Former NASA Administrator Mike Griffin introduces General Thomas Patten Stafford, former NASA astronaut, Air Force officer and test pilot speaks at an event where he received the General James E. Hill Lifetime Achievement Award, at the Space Symposium, Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at Broadmoor Hall in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Former and current NASA Administrators were in attendance. Photo credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Former NASA Administrator Mike Griffin introduces General Thomas Patten Stafford, former NASA astronaut, Air Force officer and test pilot speaks at an event where he received the General James E. Hill Lifetime Achievement Award, at the Space Symposium, Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at Broadmoor Hall in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Former and current NASA Administrators were in attendance. Photo credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Former NASA Administrator Mike Griffin introduces General Thomas Patten Stafford, former NASA astronaut, Air Force officer and test pilot speaks at an event where he received the General James E. Hill Lifetime Achievement Award, at the Space Symposium, Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at Broadmoor Hall in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Former and current NASA Administrators were in attendance. Photo credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Former NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden speaks at the funeral service for former NASA astronaut Captain Bruce McCandless II, USN (Ret.), Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018 at the United States Naval Academy Chapel in Annapolis, Maryland. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Former NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden speaks at the funeral service for former NASA astronaut Captain Bruce McCandless II, USN (Ret.), Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018 at the United States Naval Academy Chapel in Annapolis, Maryland. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Former NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe, second from right, answers a question during a panel discussion with NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine and former NASA Administrator Charles Bolden at an event celebrating NASA's 60th anniversary at the Center for Strategic and International Studies on Monday, July 23, 2018 in Washington. Bridenstine, O'Keefe, and Bolden answered questions about the past and future of the agency. (Photo Credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Former NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, right, answers a question during a panel discussion with NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine and former NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe at an event celebrating NASA's 60th anniversary at the Center for Strategic and International Studies on Monday, July 23, 2018 in Washington. Bolden, Bridenstine, and O'Keefe answered questions about the past and future of the agency. (Photo Credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Former NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe, second from right, answers a question during a panel discussion with NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine and former NASA Administrator Charles Bolden at an event celebrating NASA's 60th anniversary at the Center for Strategic and International Studies on Monday, July 23, 2018 in Washington. Bridenstine, O'Keefe, and Bolden answered questions about the past and future of the agency. (Photo Credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Former NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, right, answers a question during a panel discussion led by Todd Harrison, director of defense budget analysis and the aerospace security project, and senior fellow in the international security program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, with NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine and former NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe at an event celebrating NASA's 60th anniversary at the Center for Strategic and International Studies on Monday, July 23, 2018 in Washington. Bolden, Bridenstine, and O'Keefe answered questions about the past and future of the agency. (Photo Credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine answers a question during a discussion with Todd Harrison, director of defense budget analysis and the aerospace security project, and senior fellow in the international security program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and former NASA Administrators Sean O'Keefe and Charles Bolden during an event celebrating NASA's 60th anniversary at the Center for Strategic and International Studies on Monday, July 23, 2018 in Washington. Bridenstine, O'Keefe, and Bolden answered questions about the past and future of the agency. (Photo Credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Todd Harrison, director of defense budget analysis and the aerospace security project, and senior fellow in the international security program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, left, leads a discussion with NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, second from left, and former NASA Administrators Sean O'Keefe, second from right, and Charles Bolden, right, during an event celebrating NASA's 60th anniversary at the Center for Strategic and International Studies on Monday, July 23, 2018 in Washington. Bridenstine, O'Keefe, and Bolden answered questions about the past and future of the agency. (Photo Credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, second from left, answers a question during a discussion with Todd Harrison, director of defense budget analysis and the aerospace security project, and senior fellow in the international security program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, left, and former NASA Administrators Sean O'Keefe, second from right, and Charles Bolden, right, during an event celebrating NASA's 60th anniversary at the Center for Strategic and International Studies on Monday, July 23, 2018 in Washington. Bridenstine, O'Keefe, and Bolden answered questions about the past and future of the agency. (Photo Credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden, a former pilot and astronaut who flew on four shuttle missions, appeared natural at the controls of the X-57 simulator cockpit, and flew a pair of simulations where he landed on the Edwards Air Force Base runway.

