
Barbara Brown, chief technologist at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, speaks to Kennedy employees inside the Florida spaceport’s Training Auditorium on Nov. 19, 2019, during Innovation Days. One of several events throughout the year aimed at fostering and encouraging an innovative culture at Kennedy, Innovation Days highlights how employees at the multi-user spaceport are constantly looking for new solutions to challenges they face at work. Also part of Innovation Days was an innovation showcase, where nearly 50 exhibitors demonstrated new technologies and innovations. Showcase participants included individuals from multiple directorates, programs and organizations throughout Kennedy.

A "moon dust" beehive is on display during the 2017 Innovation Expo showcase at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The purpose of the annual two-day event is to help foster innovation and creativity among the Kennedy workforce. The event included several keynote speakers, training opportunities, an innovation showcase and the KSC Kickstart competition.

A worker tries out a virtual reality experience during the 2017 Innovation Expo at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The purpose of the annual two-day event is to help foster innovation and creativity among the Kennedy workforce. The event included several keynote speakers, training opportunities, an innovation showcase and the KSC Kickstart competition.

A worker tries out a virtual reality experience during the 2017 Innovation Expo at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The purpose of the annual two-day event is to help foster innovation and creativity among the Kennedy workforce. The event included several keynote speakers, training opportunities, an innovation showcase and the KSC Kickstart competition.

A guest speaker presents to the workforce during the 2017 Innovation Expo at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The purpose of the annual two-day event is to help foster innovation and creativity among the Kennedy workforce. The event included several keynote speakers, training opportunities, an innovation showcase and the KSC Kickstart competition.

A worker tries out a virtual reality experience during the 2017 Innovation Expo at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The purpose of the annual two-day event is to help foster innovation and creativity among the Kennedy workforce. The event included several keynote speakers, training opportunities, an innovation showcase and the KSC Kickstart competition.

Lisa-Watson Morgan, NASA’s Human Landing System program manager, provides an overview of the program to Kennedy Space Center employees in the Florida spaceport’s Training Auditorium on Nov. 19, 2019. Watson-Morgan’s presentation was part of the center’s Innovation Days, one of several events throughout the year aimed at fostering and encouraging an innovative culture at Kennedy. In addition to the presentation, Kennedy employees had the opportunity to attend an innovation showcase, where nearly 50 exhibitors demonstrated new technologies and innovations. Showcase participants included individuals from multiple directorates, programs and organizations throughout Kennedy.

Kennedy Space Center employees participate in an innovation showcase on Nov. 19, 2019, in the Florida spaceport’s Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building’s Mission Briefing Room. Nearly 50 exhibitors gathered to demonstrate new technologies and innovations during the center’s Innovation Days – one of several events throughout the year aimed at fostering and encouraging an innovative culture at Kennedy. Showcase participants included individuals from multiple directorates, programs and organizations throughout Kennedy. In addition to the showcase, employees had the opportunity to attend an overview presentation on NASA’s Human Landing System (HLS), hosted by HLS Program Manager Lisa Watson-Morgan.

Lisa-Watson Morgan, NASA’s Human Landing System program manager, provides an overview of the program to Kennedy Space Center employees in the Florida spaceport’s Training Auditorium on Nov. 19, 2019. Watson-Morgan’s presentation was part of the center’s Innovation Days, one of several events throughout the year aimed at fostering and encouraging an innovative culture at Kennedy. In addition to the presentation, Kennedy employees had the opportunity to attend an innovation showcase, where nearly 50 exhibitors demonstrated new technologies and innovations. Showcase participants included individuals from multiple directorates, programs and organizations throughout Kennedy.

Two Kennedy Space Center employees engage in conversation during an innovation showcase on Nov. 19, 2019, in the Florida spaceport’s Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building’s Mission Briefing Room. Nearly 50 exhibitors gathered to demonstrate new technologies and innovations during the center’s Innovation Days – one of several events throughout the year aimed at fostering and encouraging an innovative culture at Kennedy. Showcase participants included individuals from multiple directorates, programs and organizations throughout Kennedy. In addition to the showcase, employees had the opportunity to attend an overview presentation on NASA’s Human Landing System (HLS), hosted by HLS Program Manager Lisa Watson-Morgan.

Lisa-Watson Morgan, NASA’s Human Landing System program manager, provides an overview of the program to Kennedy Space Center employees in the Florida spaceport’s Training Auditorium on Nov. 19, 2019. Watson-Morgan’s presentation was part of the center’s Innovation Days, one of several events throughout the year aimed at fostering and encouraging an innovative culture at Kennedy. In addition to the presentation, Kennedy employees had the opportunity to attend an innovation showcase, where nearly 50 exhibitors demonstrated new technologies and innovations. Showcase participants included individuals from multiple directorates, programs and organizations throughout Kennedy.

