorial at the KSC Visitor Complex. The Space Mirror was designated as a national memorial by Congress and President George Bush in 1991 to honor fallen astronauts. Their names are emblazoned on the monument's 42-1/2-foot-high by 50-foot-wide black granite surface as if to be projected into the heavens. Photo credit:NASA/Kim Shiflett

Following this year's Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, guests walk to the Space Mirror Memorial. The names of fallen astronauts from Apollo 1, Challenger and Columbia, as well as the astronauts who perished in training and commercial airplane accidents are emblazoned on the monument. Each year spaceport employees and guests join others throughout NASA honoring the contributions of astronauts who have perished in the conquest of space.

Members of the Viera High School JROTC Honor Guard present colors during the Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on Jan. 26, 2023. The event honored the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives in the pursuit of spaceflight. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Columbia tragedy. This year’s ceremony was hosted by the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, which was founded after the shuttle Challenger accident in 1986 to honor the sacrifices of fallen astronauts each year.

The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

NASA astronaut Raja Chari places a flower before the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida during NASA’s Day of Remembrance on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. The mirror was dedicated in 1991 to honor all astronauts who lost their lives on missions or during training. During the Day of Remembrance, NASA centers across the country honor those astronauts who have fallen in the pursuit of space exploration.

Flowers are placed near the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The names of fallen astronauts from Apollo 1, Challenger and Columbia, as well as the astronauts who perished in training and commercial airplane accidents are emblazoned on the monument. During the annual Day of Remembrance, spaceport employees and guests join others throughout NASA honoring the contributions of astronauts who have perished in the conquest of space.

Flowers placed before the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida commemorate NASA’s Day of Remembrance on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. The mirror was dedicated in 1991 to honor all astronauts who lost their lives on missions or during training. During the Day of Remembrance, NASA centers across the country honor those astronauts who have fallen in the pursuit of space exploration.

Following this year's Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, guests walk to the Space Mirror Memorial. The names of fallen astronauts from Apollo 1, Challenger and Columbia, as well as the astronauts who perished in training and commercial airplane accidents are emblazoned on the monument. Each year spaceport employees and guests join others throughout NASA honoring the contributions of astronauts who have perished in the conquest of space.

Flowers placed before the Space Mirror Memorial mark NASA’s Day of Remembrance at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Jan. 28, 2021. The mirror was dedicated in 1991 to honor all astronauts who lost their lives on missions or during training. During the Day of Remembrance, NASA centers across the country honor those astronauts who have fallen in the pursuit of space exploration.

Retired NASA astronaut Eileen Collins speaks during NASA’s Day of Remembrance ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, inside the Center for Space Education at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The annual event honors the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives in the pursuit of spaceflight. This year’s ceremony was hosted by the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, which was founded after the shuttle Challenger accident in 1986 to honor the sacrifices of fallen astronauts each year.

The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

Kennedy Space Center workers and guests place flowers at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida during the Day of Remembrance on Jan. 26, 2023. The event honored the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives in the pursuit of spaceflight. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Columbia tragedy. This year’s ceremony was hosted by the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, which was founded after the shuttle Challenger accident in 1986 to honor the sacrifices of fallen astronauts each year.

Guests place flowers near the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The names of fallen astronauts from Apollo 1, Challenger and Columbia, as well as the astronauts who perished in training and commercial airplane accidents are emblazoned on the monument. During the annual Day of Remembrance, spaceport employees and guests join others throughout NASA honoring the contributions of astronauts who have perished in the conquest of space.

Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro makes remarks during the Day of Remembrance on Jan. 26, 2023, at nearby Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The event honored the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives in the pursuit of spaceflight. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Columbia tragedy. This year’s ceremony was hosted by the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, which was founded after the shuttle Challenger accident in 1986 to honor the sacrifices of fallen astronauts each year.

The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

Astronauts Memorial Foundation President and CEO Thad Altman speaks during NASA’s Day of Remembrance ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial. The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, were honored by Kennedy employees and guests at the annual memorial event.

The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

Flowers are placed near the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The names of fallen astronauts from Apollo 1, Challenger and Columbia, as well as the astronauts who perished in training and commercial airplane accidents are emblazoned on the monument. During the annual Day of Remembrance, spaceport employees and guests join others throughout NASA honoring the contributions of astronauts who have perished in the conquest of space.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Kirstie McCool Chadwick, the sister of Columbia astronaut William "Willie" J. McCool, places flowers at the Astronaut Memorial to honor the fallen crew of Space Shuttle Columbia. She joined students from Columbia Elementary School in Palm Bay, Fla., who also paid tribute to the Columbia crew. The students visited the Center to learn about the past, present and future of space exploration.

The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

Members of the Palm Bay Magnet High School Marine Corps JROTC participate in the presentation of colors during the NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 30, 2020. The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, were honored at the annual event.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A long view of the Astronaut Memorial Space Mirror at the KSC Visitor Complex. Flowers have been left by the public in tribute to the fallen crew of the Columbia tragedy, lost in an explosion Feb. 1, 2003, as they were returning to Earth from mission STS-107. The memorial is a national tribute to 17 American astronauts who previously gave their lives to the quest to explore space.

NASA’s Day of Remembrance is marked by a memorial wreath placed before the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Jan. 28, 2021. The mirror was dedicated in 1991 to honor all astronauts who lost their lives on missions or during training. During the Day of Remembrance, NASA centers across the country honor those astronauts who have fallen in the pursuit of space exploration.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Students from Columbia Elementary School in Palm Bay, Fla., place flowers at the Astronaut Memorial to honor the fallen crew of Space Shuttle Columbia. The students visited the Center to learn about the past, present and future of space exploration. They also listened to Kirstie McCool Chadwick, the sister of Columbia astronaut William "Willie" J. McCool, and saw the 3-D IMAX film "Space Station."

At the Kremlin Wall in Moscow March 11, 2011 (from the left to right) Expedition 27 backup crewmembers Daniel Burbank of NASA, and Russian cosmonauts Anton Shklaperov and Anatoly Ivanishin posed for photographers. The three had just lain flowers in honor of fallen Russian icons as part of the ceremonial activities leading to the launch March 30 (Kazakhstan time) of the Expedition 27 prime crew in their Soyuz TMA-21 spacecraft to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Mark Polansky

A wreath has been placed in front of the Space Mirror Memorial during the Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on Jan. 26, 2023. The event honored the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives in the pursuit of spaceflight. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Columbia tragedy. This year’s ceremony was hosted by the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, which was founded after the shuttle Challenger accident in 1986 to honor the sacrifices of fallen astronauts each year.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the corner of Contractors Road and the Saturn Causeway, an STS-107 crew photograph, surrounded with flowers and U.S. flags, stands as a memorial tribute to the fallen crew of Columbia by KSC employees. The Space Shuttle Columbia and her crew of seven were lost on Feb. 1, 2003, over East Texas as they returned to Earth after a 16-day research mission, STS-107.