NASA will demonstrate high-risk, high-payoff technology advancements critical for U.S. aerospace manufacturers to bring to market innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable products and services demanded by airlines and customers.

HEROES PAYLOAD AWAITS LAUNCH AS HELIUM BALLOON INFLATES IN BACKGROUND, FORT SUMNER, NEW MEXICO, SEPTEMBER 21, 2013

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Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Apollo Heroes Panel Discussion

NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, far right, serves as moderator for the “Apollo Heroes Panel Discussion” in the IMAX Theater at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on July 16, 2019. Panelists are, from left, JoAnn Morgan, the only woman on console in the Launch Control Center for Apollo 11 launch countdown activities; Bob Sieck, Apollo-era launch team member and former space shuttle launch director; and Harrison Schmitt, Apollo 17 astronaut and moonwalker. The panel discussion is one of several events at the visitor complex to honor the 50th anniversary of NASA’s Saturn V/Apollo 11 launch and landing on the Moon.

Early Rockets

Legendary characters used the power of mythology to fly through the heavens. About 200 BC, a Greek inventor known as Hero of Alexandria came up with a new invention that depended on the mechanical interaction of heat and water. He invented a rocket-like device called an aeolipile. It used steam for propulsion. Hero mounted a sphere on top of a water kettle. A fire below the kettle turned the water into steam, and the gas traveled through the pipes to the sphere. Two L-shaped tubes on opposite sides of the sphere allowed the gas to escape, and in doing so gave a thrust to the sphere that caused it to rotate.

Heroes and Legends Exhibit

The Heroes and Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex honors what it takes to be a hero. In the center of this display are models of rockets that played key roles in the history of NASA's efforts to explore space. The new facility looks back to the pioneering efforts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It sets the stage by providing the background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered the nation's journey into space.

Bob Sieck, Apollo-era launch team member and former space shuttle launch director, particpates in the “Apollo Heroes Panel Discussion” in the IMAX Theater at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on July 16, 2019. The panel discussion is one of several events at the visitor complex to honor the 50th anniversary of NASA’s Saturn V/Apollo 11 launch and landing on the Moon.

Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Apollo Heroes Panel Discussion

JoAnn Morgan, retired from NASA and the only woman on console in the Launch Control Center during Apollo 11 launch countdown activities, answers questions during the “Apollo Heroes Panel Discussion” in the IMAX Theater at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on July 16, 2019. The panel discussion is one of several events at the visitor complex to honor the 50th anniversary of NASA’s Saturn V/Apollo 11 launch and landing on the Moon.

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- (From left) NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier; Evelyn Husband-Thompson, widow of Colonel Rick Husband, who died in the space shuttle Columbia accident; and NASA Administrator Michael Griffin pause in front of the flowers left in remembrance of the fallen heroes. Kennedy marked the NASA Day of Remembrance with special ceremonies. This year the crew of Columbia was remembered in a special way on the day that marked the fifth anniversary of the Columbia accident. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In a special commemorative service held at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to honor NASA's fallen heroes, astronaut Eileen Collins speaks to guests gathered at the Space Mirror Memorial. Collins commanded the first shuttle mission following the Columbia accident, STS-114. Kennedy marked the NASA Day of Remembrance with special ceremonies. This year the crew of Columbia was remembered in a special way on the day that marked the fifth anniversary of the Columbia accident. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In a special commemorative service held at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to honor NASA's fallen heroes, NASA Administrator Michael Griffin speaks to guests gathered at the Space Mirror Memorial. Kennedy marked the NASA Day of Remembrance with special ceremonies. This year the crew of Columbia was remembered in a special way on the day that marked the fifth anniversary of the Columbia accident. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Apollo Heroes Panel Discussion

Bob Sieck, left, Apollo-era launch team member and former space shuttle launch director, and Harrison Schmitt, Apollo 17 astronaut and moonwalker, answer questions during the “Apollo Heroes Panel Discussion” in the IMAX Theater at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on July 16, 2019. The panel discussion is one of several events at the visitor complex to honor the 50th anniversary of NASA’s Saturn V/Apollo 11 launch and landing on the Moon.