A Kennedy Space Center employee participates in an innovation showcase on Nov. 19, 2019, in the Florida spaceport’s Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building’s Mission Briefing Room. Nearly 50 exhibitors gathered to demonstrate new technologies and innovations during the center’s Innovation Days – one of several events throughout the year aimed at fostering and encouraging an innovative culture at Kennedy. Showcase participants included individuals from multiple directorates, programs and organizations throughout Kennedy. In addition to the showcase, employees had the opportunity to attend an overview presentation on NASA’s Human Landing System (HLS), hosted by HLS Program Manager Lisa Watson-Morgan.

Kennedy Space Center Associate Director, Technical, Kelvin Manning tries out a virtual reality headset during an innovation showcase on Nov. 19, 2019, in the Florida spaceport’s Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building’s Mission Briefing Room. Nearly 50 exhibitors gathered to demonstrate new technologies and innovations during the center’s Innovation Days – one of several events throughout the year aimed at fostering and encouraging an innovative culture at Kennedy. Showcase participants included individuals from multiple directorates, programs and organizations throughout Kennedy. In addition to the showcase, employees had the opportunity to attend an overview presentation on NASA’s Human Landing System (HLS), hosted by HLS Program Manager Lisa Watson-Morgan.

A Kennedy Space Center employee attends an innovation showcase on Nov. 19, 2019, in the Florida spaceport’s Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building’s Mission Briefing Room. Nearly 50 exhibitors gathered to demonstrate new technologies and innovations during the center’s Innovation Days – one of several events throughout the year aimed at fostering and encouraging an innovative culture at Kennedy. Showcase participants included individuals from multiple directorates, programs and organizations throughout Kennedy. In addition to the showcase, employees had the opportunity to attend an overview presentation on NASA’s Human Landing System (HLS), hosted by HLS Program Manager Lisa Watson-Morgan.

Lisa-Watson Morgan, NASA’s Human Landing System program manager, provides an overview of the program to Kennedy Space Center employees in the Florida spaceport’s Training Auditorium on Nov. 19, 2019. Watson-Morgan’s presentation was part of the center’s Innovation Days, one of several events throughout the year aimed at fostering and encouraging an innovative culture at Kennedy. In addition to the presentation, Kennedy employees had the opportunity to attend an innovation showcase, where nearly 50 exhibitors demonstrated new technologies and innovations. Showcase participants included individuals from multiple directorates, programs and organizations throughout Kennedy.

Kennedy Space Center employees participate in an innovation showcase on Nov. 19, 2019, in the Florida spaceport’s Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building’s Mission Briefing Room. Nearly 50 exhibitors gathered to demonstrate new technologies and innovations during the center’s Innovation Days – one of several events throughout the year aimed at fostering and encouraging an innovative culture at Kennedy. Showcase participants included individuals from multiple directorates, programs and organizations throughout Kennedy. In addition to the showcase, employees had the opportunity to attend an overview presentation on NASA’s Human Landing System (HLS), hosted by HLS Program Manager Lisa Watson-Morgan.

A Kennedy Space Center employee participates in an innovation showcase on Nov. 19, 2019, in the Florida spaceport’s Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building’s Mission Briefing Room. Nearly 50 exhibitors gathered to demonstrate new technologies and innovations during the center’s Innovation Days – one of several events throughout the year aimed at fostering and encouraging an innovative culture at Kennedy. Showcase participants included individuals from multiple directorates, programs and organizations throughout Kennedy. In addition to the showcase, employees had the opportunity to attend an overview presentation on NASA’s Human Landing System (HLS), hosted by HLS Program Manager Lisa Watson-Morgan.

Shaun Daly, an integration engineer in the Launch Services Program, explains a new outreach activity for young students during the 2017 Innovation Expo showcase at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The purpose of the annual two-day event is to help foster innovation and creativity among the Kennedy workforce. The event included several keynote speakers, training opportunities, an innovation showcase and the KSC Kickstart competition.

Trent Smith, a project manager in the ISS Exploration Research and Technology Program, displays microgreens grown in the same space dirt (arcillite) that is used in the plant pillows for the Veggie plant growth system on the International Space Station and in a 3-D-printed plastic matrix during the 2017 Innovation Expo showcase at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The purpose of the annual two-day event is to help foster innovation and creativity among the Kennedy workforce. The event included several keynote speakers, training opportunities, an innovation showcase and the KSC Kickstart competition.

Ed Rosenthal, founder and chairman of Florikan controlled release fertilizers, displays his plant growth material during the 2017 Innovation Expo showcase at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The controlled release fertilizer is used in NASA's Veggie plant growth system on the International Space Station and in the Veggie control unit in a laboratory in the Space Station Processing Facility. The purpose of the annual two-day event is to help foster innovation and creativity among the Kennedy workforce. The event included several keynote speakers, training opportunities, an innovation showcase and the KSC Kickstart competition.

Melanie Pickett, a post-doctorate researcher at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, participates in an innovation showcase on Nov. 19, 2019, in the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building’s Mission Briefing Room. A first-time participant, Pickett presented information on an Algae Membrane Photobioreactor she and others are developing that would eliminate the need for sending water treated with toxic chemicals – currently used to break down urine – to the International Space Station. Nearly 50 exhibitors gathered to demonstrate new technologies and innovations during the center’s Innovation Days – one of several events throughout the year aimed at fostering and encouraging an innovative culture at Kennedy. Showcase participants included individuals from multiple directorates, programs and organizations throughout Kennedy. In addition to the showcase, employees had the opportunity to attend an overview presentation on NASA’s Human Landing System (HLS), hosted by HLS Program Manager Lisa Watson-Morgan.