NASA Associate Administrator Bob Cabana, left, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, and NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, give remarks at the Space Shuttle Columbia and Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial’s as Former NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe, left, and Former NASA Administrator Charles Bolden look on, during a wreath laying ceremony that was part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Former NASA Administrator Charles Bolden visits with NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, Monday, May 21, 2018 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Marc Postman, head of the Science Mission office at the Space Telescope Science Institute speaks on a panel with John Grunsfeld, former NASA astronaut and former associate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, Patrick Crouse, Hubble Space Telescope project manager at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, and Lennard Fisk, former associate administrator for NASA Space Science and Applications, about building a foundation for Hubble science during an event titled “Beyond the Deep Field: Hubble’s Legacy and the Future of Cosmic Observation,” Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Patrick Crouse, Hubble Space Telescope project manager at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, speaks on a panel with John Grunsfeld, former NASA astronaut and former associate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, Marc Postman, head of the Science Mission office at the Space Telescope Science Institute, and Lennard Fisk, former associate administrator for NASA Space Science and Applications, about building a foundation for Hubble science during an event titled “Beyond the Deep Field: Hubble’s Legacy and the Future of Cosmic Observation,” Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Former NASA Administrator and astronaut, Charlie Bolden, right, reacts to something former NASA astronaut Mary Cleave says, during an astronaut panel discussion at the 70th International Astronautical Congress, Friday, Oct. 25, 2019, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington. Photo credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Former U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison testifies on behalf of former U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, President Biden’s nominee to be the next administrator of NASA, before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Wednesday, April 21, 2021, Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Stafford-Covey Return to Flight Task Group (SCTG) visits the Columbia Debris Hangar . Chairing the task group are Richard O. Covey (third from right), former Space Shuttle commander, and Thomas P. Stafford (fourth from right), Apollo commander. Chartered by NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe, the task group will perform an independent assessment of NASA’s implementation of the final recommendations by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As the Stafford-Covey Return to Flight Task Group (SCTG) tours the Orbiter Processing Facility, Richard O. Covey (second from left), former Space Shuttle commander, points to equipment. Covey is co-chair of the SCTG along with Thomas P. Stafford, Apollo commander. Others in the photo are William Wegner, James Adamson and Joe Engle. Chartered by NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe, the task group will perform an independent assessment of NASA’s implementation of the final recommendations by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Stafford-Covey Return to Flight Task Group (SCTG) inspects debris in the Columbia Debris Hangar. At right is the model of the left wing that has been used during recovery operations. Chairing the task group are Richard O. Covey, former Space Shuttle commander, and Thomas P. Stafford (third from right, foreground), Apollo commander. Chartered by NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe, the task group will perform an independent assessment of NASA’s implementation of the final recommendations by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Columbia Debris Hangar, members of the Stafford-Covey Return to Flight Task Group (SCTG) look at tiles recovered. Chairing the task group are Richard O. Covey, former Space Shuttle commander, and Thomas P. Stafford (center), Apollo commander. Chartered by NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe, the task group will perform an independent assessment of NASA’s implementation of the final recommendations by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Columbia Debris Hangar, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach answers questions from the Stafford-Covey Return to Flight Task Group (SCTG). Chairing the task group are Richard O. Covey (fifth from left), former Space Shuttle commander, and Thomas P. Stafford, Apollo commander. Chartered by NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe, the task group will perform an independent assessment of NASA’s implementation of the final recommendations by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Columbia Debris Hangar, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (left) talks to members of the Stafford-Covey Return to Flight Task Group (SCTG) about reconstruction efforts. Chairing the task group are Richard O. Covey (second from right), former Space Shuttle commander, and Thomas P. Stafford, Apollo commander. Chartered by NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe, the task group will perform an independent assessment of NASA’s implementation of the final recommendations by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Columbia Debris Hangar, members of the Stafford-Covey Return to Flight Task Group (SCTG) inspect some of the debris. Chairing the task group are Richard O. Covey, former Space Shuttle commander, and Thomas P. Stafford (fourth from left), Apollo commander. Chartered by NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe, the task group will perform an independent assessment of NASA’s implementation of the final recommendations by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board.