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Evelyn Husband-Thompson, widow of shuttle commander Rick Husband on mission STS-107, and her children pause in front of the memorial dedicated to the crew of Columbia who were lost as they returned from the mission. Husband-Thompson participated in the special event held to honor NASA's fallen heroes in front of the Space Mirror Memorial at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Kennedy marked the NASA Day of Remembrance with special ceremonies. This year the crew of Columbia was remembered in a special way on the day that marked the fifth anniversary of the Columbia accident. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a special commemorative service to honor NASA's fallen heroes, Evelyn Husband-Thompson, widow of shuttle commander Rick Husband on mission STS-107, shares her memories of the day the space shuttle Columbia was lost as it returned from the mission. Husband-Thompson stands in front of the Space Mirror Memorial at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Kennedy marked the NASA Day of Remembrance with special ceremonies. This year the crew of Columbia was remembered in a special way on the day that marked the fifth anniversary of the Columbia accident. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Evelyn Husband-Thompson, widow of shuttle commander Rick Husband on mission STS-107, and her children place flowers at the memorial dedicated to the seven crew members of Columbia who were lost as they returned from the mission. Husband-Thompson participated in the special event held to honor NASA's fallen heroes in front of the Space Mirror Memorial at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Kennedy marked the NASA Day of Remembrance with special ceremonies. This year the crew of Columbia was remembered in a special way on the day that marked the fifth anniversary of the Columbia accident. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

The Heroes and Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. The new facility also looks back to the pioneering efforts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It sets the stage by providing the background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered the nation's journey into space.

Heroes and Legends Exhibit

Heroes and Legends Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Boeing Vice President and General Manager John Elbon addresses the crowd gathered for the grand opening of the Heroes and Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Boeing is sponsoring the new attraction. Launch vehicles used by NASA in its history of exploring space also are displayed in the "Rocket Garden" adjacent to the new Heroes and Legends facility. The new facility includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and looks back to the pioneering efforts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It sets the stage by providing the background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered the nation's journey into space.

John H Glenn Jr. Wreath Laying Ceremony - Inside Heroes and Lege

A plaque inside the Heroes and Legends exhibit hall at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex shows astronaut Sen. John Glenn, along with his mission insignias for Friendship 7 and STS-95, the two flights he made into space. Glenn, who passed away Dec. 8, 2016 at age 95, was the last surviving member of NASA's original astronaut class. He gained worldwide acclaim during his Mercury mission that made him the first American to orbit the Earth. He flew again in 1998 aboard space shuttle Discovery at age 77.

Heroes and Legends Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Heroes and Legends Exhibit

The Heroes and Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is just inside the entrance to set the stage as guests arrive. In addition to displays honoring the Americans currently enshrined in the U. S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. The new facility looks back to the pioneering efforts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It sets the stage by providing the background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered the nation's journey into space.

Heroes and Legends Exhibit

The Heroes and Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is just inside the entrance to set the stage as guests arrive. In addition to displays honoring the Americans currently enshrined in the U. S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. The new facility looks back to the pioneering efforts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It sets the stage by providing the background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered the nation's journey into space.

Heroes and Legends Exhibit

Launch vehicles used by NASA in its history of exploring space are displayed in the "Rocket Garden" adjacent to the new Heroes and Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The new facility includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and looks back to the pioneering efforts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It sets the stage by providing the background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered the nation's journey into space.

Heroes and Legends Exhibit

Inside the Heroes and Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex guests watch a video presentation depicting the International Space Station in Earth orbit. In addition to displays honoring the Americans currently enshrined in the U. S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, the new facility looks back to the pioneering efforts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It sets the stage by providing the background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered the nation's journey into space.

Heroes and Legends Exhibit

The Heroes and Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is just inside the entrance to set the stage as guests arrive. In addition to displays honoring the Americans currently enshrined in the U. S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. The new facility looks back to the pioneering efforts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It sets the stage by providing the background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered the nation's journey into space.

Heroes and Legends Exhibit

Launch vehicles used by NASA in its history of exploring space are displayed in the "Rocket Garden" adjacent to the new Heroes and Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The new facility includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and looks back to the pioneering efforts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It sets the stage by providing the background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered the nation's journey into space.

Heroes and Legends Exhibit

Entrance to the Heroes and Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is by way of a sweeping ramp designed to simulate a journey to the stars by way of the "Rocket Garden." The new facility includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and looks back to the pioneering efforts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It sets the stage by providing the background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered the nation's journey into space.

Heroes and Legends Exhibit

Inside the Heroes and Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, a statue of astronaut Alan Shepard, America's first person in space, stands just inside the doors to the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. In addition to displays honoring the Americans currently enshrined in the U. S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, the new facility looks back to the pioneering efforts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It sets the stage by providing the background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered the nation's journey into space.