Kennedy Space Center Chief Technologist Barbara Brown, left, and Deputy Chief Technologist Kathy Loftin are photographed during an innovation showcase on Nov. 19, 2019, in the Florida spaceport’s Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building’s Mission Briefing Room. Nearly 50 exhibitors gathered to demonstrate new technologies and innovations during the center’s Innovation Days – one of several events throughout the year aimed at fostering and encouraging an innovative culture at Kennedy. Showcase participants included individuals from multiple directorates, programs and organizations throughout Kennedy. In addition to the showcase, employees had the opportunity to attend an overview presentation on NASA’s Human Landing System (HLS), hosted by HLS Program Manager Lisa Watson-Morgan.

Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana speaks to employees during an innovation showcase on Nov. 19, 2019, in the Florida spaceport’s Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building’s Mission Briefing Room. Nearly 50 exhibitors gathered to participate in the center’s Innovation Days – one of several events throughout the year aimed at fostering and encouraging an innovative culture at Kennedy. Showcase participants included individuals from multiple directorates, programs and organizations throughout Kennedy. In addition to the showcase, employees had the opportunity to attend an overview presentation on NASA’s Human Landing System (HLS), hosted by HLS Program Manager Lisa Watson-Morgan.

Plants utilized for ground experiments at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida that complement plant research on the International Space Station are photographed at an innovation showcase on Nov. 19, 2019. Nearly 50 exhibitors gathered in the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building’s Mission Briefing Room to participate in the center’s Innovation Days – one of several events throughout the year aimed at fostering an encouraging an innovative culture at Kennedy. Showcase participants included individuals from multiple directorates, programs and organizations throughout Kennedy. In addition to the showcase, employees had the opportunity to attend an overview presentation on NASA’s Human Landing System (HLS), hosted by HLS Program Manager Lisa Watson-Morgan.

Kennedy Space Center employees are photographed at an innovation showcase, hosted by the Office of the Chief Technologist, on Nov. 19, 2019, in the Florida spaceport’s Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building’s Mission Briefing Room. On the bottom right is Kathy Loftin, deputy chief technologist at Kennedy. Nearly 50 exhibitors gathered to participate in the center’s Innovation Days – one of several events throughout the year aimed at fostering and encouraging an innovative culture at Kennedy. Showcase participants included individuals from multiple directorates, programs and organizations throughout Kennedy. In addition to the showcase, employees had the opportunity to attend an overview presentation on NASA’s Human Landing System (HLS), hosted by HLS Program Manager Lisa Watson-Morgan.

A Kennedy Space Center employee demonstrates a new technology during an innovation showcase on Nov. 19, 2019, in the Florida spaceport’s Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building’s Mission Briefing Room. Nearly 50 exhibitors gathered to participate in the center’s Innovation Days – one of several events throughout the year aimed at fostering and encouraging an innovative culture at Kennedy. Showcase participants included individuals from multiple directorates, programs and organizations throughout Kennedy. In addition to the showcase, employees had the opportunity to attend an overview presentation on NASA’s Human Landing System (HLS), hosted by HLS Program Manager Lisa Watson-Morgan.

John Culver, Sustainability Program manager with the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, was one of the featured speakers at the 2017 Innovation Expo at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The purpose of the annual two-day event is to help foster innovation and creativity among the Kennedy workforce. The event included several keynote speakers, training opportunities, an innovation showcase and the KSC Kickstart competition.

Applied Physics Laboratory Lead Physicist Dr. Bob Youngquist demonstrates technology recently used to resolve a technical challenge at Kennedy Space Center during an innovation showcase on Nov. 19, 2019, in the Florida spaceport’s Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building’s Mission Briefing Room. Nearly 50 exhibitors gathered to participate in the center’s Innovation Days – one of several events throughout the year aimed at fostering and encouraging an innovative culture at Kennedy. Showcase participants included individuals from multiple directorates, programs and organizations throughout Kennedy. In addition to the showcase, employees had the opportunity to attend an overview presentation on NASA’s Human Landing System (HLS), hosted by HLS Program Manager Lisa Watson-Morgan.

An interactive augmented reality sandbox, used by Swamp Works personnel to visually demonstrate the work being done in the Granular Mechanics and Regolith Operations laboratory at the Kennedy Space Center to produce high-fidelity models of rocket plume impingement on the lunar surface, is photographed during an innovation showcase on Nov. 19, 2019. Nearly 50 exhibitors gathered in the Florida spaceport’s Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building’s Mission Briefing Room to participate in the center’s Innovation Days – one of several events throughout the year aimed at fostering an encouraging an innovative culture at Kennedy. Showcase participants included individuals from multiple directorates, programs and organizations throughout Kennedy. In addition to the showcase, employees had the opportunity to attend an overview presentation on NASA’s Human Landing System (HLS), hosted by HLS Program Manager Lisa Watson-Morgan.