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine speaks at an event celebrating NASA's 60th anniversary at the Center for Strategic and International Studies on Monday, July 23, 2018 in Washington. Following his remarks, the administrator participated in a panel discussion with former administrators Sean O'Keefe and Charles Bolden. (Photo Credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine speaks at an event celebrating NASA's 60th anniversary at the Center for Strategic and International Studies on Monday, July 23, 2018 in Washington. Following his remarks, the administrator participated in a panel discussion with former administrators Sean O'Keefe and Charles Bolden. (Photo Credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine speaks at an event celebrating NASA's 60th anniversary at the Center for Strategic and International Studies on Monday, July 23, 2018 in Washington. Following his remarks, the administrator participated in a panel discussion with former administrators Sean O'Keefe and Charles Bolden. (Photo Credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine speaks at an event celebrating NASA's 60th anniversary at the Center for Strategic and International Studies on Monday, July 23, 2018 in Washington. Following his remarks, the administrator participated in a panel discussion with former administrators Sean O'Keefe and Charles Bolden. (Photo Credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine listens as General Thomas Patten Stafford, former NASA astronaut, Air Force officer and test pilot speaks at an event where he received the General James E. Hill Lifetime Achievement Award, at the Space Symposium, Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at Broadmoor Hall in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Former and current NASA Administrators were in attendance. Photo credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

General Thomas Stafford, former NASA astronaut, Air Force officer and test pilot, right, shakes hands with NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine at an event where General Stafford was awarded the General James E. Hill Lifetime Achievement Award, at the Space Symposium, Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at Broadmoor Hall in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Former and current NASA Administrators were in attendance. Photo credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Former NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, left, and former NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, right, are seen during a wreath laying ceremony as part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

Former Senator Bill Nelson, speaks to media after he was ceremonially sworn-in as the 14th NASA Administrator by Vice President Kamala Harris, as his wife, Grace Nelson, right, held their family Bible, Monday, May 3, 2021, at the Ceremonial Office in the Old Executive Office Building in Washington. A moon rock collected by astronaut John Young during the Apollo 16 mission was on display and former NASA Administrators Jim Bridenstine (virtually on laptop) and Charles Bolden were also present. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Vice President Kamala Harris walks into the Ceremonial Office in the Old Executive Office Building, followed by Grace Nelson, and her husband, former Senator Bill Nelson, to ceremonially swear him in as the 14th NASA Administrator, Monday, May 3, 2021, in Washington. A moon rock collected by astronaut John Young during the Apollo 16 mission was on display and former NASA Administrators Jim Bridenstine (virtually on laptop) and Charles Bolden were also present. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA Administrator Bridenstine, former navy pilot, sits comfortably back in F-18 jet cockpit at Armstrong Flight Research Center.

NASA Administrator Bridenstine, former navy pilot, sits comfortably back in F-18 jet cockpit at Armstrong Flight Research Center.

Henrietta Hanner, an administrative assistant in Safety and Mission Assurance, speaks about the theme of this year’s Black History Month celebration at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Feb. 18, 2020. The program was organized by the Black Employee Strategy Team (BEST), one of the center’s employee resource groups. This year’s theme was “African Americans and the Vote.” Keynote speaker was James Jennings, former NASA associate administrator for Institutions and Management and Kennedy’s former deputy director. Jennings shared advice with workers and managers.

Yvonne Williams, in front, administrative assistant with Jacobs, sings the National Anthem at the start of the Black History Month celebration at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Feb. 18, 2020. The program was organized by the Black Employee Strategy Team (BEST), one of the center’s employee resource groups. This year’s theme was “African Americans and the Vote.” Keynote speaker was James Jennings, former NASA associate administrator for Institutions and Management and Kennedy’s former deputy director. Jennings shared advice with workers and managers.