Heroes and Legends Exhibit

Launch vehicles used by NASA in its history of exploring space are displayed in the "Rocket Garden" adjacent to the new Heroes and Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The new facility includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and looks back to the pioneering efforts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It sets the stage by providing the background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered the nation's journey into space.

Heroes and Legends Exhibit

Inside the Heroes and Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, this display includes the spacesuit worn by astronaut Gus Grissom during his Mercury 4 suborbital flight of July 21, 1961. The new facility looks back to the pioneering efforts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It sets the stage by providing the background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered the nation's journey into space.

Heroes and Legends Exhibit

Inside the Heroes and Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, interactive features include the original consoles of the Mercury Mission Control room with the world map where capsules paths were followed between tracking stations. The new facility looks back to the pioneering efforts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It sets the stage by providing the background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered the nation's journey into space.

Heroes and Legends Exhibit

Entrance to the Heroes and Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is by way of a sweeping ramp designed to simulate a journey to the stars by way of the "Rocket Garden." The new facility includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and looks back to the pioneering efforts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It sets the stage by providing the background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered the nation's journey into space.

Heroes and Legends Exhibit

Inside the Heroes and Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, a statue of astronaut Alan Shepard, America's first person in space, stands just inside the doors to the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. In addition to displays honoring the Americans currently enshrined in the U. S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, the new facility looks back to the pioneering efforts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It sets the stage by providing the background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered the nation's journey into space.

Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Apollo Heroes Panel Discussion

NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, far right, serves as moderator for the “Apollo Heroes Panel Discussion” in the IMAX Theater at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on July 16, 2019. Panelists are, from left, JoAnn Morgan, the only woman on console in the Launch Control Center for Apollo 11 launch countdown activities; Bob Sieck, Apollo-era launch team member and former space shuttle launch director; and Harrison Schmitt, Apollo 17 astronaut and moonwalker. The panel discussion is one of several events at the visitor complex to honor the 50th anniversary of NASA’s Saturn V/Apollo 11 launch and landing on the Moon.

John H Glenn Jr. Wreath Laying Ceremony - Inside Heroes and Lege

A life-size photo inside the Heroes and Legends exhibit hall at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex shows astronaut Sen. John Glenn, center, with fellow Mercury Seven astronauts Gordon Cooper, left, and Gus Grissom. Glenn, who passed away Dec. 8, 2016 at age 95. Glenn, was the last surviving member of NASA's original astronaut class. He gained worldwide acclaim during his Mercury mission that made him the first American to orbit the Earth. He flew again in 1998 aboard space shuttle Discovery at age 77.

Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Apollo Heroes Panel Discussion

NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, far right, serves as moderator for the “Apollo Heroes Panel Discussion” in the IMAX Theater at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on July 16, 2019. Panelists are, from left, JoAnn Morgan, the only woman on console in the Launch Control Center for Apollo 11 launch countdown activities; Bob Sieck, Apollo-era launch team member and former space shuttle launch director; and Harrison Schmitt, Apollo 17 astronaut and moonwalker. The panel discussion is one of several events at the visitor complex to honor the 50th anniversary of NASA’s Saturn V/Apollo 11 launch and landing on the Moon.

Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Apollo Heroes Panel Discussion

NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, far right, serves as moderator for the “Apollo Heroes Panel Discussion” in the IMAX Theater at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on July 16, 2019. Panelists are, from left, JoAnn Morgan, the only woman on console in the Launch Control Center for Apollo 11 launch countdown activities; Bob Sieck, Apollo-era launch team member and former space shuttle launch director; and Harrison Schmitt, Apollo 17 astronaut and moonwalker. The panel discussion is one of several events at the visitor complex to honor the 50th anniversary of NASA’s Saturn V/Apollo 11 launch and landing on the Moon.