Melanie Pickett, right, a post-doctorate researcher at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, speaks to Center Director Bob Cabana about an Algae Membrane Photobioreactor she and others are working on developing during an innovation showcase on Nov. 19, 2019, in the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building’s Mission Briefing Room. The bioreactor device would eliminate the need for sending pre-treated water – currently used to break down urine – to the International Space Station, reducing the amount of human exposure to toxic chemicals. Nearly 50 exhibitors gathered to demonstrate new technologies and innovations during the center’s Innovation Days – one of several events throughout the year aimed at fostering and encouraging an innovative culture at Kennedy. Showcase participants included individuals from multiple directorates, programs and organizations throughout Kennedy. In addition to the showcase, employees had the opportunity to attend an overview presentation on NASA’s Human Landing System (HLS), hosted by HLS Program Manager Lisa Watson-Morgan.

Ivan Townsend III displays the four U.S. Patent plaques he received during a ceremony at the 2017 Innovation Expo at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The purpose of the annual two-day expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among the Kennedy workforce. The event included several keynote speakers, training opportunities, an innovation showcase and the KSC Kickstart competition.

Mark Lewis displays the two U.S. Patent plaques he received during a ceremony at the 2017 Innovation Expo at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. To his right is Kelly Jones-McDowall, event co-chairperson. The purpose of the annual two-day expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among the Kennedy workforce. The event included several keynote speakers, training opportunities, an innovation showcase and the KSC Kickstart competition.

NASA Kennedy Space Center workers display their U.S. Patent plaques during a ceremony at the 2017 Innovation Expo at the center. From left, are Luke Robertson, Trent Smith, Kelly Jones-McDowall, event co-chairperson, Martha Williams and Dr. James Fesmire. The purpose of the annual two-day expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among the Kennedy workforce. The event included several keynote speakers, training opportunities, an innovation showcase and the KSC Kickstart competition.

Trent Smith, project manager in the ISS Exploration Research and Technology Program, displays the U.S. Patent plaque he received during a ceremony at the 2017 Innovation Expo at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The purpose of the annual two-day expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among the Kennedy workforce. The event included several keynote speakers, training opportunities, an innovation showcase and the KSC Kickstart competition.

Jeffrey Carlson displays the three U.S. Patent plaques he received during a ceremony at the 2017 Innovation Expo at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The purpose of the annual two-day expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among the Kennedy workforce. The event included several keynote speakers, training opportunities, an innovation showcase and the KSC Kickstart competition.

Robert Mueller displays the three U.S. Patent plaques he received during a ceremony at the 2017 Innovation Expo at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The purpose of the annual two-day expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among the Kennedy workforce. The event included several keynote speakers, training opportunities, an innovation showcase and the KSC Kickstart competition.

Visitors stop by a NASA booth in the Space Station Processing Facility conference center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center during the 2016 Innovation Expo. Now in its fifth year, the purpose of the Innovation Expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among Kennedy employees who are encouraged to look for ways to do their work better and to propose concepts for tackling future mission needs.

Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana stops by a NASA booth in the Space Station Processing Facility conference center during the 2016 Innovation Expo. Now in its fifth year, the purpose of the Innovation Expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among Kennedy employees who are encouraged to look for ways to do their work better and to propose concepts for tackling future mission needs.

Visitors stop by a NASA booth in the Space Station Processing Facility conference center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center during the 2016 Innovation Expo. Now in its fifth year, the purpose of the Innovation Expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among Kennedy employees who are encouraged to look for ways to do their work better and to propose concepts for tackling future mission needs.

Visitors stop by a NASA booth in the Space Station Processing Facility conference center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center during the 2016 Innovation Expo. Now in its fifth year, the purpose of the Innovation Expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among Kennedy employees who are encouraged to look for ways to do their work better and to propose concepts for tackling future mission needs.

Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana stops by a NASA booth in the Space Station Processing Facility conference center during the 2016 Innovation Expo. Now in its fifth year, the purpose of the Innovation Expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among Kennedy employees who are encouraged to look for ways to do their work better and to propose concepts for tackling future mission needs.

Visitors stop by a NASA booth in the Space Station Processing Facility conference center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center during the 2016 Innovation Expo. Now in its fifth year, the purpose of the Innovation Expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among Kennedy employees who are encouraged to look for ways to do their work better and to propose concepts for tackling future mission needs.

Visitors stop by a NASA booth in the Space Station Processing Facility conference center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center during the 2016 Innovation Expo. Now in its fifth year, the purpose of the Innovation Expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among Kennedy employees who are encouraged to look for ways to do their work better and to propose concepts for tackling future mission needs.

Visitors stop by a NASA booth in the Space Station Processing Facility conference center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center during the 2016 Innovation Expo. Now in its fifth year, the purpose of the Innovation Expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among Kennedy employees who are encouraged to look for ways to do their work better and to propose concepts for tackling future mission needs.