Former NASA astronaut Leland Melvin moderates a panel with former NASA Administrator and astronaut, Charlie Bolden; former NASA astronaut Mary Cleave, European astronaut and professor, Institute of Space Systems, Reinhold Ewald; Roscosmos cosmonaut and executive director for piloted spaceflights, Sergey Krikalev; and ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut, André Kuipers during the 70th International Astronautical Congress, Friday, Oct. 25, 2019, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington. Photo credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

During a Black History Month celebration on Feb. 18, 2020 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Hortense Diggs, director of Communication and Public Engagement, commemorates the contributions of former NASA employee and mentor Roslyn McKinney. The program was organized by the Black Employee Strategy Team (BEST), one of the center’s employee resource groups. This year’s theme was “African Americans and the Vote.” Keynote speaker was James Jennings, former NASA associate administrator for Institutions and Management and Kennedy’s former deputy director. Jennings shared advice with workers and managers.

General Thomas Patten Stafford, former NASA astronaut, Air Force officer and test pilot speaks to former astronaut Al Worden in the audience at an event where he received the General James E. Hill Lifetime Achievement Award, at the Space Symposium, Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at Broadmoor Hall in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Former and current NASA Administrators were in attendance. Photo credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Former Senator Bill Nelson, speaks to media after he was ceremonially sworn-in as the 14th NASA Administrator by Vice President Kamala Harris, as his wife, Grace Nelson, held their family Bible, Monday, May 3, 2021, at the Ceremonial Office in the Old Executive Office Building in Washington. A moon rock collected by astronaut John Young during the Apollo 16 mission was on display and former NASA Administrators Jim Bridenstine (virtually on laptop) and Charles Bolden, second from left, as well as Pam Melroy, current nominee for NASA Deputy Administrator, left, were also present. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Former Senator Bill Nelson, speaks to media after he was ceremonially sworn-in as the 14th NASA Administrator by Vice President Kamala Harris, as his wife, Grace Nelson, held their family Bible, Monday, May 3, 2021, at the Ceremonial Office in the Old Executive Office Building in Washington. A moon rock collected by astronaut John Young during the Apollo 16 mission was on display and former NASA Administrators Jim Bridenstine (virtually on laptop) and Charles Bolden, second from left, as well as Pam Melroy, current nominee for NASA Deputy Administrator, left, were also present. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

From left to right, Pam Melroy, current nominee for NASA Deputy Administrator, former NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, Bill Nelson Jr., son of Bill Nelson, Nan Ellen Nelson, daughter of Nelson, former Senator Bill Nelson, his wife, Grace Nelson, and Vice President Kamala Harris pose for a photo after Nelson was ceremonially sworn-in as the 14th NASA Administrator, Monday, May 3, 2021, at the Ceremonial Office in the Old Executive Office Building in Washington. A moon rock collected by astronaut John Young during the Apollo 16 mission was also on display. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Members of the astronaut panel discussion, from left to right, Roscosmos cosmonaut and executive director for piloted spaceflights, Sergey Krikalev; former NASA astronaut Leland Melvin; former NASA astronaut Mary Cleave; former NASA Administrator and astronaut, Charlie Bolden; former Cosmonaut Dumitru-Dorin Prunariu; ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut, André Kuipers; and European astronaut and professor, Institute of Space Systems, Reinhold Ewald, pose while the audience takes photos, at the conclusion of the event; during the 70th International Astronautical Congress, Friday, Oct. 25, 2019, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington. Photo credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Pam Melroy is ceremonially sworn-in as the 15th NASA Deputy Administrator by NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, as her husband Doug Hollett, holds their family Bible, Monday, June 21, 2021, at NASA Headquarters Mary W. Jackson Building in Washington. Melroy is a former NASA astronaut. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Former NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden gives remarks during the ceremonial swearing-in of NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, Monday, June 21, 2021, at NASA Headquarters Mary W. Jackson Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden introduces former NASA astronaut Scott Kelly during an event at the United States Capitol Visitor Center, Wednesday, May 25, 2016, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden introduces former NASA astronaut Scott Kelly during an event at the United States Capitol Visitor Center, Wednesday, May 25, 2016, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Former NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden speaks with local students during an Earth Day event, Thursday, April 20, 2023, at Union Station in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