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In a special commemorative service held at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to honor NASA's fallen heroes, Kennedy Center Director Bill Parsons speaks to guests gathered in front of the Space Mirror Memorial. Other participants seated on the dais are (from left) NASA Administrator Michael Griffin; Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization G. Madhavan Nair; the 2007 Alan Shepard Technology in Education Award winner Luther Richardson; Shuttle Commander and former NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Readdy; NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier; Shuttle Commander Eileen Collins of the Return to Flight mission, STS-114; Evelyn Husband-Thompson, widow of Colonel Rick Husband; and Astronauts Memorial Foundation President Stephen Feldman. Kennedy marked the NASA Day of Remembrance with special ceremonies. This year the crew of Columbia was remembered in a special way on the day that marked the fifth anniversary of the Columbia accident. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Heroes and Legends Exhibit

Inside the Heroes and Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, the Sigma 7 Mercury spacecraft in this exhibit was piloted by astronaut Wally Schirra during his six-orbit mission on Oct. 3, 1962. For display purposes, it is shown here attached to a Redstone launch vehicle like the one that boosted astronauts Alan Shepard and Gus Grissom on sub-orbital flights in 1961. Schirra's capsule was actually launched by the more powerful Atlas rocket in order to reach orbit. The new facility looks back to the pioneering efforts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It sets the stage by providing the background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered the nation's journey into space.

TRENT GRIFFIN, RIGHT, IS CONGRATULATED FOR HIS WORK IN THE COMMUNITY AND HIS OUTREACH EFFORTS TO ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO ENTER THE SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATH FIELDS BY MARSHALL CENTER DIRECTOR PATRICK SCHEUERMANN. GRIFFIN WAS FEATURED AS A HOMETOWN HERO ON ABC’S "GOOD MORNING AMERICA" AT THE U.S. SPACE & ROCKET CENTER.

Trent Griffin honored on Good Morning America

Former astronaut Jon McBride speaks during a remembrance ceremony Jan. 18, 2017, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Cernan, who flew on Gemini and Apollo missions, commanded the Apollo 17 mission and was the last person to walk on the moon.

Wreath Laying Ceremony for Eugene Cernan

Former astronaut Bob Cabana, director of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, speaks during a remembrance ceremony Jan. 18, 2017. Cernan, who flew on Gemini and Apollo missions, commanded the Apollo 17 mission and was the last person to walk on the moon.

Wreath Laying Ceremony for Eugene Cernan

A display for astronaut Gene Cernan is shown following a remembrance ceremony Jan. 18, 2017, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Cernan, who flew on Gemini and Apollo missions, commanded the Apollo 17 mission and was the last person to walk on the moon.

Wreath Laying Ceremony for Eugene Cernan

A photo of astronaut Gene Cernan is displayed alongside a memorial wreath before a remembrance ceremony Jan. 18, 2017, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Cernan, who flew on Gemini and Apollo missions, commanded the Apollo 17 mission and was the last person to walk on the moon.

Wreath Laying Ceremony for Eugene Cernan

The Astronaut Hall of Fame display for astronaut Gene Cernan is shown following a remembrance ceremony Jan. 18, 2017, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Cernan, who flew on Gemini and Apollo missions, commanded the Apollo 17 mission and was the last person to walk on the moon.

Wreath Laying Ceremony for Eugene Cernan

Therrin Protze, Chief Operating Officer, Delaware North Corporation Parks & Resorts at KSC, Inc., speaks during a remembrance ceremony Jan. 18, 2017, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Cernan, who flew on Gemini and Apollo missions, commanded the Apollo 17 mission and was the last person to walk on the moon.

Wreath Laying Ceremony for Eugene Cernan

Heroes and Legends Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Former CNN space correspondent John Zarrella, left, interviews Gemini and Apollo astronauts Jim Lovell, center and Tom Stafford during opening ceremonies for the Heroes and Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The new facility includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and looks back to the pioneering efforts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It sets the stage by providing the background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered the nation's journey into space.

Heroes and Legends Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Former space shuttle astronaut Dan Brandenstein, chairman of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation board of directors, speaks to guests during the opening of the Heroes and Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The new facility includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and looks back to the pioneering efforts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It sets the stage by providing the background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered the nation's journey into space.

Heroes and Legends Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Former CNN space correspondent John Zarrella serves as master of ceremonies during the opening of the Heroes and Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The new facility includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and looks back to the pioneering efforts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It sets the stage by providing the background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered the nation's journey into space.

Heroes and Legends Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, a former space shuttle astronaut and member of the Astronaut Hall of Fame, speaks to guests during the opening of the Heroes and Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The new facility includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and looks back to the pioneering efforts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It sets the stage by providing the background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered the nation's journey into space.

Heroes and Legends Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

During the grand opening of the Heroes and Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, the national anthem was performed by Carmen Harrell. The new facility includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and looks back to the pioneering efforts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It sets the stage by providing the background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered the nation's journey into space.