Visitors stop by a NASA booth in the Space Station Processing Facility conference center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center during the 2016 Innovation Expo. Now in its fifth year, the purpose of the Innovation Expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among Kennedy employees who are encouraged to look for ways to do their work better and to propose concepts for tackling future mission needs.

Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana stops by a NASA booth in the Space Station Processing Facility conference center during the 2016 Innovation Expo. Now in its fifth year, the purpose of the Innovation Expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among Kennedy employees who are encouraged to look for ways to do their work better and to propose concepts for tackling future mission needs.

Visitors stop by a NASA booth in the Space Station Processing Facility conference center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center during the 2016 Innovation Expo. Now in its fifth year, the purpose of the Innovation Expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among Kennedy employees who are encouraged to look for ways to do their work better and to propose concepts for tackling future mission needs.

Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana stops by a NASA booth in the Space Station Processing Facility conference center during the 2016 Innovation Expo. Now in its fifth year, the purpose of the Innovation Expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among Kennedy employees who are encouraged to look for ways to do their work better and to propose concepts for tackling future mission needs.

Visitors stop by a NASA booth in the Space Station Processing Facility conference center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center during the 2016 Innovation Expo. Now in its fifth year, the purpose of the Innovation Expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among Kennedy employees who are encouraged to look for ways to do their work better and to propose concepts for tackling future mission needs.

Visitors stop by a NASA booth in the Space Station Processing Facility conference center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center during the 2016 Innovation Expo. Now in its fifth year, the purpose of the Innovation Expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among Kennedy employees who are encouraged to look for ways to do their work better and to propose concepts for tackling future mission needs.

Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana stops by a NASA booth in the Space Station Processing Facility conference center during the 2016 Innovation Expo. Now in its fifth year, the purpose of the Innovation Expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among Kennedy employees who are encouraged to look for ways to do their work better and to propose concepts for tackling future mission needs.

Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana stops by a NASA booth in the Space Station Processing Facility conference center during the 2016 Innovation Expo. Now in its fifth year, the purpose of the Innovation Expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among Kennedy employees who are encouraged to look for ways to do their work better and to propose concepts for tackling future mission needs.

A visitor checks out a virtual reality device at a NASA booth in the Space Station Processing Facility conference center during NASA's Kennedy Space Center during the 2016 Innovation Expo. Now in its fifth year, the purpose of the Innovation Expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among Kennedy employees who are encouraged to look for ways to do their work better and to propose concepts for tackling future mission needs.

Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana stops by a NASA booth in the Space Station Processing Facility conference center during the 2016 Innovation Expo. Now in its fifth year, the purpose of the Innovation Expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among Kennedy employees who are encouraged to look for ways to do their work better and to propose concepts for tackling future mission needs.

Visitors were recently given an opportunity to stop by a NASA booth in the Space Station Processing Facility conference center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center during the 2016 Innovation Expo. Now in its fifth year, the purpose of the Innovation Expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among Kennedy employees who are encouraged to look for ways to do their work better and to propose concepts for tackling future mission needs.

Robert Youngquist, center, Applied Physics Laboratory lead, received a U.S. Patent plaque for his invention, Surface Acoustic Wave Tag-Based Coherence Multiplexing, during the 2017 Innovation Expo at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. From left, are Kelvin Manning, Kennedy's associate director; Youngquist; and Dave Makufka, Kennedy's Technology Transfer Program manager. The purpose of the annual two-day expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among the Kennedy workforce. The event included several keynote speakers, training opportunities, an innovation showcase and the KSC Kickstart competition.

U.S. Patent plaques were awarded to, second from left, Luke Roberson, Trent Smith, Martha Williams and James Fesmire, for their invention, Aerogel/Polymer Composite Materials, known as Aeroplastic, during the 2017 Innovation Expo at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. At left is Kelvin Manning, Kennedy's associate director; and at far right is Dave Makufka, Kennedy's Technology Transfer Program manager. The purpose of the annual two-day expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among the Kennedy workforce. The event included several keynote speakers, training opportunities, an innovation showcase and the KSC Kickstart competition.

U.S. Patent plaques were awarded to, second from left, Jeffrey Carlson, Robert Mueller and Ivan Townsend III, for their invention, Dust and Debris Tolerant Dual Poppet Valve Connector, during the 2017 Innovation Expo at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Not pictured: Gary Basin and Kevin Murtland. At left is Kelvin Manning, Kennedy's associate director. At far right is Dave Makufka, Kennedy's Technology Transfer Program manager. The purpose of the annual two-day expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among the Kennedy workforce. The event included several keynote speakers, training opportunities, an innovation showcase and the KSC Kickstart competition.