Former NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden speaks with local students during an Earth Day event, Thursday, April 20, 2023, at Union Station in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

Former NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, left, speaks with guests following the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum rededication ceremony Wednesday, July 1, 2026, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

Former NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden speaks with local students during an Earth Day event, Thursday, April 20, 2023, at Union Station in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

Former NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden speaks with local students during an Earth Day event, Thursday, April 20, 2023, at Union Station in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

Former NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden speaks with local students during an Earth Day event, Thursday, April 20, 2023, at Union Station in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

Former NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden speaks with local students during an Earth Day event, Thursday, April 20, 2023, at Union Station in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

Former NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden speaks with local students during an Earth Day event, Thursday, April 20, 2023, at Union Station in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

Former NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden speaks with local students during an Earth Day event, Thursday, April 20, 2023, at Union Station in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

Former NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden speaks with local students during an Earth Day event, Thursday, April 20, 2023, at Union Station in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Return To Flight Task Group (RTFTG) holds the first public meeting at the Debus Center, KSC Visitor Complex. Members and staff at this table, from left, are Joseph W. Cuzzupolui, retired Army Col. James C. Adamson, David Lenyel, co-chairs Richard O. Covey and retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Thomas Stafford, and retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Ralph H. Jacobson. Covey is a former astronaut and Shuttle commander. Stafford is a former astronaut and Apollo commander. The RTFTG was at KSC to conduct organizational activities, tour Space Shuttle facilities and receive briefings on Shuttle-related topics. The task group was chartered by NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe to perform an independent assessment of NASA’s implementation of the final recommendations of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board.

Patrick Crouse, Hubble Space Telescope project manager at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, right, speaks on a panel with John Grunsfeld, former NASA astronaut and former associate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, visible on screen, Marc Postman, head of the Science Mission office at the Space Telescope Science Institute, second from left, and Lennard Fisk, former associate administrator for NASA Space Science and Applications, second from right, about building a foundation for Hubble science during an event titled “Beyond the Deep Field: Hubble’s Legacy and the Future of Cosmic Observation,” Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Samantha Thompson of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum moderates a panel discussion with Lennard Fisk, former associate administrator for NASA Space Science and Applications, John Grunsfeld, former NASA astronaut and former associate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, Patrick Crouse, Hubble Space Telescope project manager at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, and Marc Postman, head of the Science Mission office at the Space Telescope Science Institute, about building a foundation for Hubble science during an event titled “Beyond the Deep Field: Hubble’s Legacy and the Future of Cosmic Observation,” Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Samantha Thompson of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, left, moderates a panel discussion with John Grunsfeld, former NASA astronaut and former associate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, visible on screen, Marc Postman, head of the Science Mission office at the Space Telescope Science Institute, second from left, Lennard Fisk, former associate administrator for NASA Space Science and Applications, second from right, and Patrick Crouse, Hubble Space Telescope project manager at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, right, about building a foundation for Hubble science during an event titled “Beyond the Deep Field: Hubble’s Legacy and the Future of Cosmic Observation,” Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Samantha Thompson of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, left, moderates a panel discussion with John Grunsfeld, former NASA astronaut and former associate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, visible on screen, Marc Postman, head of the Science Mission office at the Space Telescope Science Institute, second from left, Lennard Fisk, former associate administrator for NASA Space Science and Applications, second from right, and Patrick Crouse, Hubble Space Telescope project manager at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, right, about building a foundation for Hubble science during an event titled “Beyond the Deep Field: Hubble’s Legacy and the Future of Cosmic Observation,” Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Samantha Thompson of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, left, moderates a panel discussion with John Grunsfeld, former NASA astronaut and former associate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, visible on screen, Marc Postman, head of the Science Mission office at the Space Telescope Science Institute, second from left, Lennard Fisk, former associate administrator for NASA Space Science and Applications, second from right, and Patrick Crouse, Hubble Space Telescope project manager at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, right, about building a foundation for Hubble science during an event titled “Beyond the Deep Field: Hubble’s Legacy and the Future of Cosmic Observation,” Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Former Senator Bill Nelson, is ceremonially sworn-in as the 14th NASA Administrator by Vice President Kamala Harris, as his wife, Grace Nelson, holds their family Bible, and his daughter, Nan Ellen Nelson, left, looks on, Monday, May 3, 2021, at the Ceremonial Office in the Old Executive Office Building in Washington. A moon rock collected by astronaut John Young during the Apollo 16 mission was on display and former NASA Administrators Jim Bridenstine (virtually on laptop) and Charles Bolden were also present. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Former Senator Bill Nelson, is ceremonially sworn-in as the 14th NASA Administrator by Vice President Kamala Harris, as his wife, Grace Nelson, holds their family Bible, and son, Bill Nelson Jr., left, and Nan Ellen Nelson, second from left, look on, Monday, May 3, 2021, at the Ceremonial Office in the Old Executive Office Building in Washington. A moon rock collected by astronaut John Young during the Apollo 16 mission was on display and former NASA Administrators Jim Bridenstine (virtually on laptop) and Charles Bolden were also present. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Former NASA astronaut Leland Melvin, left, moderates a panel with, from left to right, Roscosmos cosmonaut and executive director for piloted spaceflights, Sergey Krikalev; former NASA astronaut Mary Cleave; former NASA Administrator and astronaut, Charlie Bolden; ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut, André Kuipers; and European astronaut and professor, Institute of Space Systems, Reinhold Ewald, during the 70th International Astronautical Congress, Friday, Oct. 25, 2019, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington. Photo credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Former NASA astronaut Leland Melvin, left, moderates a panel with, from left to right, Roscosmos cosmonaut and executive director for piloted spaceflights, Sergey Krikalev; former NASA astronaut Mary Cleave, former NASA Administrator and astronaut, Charlie Bolden; ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut, André Kuipers (not pictured); and European astronaut and professor, Institute of Space Systems, Reinhold Ewald, during the 70th International Astronautical Congress, Friday, Oct. 25, 2019, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington. Photo credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Former NASA astronaut Leland Melvin, left, moderates a panel with, from left to right, Roscosmos cosmonaut and executive director for piloted spaceflights, Sergey Krikalev; former NASA astronaut Mary Cleave; former NASA Administrator and astronaut, Charlie Bolden; ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut, André Kuipers; and European astronaut and professor, Institute of Space Systems, Reinhold Ewald, during the 70th International Astronautical Congress, Friday, Oct. 25, 2019, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington. Photo credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA Deputy Administrator Pamela Melroy is one of three former astronauts inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame (AHOF) on Nov. 13, 2021, during a ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Melroy received an official medal and became a member of the 19th class of space shuttle astronauts to be inducted. Former NASA astronaut and Hall of Famer Curt Brown, board chairman of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, inducted Melroy. The 2021 inductees were selected by a committee of Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, flight directors, historians, and journalists. This year’s induction brings the total number of AHOF members to 102. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

NASA Deputy Administrator Pamela Melroy is one of three former astronauts inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame (AHOF) on Nov. 13, 2021, during a ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Melroy received an official medal and became a member of the 19th class of space shuttle astronauts to be inducted. Former NASA astronaut and Hall of Famer Curt Brown, board chairman of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, inducted Melroy. The 2021 inductees were selected by a committee of Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, flight directors, historians, and journalists. This year’s induction brings the total number of AHOF members to 102.

During a Black History Month celebration on Feb. 18, 2020 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Hortense Diggs, at the podium, director of Communication and Public Engagement, commemorates the contributions of former NASA employee and mentor Roslyn McKinney. The program was organized by the Black Employee Strategy Team (BEST), one of the center’s employee resource groups. This year’s theme was “African Americans and the Vote.” Keynote speaker was James Jennings, seated, far right, former NASA associate administrator for Institutions and Management and Kennedy’s former deputy director. Jennings shared advice with workers and managers.

NASA Deputy Administrator Pamela Melroy is one of three former astronauts inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame (AHOF) on Nov. 13, 2021, during a ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Melroy received an official medal and became a member of the 19th class of space shuttle astronauts to be inducted. Former NASA astronaut and Hall of Famer Curt Brown, board chairman of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, inducted Melroy. The 2021 inductees were selected by a committee of Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, flight directors, historians, and journalists. This year’s induction brings the total number of AHOF members to 102.