Heroes and Legends Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Fireworks are launched as dignitaries, including members of the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, have just cut a ceremonial ribbon opening the Heroes and Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The new facility includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and looks back to the pioneering efforts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It sets the stage by providing the background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered the nation's journey into space.

Heroes and Legends Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana is introduced along with other members of the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame during ceremonies opening the Heroes and Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The new facility includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and looks back to the pioneering efforts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It sets the stage by providing the background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered the nation's journey into space.

Heroes and Legends Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Members of the Merritt Island High School Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) present the colors during the grand opening of the Heroes and Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The new facility includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and looks back to the pioneering efforts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It sets the stage by providing the background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered the nation's journey into space.

Heroes and Legends Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Rick Abramson, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Delaware North Companies Parks and Resorts, speaks to guests during the opening of the Heroes and Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The new facility includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and looks back to the pioneering efforts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It sets the stage by providing the background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered the nation's journey into space.

Heroes and Legends Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

The grand opening of the Heroes and Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex took place on Veterans Day. In honor of the celebration, representatives of the U.S. Coast Guard, Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy and Army were on hand to represent members of the nation's armed services. The new facility includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and looks back to the pioneering efforts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It sets the stage by providing the background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered the nation's journey into space.

Heroes and Legends Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Dignitaries, including members of the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, have just cut a ceremonial ribbon opening the Heroes and Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The new facility includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and looks back to the pioneering efforts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It sets the stage by providing the background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered the nation's journey into space.

Heroes and Legends Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Members of the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame listen to speakers during the opening of the Heroes and Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The new facility includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and looks back to the pioneering efforts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It sets the stage by providing the background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered the nation's journey into space.

Heroes and Legends Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Dignitaries, including members of the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, prepare to cut a ceremonial ribbon opening the Heroes and Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The new facility includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and looks back to the pioneering efforts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It sets the stage by providing the background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered the nation's journey into space.

Heroes and Legends Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Members of the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame listen to speakers during the opening of the Heroes and Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. From the left are: Bob Crippen, Vance Brand, Ed Gibson, Jack Lousma, Charlie Duke, Al Worden, Walt Cunningham and Buzz Aldrin. The new facility includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and looks back to the pioneering efforts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It sets the stage by providing the background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered the nation's journey into space.

Heroes and Legends Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Former CNN space correspondent John Zarrella, left, interviews Apollo astronauts Charlie Duke, center and Walt Cunningham during opening ceremonies for the Heroes and Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The new facility includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and looks back to the pioneering efforts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It sets the stage by providing the background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered the nation's journey into space.

Heroes and Legends Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

A large crowd, including members of the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in the first two rows, listens to speakers during the grand opening of the Heroes and Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The new facility includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and looks back to the pioneering efforts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It sets the stage by providing the background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered the nation's journey into space.

Heroes and Legends Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

During the grand opening of the Heroes and Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, the national anthem was performed by Carmen Harrell. Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of the visitor complex is seen on the right. The new facility includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and looks back to the pioneering efforts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It sets the stage by providing the background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered the nation's journey into space.

Heroes and Legends Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, speaks to guests during the opening of the Heroes and Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The new facility includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and looks back to the pioneering efforts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It sets the stage by providing the background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered the nation's journey into space.

Heroes and Legends Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Boeing Vice President and General Manager John Elbon addresses the crowd gathered for the grand opening of the Heroes and Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Boeing is sponsoring the new attraction. Seated, to the left, is former space shuttle astronaut Dan Brandenstein, chairman of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation board of directors. The new facility includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and looks back to the pioneering efforts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It sets the stage by providing the background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered the nation's journey into space.

Heroes and Legends Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, a former space shuttle astronaut and member of the Astronaut Hall of Fame, speaks to guests during the opening of the Heroes and Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Seated, from the left, are former space shuttle astronaut Dan Brandenstein, chairman of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation board of directors, and, partially visible, John Elbon, vice president and general manager of Boeing. The new facility includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and looks back to the pioneering efforts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It sets the stage by providing the background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered the nation's journey into space.

Heroes and Legends Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, a former space shuttle astronaut and member of the Astronaut Hall of Fame, speaks to guests during the opening of the Heroes and Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Seated, from the left, are Rick Abramson, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Delaware North, former space shuttle astronaut Dan Brandenstein, chairman of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation board of directors, and John Elbon, vice president and general manager of Boeing. The new facility includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and looks back to the pioneering efforts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It sets the stage by providing the background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered the nation's journey into space.