U.S. Patent plaques were awarded to, second from left, Mark Lewis, Adam Dokos, Robert Mueller, Jeffrey Carlson and Ivan Townsend III, for their invention, Dust Tolerant Connectors, during the 2017 Innovation Expo at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Not pictured: Gary Basin, Matthew Branch, Kevin Murtland, Matthew Nugent and Gabor Tamasy. At left is Kelvin Manning, Kennedy's associate director. At far right is Dave Makufka, Kennedy's Technology Transfer Program manager. The purpose of the annual two-day expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among the Kennedy workforce. The event included several keynote speakers, training opportunities, an innovation showcase and the KSC Kickstart competition.

U.S. Patent plaques were awarded to, second from left, Adam Dokos, Mark Lewis, Jeffrey Carlson and Ivan Townsend III, for their invention, Dust and Debris Tolerant Retractable Cover, during the 2017 Innovation Expo at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Not pictured: Gary Basin and Kevin Murtland. At left is Kelvin Manning, Kennedy's associate director. At far right is Dave Makufka, Kennedy's Technology Transfer Program manager. The purpose of the annual two-day expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among the Kennedy workforce. The event included several keynote speakers, training opportunities, an innovation showcase and the KSC Kickstart competition.

U.S. Patent plaques were awarded to, second from left, Robert Mueller, Adam Dokos and Ivan Townsend III, for their invention, Self-Cleaning Filament Connector, during the 2017 Innovation Expo at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. At left is Kelvin Manning, Kennedy's associate director. At far right is Dave Makufka, Kennedy's Technology Transfer Program manager. The purpose of the annual two-day expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among the Kennedy workforce. The event included several keynote speakers, training opportunities, an innovation showcase and the KSC Kickstart competition.

U.S. and Canadian Patent plaques were awarded to, second from left, Phillip Maloney, Robert Devor and Jacqueline Quinn, for their invention, Removing Halogenated Compounds from Contaminated Systems, during the 2017 Innovation Expo at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Not pictured: James Captain. At left is Kelvin Manning, Kennedy's associate director. At far right is Dave Makufka, Kennedy's Technology Transfer Program manager. The purpose of the annual two-day expo is to help foster innovation and creativity among the Kennedy workforce. The event included several keynote speakers, training opportunities, an innovation showcase and the KSC Kickstart competition.

During the 2016 Innovation Expo at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, representatives from Parker Brothers, known for designing and building outrageous custom vehicles, spoke to Kennedy employees about their creative thinking processes. Employees also were given an up-close look at their Neutron bike, featured in the movie “Tron.”

During the 2016 Innovation Expo at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, representatives from Parker Brothers, known for designing and building outrageous custom vehicles, spoke to Kennedy employees about their creative thinking processes. Employees also were given an up-close look at their Neutron bike, featured in the movie “Tron.”

During the 2016 Innovation Expo at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, representatives from Parker Brothers, known for designing and building outrageous custom vehicles, spoke to Kennedy employees about their creative thinking processes. Employees also were given an up-close look at their Neutron bike, featured in the movie “Tron.”

During the 2016 Innovation Expo at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, representatives from Parker Brothers, known for designing and building outrageous custom vehicles, spoke to Kennedy employees about their creative thinking processes. Employees also were given an up-close look at their Neutron bike, featured in the movie “Tron.”

During the 2016 Innovation Expo at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, representatives from Parker Brothers, known for designing and building outrageous custom vehicles, spoke to Kennedy employees about their creative thinking processes. Employees also were given an up-close look at their Neutron bike, featured in the movie “Tron.”

The latest technologies invented at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida were recognized during the 2023 Innovator Recognition event on March 9, 2023. The patent recipients gathered for a group photo after the event held in the Space Station Processing Facility conference center. At far left is Kathy Loftin, chief technologist with the Exploration Research & Technology Directorate. At far right is Jennifer Kunz, Kennedy Space Center associate director, technical.

Guy Naylor, an associate engineer on the Test and Operations Support Contract (TOSC), presents his proposal to judges during the “Innovation Without Boundaries” event held in the Space Station Processing Facility at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, Aug. 2. Naylor won first place for individual and team projects in the “innovation ideas with little or no associated costs” category. There were 39 proposals featuring a wide range of innovative ideas as part of the Chief Technologist Innovation Call. Presenters had two minutes to highlight their idea, followed by a three-minute question-and-answer period. The judging panel included senior staff, contractors and representatives throughout Kennedy.

Guy Naylor, an associate engineer on the Test and Operations Support Contract (TOSC), presents his proposal to judges during the “Innovation Without Boundaries” event held in the Space Station Processing Facility at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, Aug. 2. Naylor won first place for individual and team projects in the “innovation ideas with little or no associated costs” category. There were 39 proposals featuring a wide range of innovative ideas as part of the Chief Technologist Innovation Call. Presenters had two minutes to highlight their idea, followed by a three-minute question-and-answer period. The judging panel included senior staff, contractors and representatives throughout Kennedy.

Representatives from Parker Brothers, known for designing and building outrageous custom vehicles, spoke to employees at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida about their creative thinking processes. The event took place during the center's 2016 Innovation Expo. Employees also were given an up-close look at their Neutron bike, featured in the movie “Tron.”