NASA Deputy Administrator Pamela Melroy is one of three former astronauts inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame (AHOF) on Nov. 13, 2021, during a ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Melroy received an official medal and became a member of the 19th class of space shuttle astronauts to be inducted. Former NASA astronaut and Hall of Famer Susan Helms (right), inducted Melroy. The 2021 inductees were selected by a committee of Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, flight directors, historians, and journalists. This year’s induction brings the total number of AHOF members to 102.

Scott Kelly (left) is one of three former astronauts inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame (AHOF) on Nov. 13, 2021, during a ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. NASA Associate Administrator Robert Cabana (at podium), former NASA astronaut and Hall of Famer, inducted Kelly, who received an official medal and became a member of the 19th class of space shuttle astronauts to be inducted. The 2021 inductees were selected by a committee of Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, flight directors, historians, and journalists. This year’s induction brings the total number of AHOF members to 102.

NASA Deputy Administrator Pamela Melroy is one of three former astronauts inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame (AHOF) on Nov. 13, 2021, during a ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Melroy received an official medal and became a member of the 19th class of space shuttle astronauts to be inducted. Former NASA astronaut and Hall of Famer Curt Brown, board chairman of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, inducted Melroy. The 2021 inductees were selected by a committee of Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, flight directors, historians, and journalists. This year’s induction brings the total number of AHOF members to 102.

Former NASA Administrator James Beggs is seen during a dialogue with present NASA Administrator Charles Bolden on the future of the space program, Friday, March 4, 2011, at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Beggs was NASA's sixth administrator serving from July 1981 to December 1985. The dialogue was part of the program “The State of the Agency: NASA Future Programs Presentation” sponsored by the NASA Alumni League with support from the AAS, AIAA, CSE and WIA.Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA worker Joy Huff (right) shows a leading edge subsystems (LESS) with tile bonded to it to members of the Stafford-Covey Return to Flight Task Group (SCTG). From left are Dr. Amy Donahue, David Lengyel, Dr. Kathryn Clark, Richard Covey, former Space Shuttle commander, and William Wegner. Covey is co-chair of the SCTG along with Thomas P. Stafford, Apollo commander. Chartered by NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe, the task group will perform an independent assessment of NASA’s implementation of the final recommendations by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the Stafford-Covey Return to Flight Task Group (SCTG) look over equipment in the Orbiter Processing Facility. At left (back to camera), Fernando Santos, with NASA, and Paul Ogletree (at monitor), with United Space Alliance, describe how flash thermography is used to inspect the structure of Reinforced Carbon Carbon panels and establish a baseline on panels before flight. Chairing the task group are Richard O. Covey (far right), former Space Shuttle commander, and Thomas P. Stafford, Apollo commander. Chartered by NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe, the task group will perform an independent assessment of NASA’s implementation of the final recommendations by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board.

General Thomas Patten Stafford, former NASA astronaut, Air Force officer and test pilot speaks at an event where he received the General James E. Hill Lifetime Achievement Award, at the Space Symposium, Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at Broadmoor Hall in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Former and current NASA Administrators were in attendance. Photo credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

General Thomas Patten Stafford, former NASA astronaut, Air Force officer and test pilot speaks at an event where he received the General James E. Hill Lifetime Achievement Award, at the Space Symposium, Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at Broadmoor Hall in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Former and current NASA Administrators were in attendance. Photo credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

General William Shelton awards General Thomas Patten Stafford, former NASA astronaut, Air Force officer and test pilot the General James E. Hill Lifetime Achievement Award, at the Space Symposium, Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at Broadmoor Hall in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Former and current NASA Administrators were in attendance. Photo credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

General William Shelton awards General Thomas Patten Stafford, former NASA astronaut, Air Force officer and test pilot the General James E. Hill Lifetime Achievement Award, at the Space Symposium, Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at Broadmoor Hall in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Former and current NASA Administrators were in attendance. Photo credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

General Thomas Patten Stafford, former NASA astronaut, Air Force officer and test pilot speaks at an event where he received the General James E. Hill Lifetime Achievement Award, at the Space Symposium, Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at Broadmoor Hall in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Former and current NASA Administrators were in attendance. Photo credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

General Thomas Patten Stafford, former NASA astronaut, Air Force officer and test pilot speaks at an event where he received the General James E. Hill Lifetime Achievement Award, at the Space Symposium, Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at Broadmoor Hall in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Former and current NASA Administrators were in attendance. Photo credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

General Thomas Patten Stafford, former NASA astronaut, Air Force officer and test pilot speaks at an event where he received the General James E. Hill Lifetime Achievement Award, at the Space Symposium, Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at Broadmoor Hall in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Former and current NASA Administrators were in attendance. Photo credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

General Thomas Patten Stafford, former NASA astronaut, Air Force officer and test pilot is seen in the audience at an event where he received the General James E. Hill Lifetime Achievement Award, at the Space Symposium, Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at Broadmoor Hall in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Former and current NASA Administrators were in attendance. Photo credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

General Thomas Patten Stafford, former NASA astronaut, Air Force officer and test pilot speaks at an event where he received the General James E. Hill Lifetime Achievement Award, at the Space Symposium, Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at Broadmoor Hall in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Former and current NASA Administrators were in attendance. Photo credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

The General James E. Hill Lifetime Achievement Award is seen as General Thomas Patten Stafford, former NASA astronaut, Air Force officer and test pilot accepts the award at the Space Symposium, Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at Broadmoor Hall in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Former and current NASA Administrators were in attendance. Photo credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

General Thomas Patten Stafford, former NASA astronaut, Air Force officer and test pilot speaks at an event where he received the General James E. Hill Lifetime Achievement Award, at the Space Symposium, Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at Broadmoor Hall in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Former and current NASA Administrators were in attendance. Photo credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

General Thomas Patten Stafford, former NASA astronaut, Air Force officer and test pilot speaks at an event where he received the General James E. Hill Lifetime Achievement Award, at the Space Symposium, Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at Broadmoor Hall in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Former and current NASA Administrators were in attendance. Photo credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

General Thomas Patten Stafford, former NASA astronaut, Air Force officer and test pilot speaks at an event where he received the General James E. Hill Lifetime Achievement Award, at the Space Symposium, Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at Broadmoor Hall in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Former and current NASA Administrators were in attendance. Photo credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

General Thomas Patten Stafford, former NASA astronaut, Air Force officer and test pilot speaks at an event where he received the General James E. Hill Lifetime Achievement Award, at the Space Symposium, Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at Broadmoor Hall in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Former and current NASA Administrators were in attendance. Photo credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Former NASA Administrator Mike Griffin congratulates General Thomas Patten Stafford, former NASA astronaut, Air Force officer and test pilot at an event where he received the General James E. Hill Lifetime Achievement Award, at the Space Symposium, Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at Broadmoor Hall in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Photo credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Jakebia Keith, program and contract analyst for the IT Resources Management Office, welcomes NASA and contractor workers to the Black History Month celebration at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Feb. 18, 2020. The program was organized by the Black Employee Strategy Team (BEST), one of the center’s employee resource groups. This year’s theme was “African Americans and the Vote.” Keynote speaker was James Jennings, former NASA associate administrator for Institutions and Management and Kennedy’s former deputy director. Jennings shared advice with workers and managers.

General Thomas Patten Stafford, former NASA astronaut, Air Force officer and test pilot speaks at an event where he received the General James E. Hill Lifetime Achievement Award, at the Space Symposium, Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at Broadmoor Hall in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Former and current NASA Administrators were in attendance. Photo credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, left, NASA Associate Administrator Bob Cabana, and NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, right, stop at the gravesite of former astronaut and U.S. Senator John Glenn to pay their respects, Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Nelson, Melroy, and Cabana had earlier laid wreaths in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration as part of NASA's Day of Remembrance. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver, left, and former NASA Deputy Administrator Shana Dale pose for a photograph shortly after the unveiling of Dale's official portrait on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2010 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Dale served as NASA's deputy administrator from Nov. 14, 2005 through January 17, 2009. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)