CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery erupts from the billowing steam below and leaps into a clear blue sky over Central Florida on its STS-124 mission to the International Space Station. Launch was on time at 5:02 p.m. EDT. Discovery is making its 35th flight. The STS-124 mission is the 26th in the assembly of the space station. It is the second of three flights launching components to complete the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory. The shuttle crew will install Kibo's large Japanese Pressurized Module and its remote manipulator system, or RMS. The 14-day flight includes three spacewalks. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery erupts from the billowing steam below and leaps into a clear blue sky over Central Florida on its STS-124 mission to the International Space Station. Launch was on time at 5:02 p.m. EDT. Discovery is making its 35th flight. The STS-124 mission is the 26th in the assembly of the space station. It is the second of three flights launching components to complete the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory. The shuttle crew will install Kibo's large Japanese Pressurized Module and its remote manipulator system, or RMS. The 14-day flight includes three spacewalks. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

Dan Billow, Mike Brown, and Maggie Persinger were honored May 15, 2024, during the 2024 Kennedy Chroniclers ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Three brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy. The three were honored for their efforts in helping tell the story of America’s space program, primarily from the Florida spaceport. They were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters.

The Chroniclers Induction Ceremony

Dan Billow, Mike Brown, and Maggie Persinger were honored May 15, 2024, during the 2024 Kennedy Chroniclers ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Three brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy. The three were honored for their efforts in helping tell the story of America’s space program, primarily from the Florida spaceport. They were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters.

Mike Brown accepts a certificate naming him a Kennedy Chronicler during a May 15 ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Presenting the award is Burt Summerfield, NASA Kennedy Space Center’s associate director, management. Brown, a long-time space photographer, was among three reporters and industry professionals who were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters for their efforts in helping tell the story of America’s space program. Brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy.

The Chroniclers Induction Ceremony

Mike Brown accepts a certificate naming him a Kennedy Chronicler during a May 15 ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Presenting the award is Burt Summerfield, NASA Kennedy Space Center’s associate director, management. Brown, a long-time space photographer, was among three reporters and industry professionals who were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters for their efforts in helping tell the story of America’s space program. Brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy.

Mike Brown accepts a certificate naming him a Kennedy Chronicler during a May 15 ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Presenting the award is Burt Summerfield, NASA Kennedy Space Center’s associate director, management. Brown, a long-time space photographer, was among three reporters and industry professionals who were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters for their efforts in helping tell the story of America’s space program. Brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy.

The Chroniclers Induction Ceremony

Mike Brown accepts a certificate naming him a Kennedy Chronicler during a May 15 ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Presenting the award is Burt Summerfield, NASA Kennedy Space Center’s associate director, management. Brown, a long-time space photographer, was among three reporters and industry professionals who were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters for their efforts in helping tell the story of America’s space program. Brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy.

Mike Brown, Maggie Persinger, and Dan Billow were honored May 15, 2024, during the 2024 Kennedy Chroniclers ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Three brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy. The three were honored for their efforts in helping tell the story of America’s space program, primarily from the Florida spaceport. They were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters.

The Chroniclers Induction Ceremony

Mike Brown, Maggie Persinger, and Dan Billow were honored May 15, 2024, during the 2024 Kennedy Chroniclers ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Three brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy. The three were honored for their efforts in helping tell the story of America’s space program, primarily from the Florida spaceport. They were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters.

Dan Billow, Mike Brown, and Maggie Persinger were honored May 15, 2024, during the 2024 Kennedy Chroniclers ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Three brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy. The three were honored for their efforts in helping tell the story of America’s space program, primarily from the Florida spaceport. They were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters.

The Chroniclers Induction Ceremony

Dan Billow, Mike Brown, and Maggie Persinger were honored May 15, 2024, during the 2024 Kennedy Chroniclers ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Three brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy. The three were honored for their efforts in helping tell the story of America’s space program, primarily from the Florida spaceport. They were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters.

Mike Brown accepts a certificate naming him a Kennedy Chronicler during a May 15 ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Brown, a long-time space photographer, was among three reporters and industry professionals who were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters for their efforts in helping tell the story of America’s space program. Brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy.

The Chroniclers Induction Ceremony

Mike Brown accepts a certificate naming him a Kennedy Chronicler during a May 15 ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Brown, a long-time space photographer, was among three reporters and industry professionals who were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters for their efforts in helping tell the story of America’s space program. Brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy.

Maggie Persinger accepts a certificate naming her a Kennedy Chronicler during a May 15 ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Presenting the award is Burt Summerfield, NASA Kennedy Space Center’s associate director, management. Persinger, a retired NASA media librarian, was among three reporters and industry professionals who were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters for their efforts in helping tell the story of America’s space program. Brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy.

The Chroniclers Induction Ceremony

Maggie Persinger accepts a certificate naming her a Kennedy Chronicler during a May 15 ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Presenting the award is Burt Summerfield, NASA Kennedy Space Center’s associate director, management. Persinger, a retired NASA media librarian, was among three reporters and industry professionals who were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters for their efforts in helping tell the story of America’s space program. Brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy.

Dan Billow, Mike Brown, and Maggie Persinger were honored May 15, 2024, during the 2024 Kennedy Chroniclers ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Three brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy. The three were honored for their efforts in helping tell the story of America’s space program, primarily from the Florida spaceport. They were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters.

The Chroniclers Induction Ceremony

Dan Billow, Mike Brown, and Maggie Persinger were honored May 15, 2024, during the 2024 Kennedy Chroniclers ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Three brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy. The three were honored for their efforts in helping tell the story of America’s space program, primarily from the Florida spaceport. They were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters.