Representatives from Parker Brothers, known for designing and building outrageous custom vehicles, spoke to employees at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida about their creative thinking processes. The event took place during the center's 2016 Innovation Expo. Employees also were given an up-close look at their Neutron bike, featured in the movie “Tron.”

Representatives from Parker Brothers, known for designing and building outrageous custom vehicles, spoke to employees at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida about their creative thinking processes. The event took place during the center's 2016 Innovation Expo. Employees also were given an up-close look at their Neutron bike, featured in the movie “Tron.”

Judges listen to a presentation during the “Innovation Without Boundaries” event held in the Space Station Processing Facility at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, Aug. 2. There were 39 proposals from Kennedy civil servant and contractor employees, featuring a wide range of innovative ideas as part of the Chief Technologist Innovation Call. Presenters had two minutes to highlight their idea, followed by a three-minute question-and-answer period. The judging panel included senior staff, contractors and representatives throughout Kennedy.

Melanie Pickett, from the Exploration Research and Technology Programs directorate, presents her proposal during the “Innovation Without Boundaries” event held in the Space Station Processing Facility at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, Aug. 2. There were 39 proposals featuring a wide range of innovative ideas as part of the Chief Technologist Innovation Call. Presenters had two minutes to highlight their idea, followed by a three-minute question-and-answer period. The judging panel included senior staff, contractors and representatives throughout Kennedy.

Judges Josh Santora, left, a program specialist with Kennedy Space Center’s Communication and Public Engagement (PX) directorate, and Hortense Diggs, PX deputy director, take notes during the “Innovation Without Boundaries” event held in the Florida spaceports’ Space Station Processing Facility on Thursday, Aug. 2. There were 39 proposals featuring a wide range of innovative ideas as part of the Chief Technologist Innovation Call. Presenters had two minutes to highlight their idea, followed by a three-minute question-and-answer period. The judging panel included senior staff, contractors and representatives throughout Kennedy.

Pathways intern Duncan Manor presents his proposal during an “Innovation Without Boundaries” event held in the Space Station Processing Facility at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, Aug. 2. Civil servants and contractors throughout Kennedy participated in the event, which featured 39 proposals as part of the Chief Technologist Innovation Call. Presenters had two minutes to highlight their idea, followed by a three-minute question-and-answer period. The judging panel included senior staff, contractors and representatives throughout the center.

Athela Frandsen, an aerospace technologist with Kennedy Space Center’s analytical laboratories, presents her proposal concerning proactive approaches to cleanroom contamination to a panel of judges during the “Innovation Without Boundaries” event held inside the Space Station Processing Facility in Florida on June 14, 2019. A number of Kennedy employees presented their proposals as part of the Chief Technologist Innovation Call. Participants had five minutes to present their innovative ideas in one of three categories, which were innovative ideas that had little or no cost to implement, ideas with great returns on investments up to $20,000 and big ideas where participants could socialize ideas for projects that would take more than $20,000 to implement.

A performer from Los Angeles Hamilton High School's Kid Tribe entertains teachers and middle school students during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Performers from Los Angeles Hamilton High School's Kid Tribe entertain teachers and middle school students during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Performers from Los Angeles Hamilton High School's Kid Tribe entertain teachers and middle school students during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Teachers and middle school students react to performers from Los Angeles Hamilton High School's Kid Tribe during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

A group of Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) engineers are recognized during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at JPL in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

A performer from Los Angeles Hamilton High School's Kid Tribe entertains teachers and middle school students during the kick off of NASA's Summer of Innovation program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 10, 2010. Through the program, NASA will engage thousands of middle school students and teachers in stimulating math and science-based education programs with the goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Dr. Dava Newman, NASA's deputy administrator, speaks to employees at the Florida spaceport during the annual KickStart Innovation Expo. The event gives employees an opportunity to present proposals for new ideas and processes. A small amount of funding is awarded to those selected allowing individuals or teams to procure needed items to implement their projects. Kennedy employees are encouraged to look for ways to do their work better and to propose concepts for tackling future mission needs.

Dr. Dava Newman, NASA's deputy administrator, speaks to employees at the Florida spaceport during the annual KickStart Innovation Expo. The event gives employees an opportunity to present proposals for new ideas and processes. A small amount of funding is awarded to those selected allowing individuals or teams to procure needed items to implement their projects. Kennedy employees are encouraged to look for ways to do their work better and to propose concepts for tackling future mission needs.

Dr. Dava Newman, NASA's deputy administrator, speaks to employees at the Florida spaceport during the annual KickStart Innovation Expo. The event gives employees an opportunity to present proposals for new ideas and processes. A small amount of funding is awarded to those selected allowing individuals or teams to procure needed items to implement their projects. Kennedy employees are encouraged to look for ways to do their work better and to propose concepts for tackling future mission needs.

Dr. Dava Newman, NASA's deputy administrator, speaks to employees at the Florida spaceport during the annual KickStart Innovation Expo. The event gives employees an opportunity to present proposals for new ideas and processes. A small amount of funding is awarded to those selected allowing individuals or teams to procure needed items to implement their projects. Kennedy employees are encouraged to look for ways to do their work better and to propose concepts for tackling future mission needs.

Dr. Dava Newman, NASA's deputy administrator, speaks to employees at the Florida spaceport during the annual KickStart Innovation Expo. The event gives employees an opportunity to present proposals for new ideas and processes. A small amount of funding is awarded to those selected allowing individuals or teams to procure needed items to implement their projects. Kennedy employees are encouraged to look for ways to do their work better and to propose concepts for tackling future mission needs.

Dr. Dava Newman, NASA's deputy administrator, speaks to employees at the Florida spaceport during the annual KickStart Innovation Expo The event gives employees an opportunity to present proposals for new ideas and processes. A small amount of funding is awarded to those selected allowing individuals or teams to procure needed items to implement their projects. Kennedy employees are encouraged to look for ways to do their work better and to propose concepts for tackling future mission needs.

Dr. Dava Newman, NASA's deputy administrator, speaks to employees at the Florida spaceport during the annual KickStart Innovation Expo. The event gives employees an opportunity to present proposals for new ideas and processes. A small amount of funding is awarded to those selected allowing individuals or teams to procure needed items to implement their projects. Kennedy employees are encouraged to look for ways to do their work better and to propose concepts for tackling future mission needs.

Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana speaks to employees at the Florida spaceport during the annual KickStart Innovation Expo. The event gives employees an opportunity to present proposals for new ideas and processes. A small amount of funding is awarded to those selected allowing individuals or teams to procure needed items to implement their projects. Kennedy employees are encouraged to look for ways to do their work better and to propose concepts for tackling future mission needs.

Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana speaks to employees at the Florida spaceport during the annual KickStart Innovation Expo. The event gives employees an opportunity to present proposals for new ideas and processes. A small amount of funding is awarded to those selected allowing individuals or teams to procure needed items to implement their projects. Kennedy employees are encouraged to look for ways to do their work better and to propose concepts for tackling future mission needs.

Athela Frandsen, an aerospace technologist with Kennedy Space Center’s analytical laboratories, presents her proposal concerning proactive approaches to cleanroom contamination to representatives from programs across Kennedy during the “Innovation Without Boundaries” event held inside the Space Station Processing Facility in Florida on June 14, 2019. A number of Kennedy employees presented their proposals as part of the Chief Technologist Innovation Call. The event sought out ideas based on relevance, benefit, innovativeness, likelihood of success and sustainability.

Employees at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida attend and participate in this year’s “Innovation Without Boundaries” event held in Kennedy’s Space Station Processing Facility on June 14, 2019. A number of employees presented their proposals to a panel of judges as part of the Chief Technologist Innovation Call. Participants had five minutes to present their innovative idea for the chance to receive an award of up to $500 for ideas with little-to-no cost that would make a significant impact.

Pathways intern Douglas Jackson presents his proposal to a panel of judges during the “Innovation Without Boundaries” event held inside the Space Station Processing Facility at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 14, 2019. A number of Kennedy employees presented their proposals as part of the Chief Technologist Innovation Call. Participants had five minutes to present their innovative idea for the chance to receive an award of up to $500 for ideas with little-to-no cost that would make a significant impact.

Rolando Valdez, serving as NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Spaceport Integration and Services representative for this year’s “Innovation Without Boundaries” event, gives feedback to participants in Kennedy’s Space Station Processing Facility on June 14, 2019. A number of employees presented their proposals to a panel of judges as part of the Chief Technologist Innovation Call. Participants had five minutes to present their innovative idea for the chance to receive an award of up to $500 for ideas with little-to-no cost that would make a significant impact.

Pathways intern Douglas Jackson presents his proposal to a panel of judges during the “Innovation Without Boundaries” event held inside the Space Station Processing Facility at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 14, 2019. A number of Kennedy employees presented their proposals as part of the Chief Technologist Innovation Call. Representatives from across Kennedy evaluated ideas based on relevance, benefit, innovativeness, likelihood of success and sustainability.

Nancy Bray, director of Spaceport Integration and Services at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, speaks to Kennedy employees on Sept. 26, 2019, in the Kennedy Learning Institute during the first in a series of five TED Talk-style informational sessions. Sponsored by Kennedy’s Launching Leaders and Leadership for the Future, NASAtalks focuses on the topic of intentional careers and aims to provide employees with tools and knowledge that can be utilized for career growth. The theme of this first session was innovation, and additional speakers included Kennedy employees Phillip Hargrove, Andy Phan and Brittany Mott.

Nancy Bray, director of Spaceport Integration and Services at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, speaks to Kennedy employees on Sept. 26, 2019, in the Kennedy Learning Institute during the first in a series of five TED Talk-style informational sessions. Sponsored by Kennedy’s Launching Leaders and Leadership for the Future, NASAtalks focuses on the topic of intentional careers and aims to provide employees with tools and knowledge that can be utilized for career growth. The theme of this first session was innovation, and additional speakers included Kennedy employees Phillip Hargrove, Andy Phan and Brittany Mott.