Dan Billow accepts a certificate naming him a Kennedy Chronicler during a May 15 ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Presenting the award is Burt Summerfield, NASA Kennedy Space Center’s associate director, management. Billow, a retired television broadcaster, was among three reporters and industry professionals who were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters. Brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy.

The Chroniclers Induction Ceremony

Dan Billow accepts a certificate naming him a Kennedy Chronicler during a May 15 ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Presenting the award is Burt Summerfield, NASA Kennedy Space Center’s associate director, management. Billow, a retired television broadcaster, was among three reporters and industry professionals who were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters. Brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy.

Dan Billow, Mike Brown, and Maggie Persinger were honored May 15, 2024, during the 2024 Kennedy Chroniclers ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Three brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy. The three were honored for their efforts in helping tell the story of America’s space program, primarily from the Florida spaceport. They were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters.

The Chroniclers Induction Ceremony

Dan Billow, Mike Brown, and Maggie Persinger were honored May 15, 2024, during the 2024 Kennedy Chroniclers ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Three brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy. The three were honored for their efforts in helping tell the story of America’s space program, primarily from the Florida spaceport. They were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters.

Maggie Persinger accepts a certificate naming her a Kennedy Chronicler during a May 15 ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Presenting the award is Burt Summerfield, NASA Kennedy Space Center’s associate director, management. Persinger, a retired NASA media librarian, was among three reporters and industry professionals who were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters for their efforts in helping tell the story of America’s space program. Brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy.

The Chroniclers Induction Ceremony

Maggie Persinger accepts a certificate naming her a Kennedy Chronicler during a May 15 ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Presenting the award is Burt Summerfield, NASA Kennedy Space Center’s associate director, management. Persinger, a retired NASA media librarian, was among three reporters and industry professionals who were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters for their efforts in helping tell the story of America’s space program. Brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy.

Mike Brown, Maggie Persinger, and Dan Billow were honored May 15, 2024, during the 2024 Kennedy Chroniclers ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Three brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy. The three were honored for their efforts in helping tell the story of America’s space program, primarily from the Florida spaceport. They were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters.

The Chroniclers Induction Ceremony

Mike Brown, Maggie Persinger, and Dan Billow were honored May 15, 2024, during the 2024 Kennedy Chroniclers ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Three brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy. The three were honored for their efforts in helping tell the story of America’s space program, primarily from the Florida spaceport. They were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters.

Mike Brown, Maggie Persinger, and Dan Billow were honored May 15, 2024, during the 2024 Kennedy Chroniclers ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Three brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy. The three were honored for their efforts in helping tell the story of America’s space program, primarily from the Florida spaceport. They were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters.

The Chroniclers Induction Ceremony

Mike Brown, Maggie Persinger, and Dan Billow were honored May 15, 2024, during the 2024 Kennedy Chroniclers ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Three brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy. The three were honored for their efforts in helping tell the story of America’s space program, primarily from the Florida spaceport. They were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters.

Dan Billow accepts a certificate naming him a Kennedy Chronicler during a May 15 ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Presenting the award is Burt Summerfield, NASA Kennedy Space Center’s associate director, management. Billow, a retired television broadcaster, was among three reporters and industry professionals who were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters. Brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy.

The Chroniclers Induction Ceremony

Dan Billow accepts a certificate naming him a Kennedy Chronicler during a May 15 ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Presenting the award is Burt Summerfield, NASA Kennedy Space Center’s associate director, management. Billow, a retired television broadcaster, was among three reporters and industry professionals who were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters. Brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy.

Dan Billow accepts a certificate naming him a Kennedy Chronicler during a May 15 ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Billow, a retired television broadcaster, was among three reporters and industry professionals who were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters. Brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy.

The Chroniclers Induction Ceremony

Dan Billow accepts a certificate naming him a Kennedy Chronicler during a May 15 ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Billow, a retired television broadcaster, was among three reporters and industry professionals who were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters. Brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy.

Dan Billow accepts a certificate naming him a Kennedy Chronicler during a May 15 ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Billow, a retired television broadcaster, was among three reporters and industry professionals who were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters. Brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy.

The Chroniclers Induction Ceremony

Dan Billow accepts a certificate naming him a Kennedy Chronicler during a May 15 ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Billow, a retired television broadcaster, was among three reporters and industry professionals who were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters. Brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy.

Maggie Persinger accepts a certificate naming her a Kennedy Chronicler during a May 15 ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Persinger, a retired NASA media librarian, was among three reporters and industry professionals who were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters for their efforts in helping tell the story of America’s space program. Brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy.

The Chroniclers Induction Ceremony

Maggie Persinger accepts a certificate naming her a Kennedy Chronicler during a May 15 ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Persinger, a retired NASA media librarian, was among three reporters and industry professionals who were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters for their efforts in helping tell the story of America’s space program. Brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy.

Dan Billow, Mike Brown, and Maggie Persinger were honored May 15, 2024, during the 2024 Kennedy Chroniclers ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Three brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy. The three were honored for their efforts in helping tell the story of America’s space program, primarily from the Florida spaceport. They were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters.

The Chroniclers Induction Ceremony

Dan Billow, Mike Brown, and Maggie Persinger were honored May 15, 2024, during the 2024 Kennedy Chroniclers ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Three brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy. The three were honored for their efforts in helping tell the story of America’s space program, primarily from the Florida spaceport. They were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters.