
Staff members at Kennedy Space Center’s Child Development Center, along with members of the NASA Exchange, cut the ribbon to officially open a new playground at the facility on Aug. 10, 2023.

Mark Velasco (left) and Jared Sass assemble a custom cold heat exchanger for freezing carbon dioxide from a simulated Martian environment in the Cryogenics Test Laboratory at NASA's Kennedy Space Center on Mar. 20, 2019.

Two NASA retirees pose with Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s Space Person, at the 2022 Center Director’s Holiday Coffee on Dec. 7, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The annual holiday event is an opportunity for Kennedy employees and NASA retirees to exchange holiday greetings with center leaders and fellow support staff.

Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro speaks during the 2022 Center Director’s Holiday Coffee, on Dec. 7, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The annual holiday event is an opportunity for Kennedy employees and NASA retirees to exchange holiday greetings with center leaders and fellow support staff.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Executive Director of NASDA Koji Yamamoto (left) and Center Director Roy Bridges Jr. (right) exchange mementos during Mr. Yamamoto’s visit to KSC. Mr. Bridges also holds the logo of the new Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, a merger of three Japanese aeronautical and space agencies effective Oct.1, 2003. Mr. Yamamoto is at KSC for a welcome ceremony involving the arrival of the newest Space Station module, the Japanese Experiment Module/pressurized module. His visit includes a tour of the Columbia Debris Hangar.

Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro, right, poses with Kennedy employee Jerad Merbitz at the 2022 Center Director’s Holiday Coffee on Dec. 7, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The annual holiday event is an opportunity for Kennedy employees and NASA retirees to exchange holiday greetings with center leaders and fellow support staff.

Kennedy Space Center employee Dean Pettit takes a selfie with Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s Space Person, at the 2022 Center Director’s Holiday Coffee on Dec. 7, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The annual holiday event is an opportunity for Kennedy employees and NASA retirees to exchange holiday greetings with center leaders and fellow support staff.

Kennedy Space Center employee Lynn Dotson poses with Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s Space Person, at the 2022 Center Director’s Holiday Coffee on Dec. 7, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The annual holiday event is an opportunity for Kennedy employees and NASA retirees to exchange holiday greetings with center leaders and fellow support staff.

The family of one of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team members watches the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. Kennedy’s ERT members are working their way along a rope. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, and featured five different competition categories. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with 60 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

Kennedy Space Center employees attend the 2022 Center Director’s Holiday Coffee on Dec. 7, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. From left are Rebecca Mazzone, Richard Johanboeke, and Bethanne Hull. The annual holiday event is an opportunity for Kennedy employees and NASA retirees to exchange holiday greetings with center leaders and fellow support staff.

Members of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team prepare for the next tactical challenge at the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. SWAT Roundup judges review procedures with Kennedy ERT members. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

A member of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team competes in the 34th Annual SWAT Round-up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 15 to 18, and featured five different competition categories. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with 60 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team members check their firearms before competing in the 34th Annual SWAT Round-up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 15 to 18, and featured five different competition categories. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with 60 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

A member of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team checks his firearm as the team prepares for the next tactical challenge at the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

Members of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team break through a barricade during one of the tactical challenges at the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

A member of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team talks looks through the scope of his rifle as he prepares for the next tactical challenge during the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team members check their firearms before competing in the 34th Annual SWAT Round-up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 15 to 18, and featured five different competition categories. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with 60 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team members are timed as they exit a security vehicle during the 34th Annual SWAT Round-up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 15 to 18, and featured five different competition categories. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with 60 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

A member of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team prepares to compete in the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

Members of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team take aim at targets during the sharpshooter tactical challenge at the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

Members of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team compete in the citizen rescue tactical challenge at the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

A member of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team waits for the signal from the judge and then takes aim to shoot at a target with a handgun during one of the tactical challenges at the 35th Annual SWAT Round-up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team members scale a wall during the 34th Annual SWAT Round-up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 15 to 18, and featured five different competition categories. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with 60 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team members compete in the 34th Annual SWAT Round-up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 15 to 18, and featured five different competition categories. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with 60 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

The young sons of one of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team members prepare to watch their father compete in the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, and featured five different competition categories. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with 60 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

A member of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team scales over a wall during one of the tactical challenges at the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

The family of one of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team members prepare to watch the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, and featured five different competition categories. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with 60 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

Members of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team shoot at targets using handguns during one of the tactical challenges at the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

A member of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team works his way along a rope above water during one of the tactical challenges at the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

A member of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team prepares to compete in the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

Members of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team check their firearms as they prepare for the next tactical challenge at the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

Members of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team compete in the citizen rescue tactical challenge at the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

Members of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team compete in the citizen rescue tactical challenge at the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

Members of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team check their firearms as they prepare for the next tactical challenge at the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team members prepare compete in target shooting during the 34th Annual SWAT Round-up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 15 to 18, and featured five different competition categories. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with 60 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

Members of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team break through a barricade and run through to the other side during one of the tactical challenges at the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

Members of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team prepare for the next tactical challenge at the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

A member of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team talks with his wife during a break between tactical challenges during the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

A member of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team works his way along a rope above water during one of the tactical challenges at the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

Members of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team check their firearms before competing in the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Special pellets, rather than real bullets, are used during the competition. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

A member of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team switches position as he works his way along a rope above water during one of the tactical challenges at the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

A member of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team prepares to compete in the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

Members of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team run during one of the tactical challenges at the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

A member of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team competes in the 34th Annual SWAT Round-up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 15 to 18, and featured five different competition categories. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with 60 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

A member of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team takes aim at a target during the sharpshooter tactical challenge at the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team members compete in the 34th Annual SWAT Round-up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 15 to 18, and featured five different competition categories. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with 60 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

The entrance to the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team members will compete in the 34th Annual SWAT Round-up International from Nov. 15 to 18. The event features five different competition categories. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with 60 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

Members of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team take a break between tactical challenges during the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

Members of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team compete in the citizen rescue tactical challenge at the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

The young sons of one of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team members prepare to watch their father compete in the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, and featured five different competition categories. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with 60 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

Members of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team work their way along a rope above water during one of the tactical challenges at the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

A member of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team competes in the 34th Annual SWAT Round-up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 15 to 18, and featured five different competition categories. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with 60 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

Members of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team check their firearms before competing in the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Special pellets, rather than real bullets, are used during the competition. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

Members of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team check their firearms before competing in the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Special pellets, rather than real bullets, are used during the competition. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

Members of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team prepare to break through a barricade during one of the tactical challenges at the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

Members of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team prepare for the next tactical challenge at the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

Members of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team run during one of the tactical challenges at the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

Members of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team prepare to break through a barricade during one of the tactical challenges at the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

A member of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team prepares to compete in the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

Members of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team compete in the citizen rescue tactical challenge at the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

Members of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team check their firearms before competing in the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Special pellets, rather than real bullets, are used during the competition. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

Members of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team prepare for the next tactical challenge at the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

A member of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team prepares to compete in the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

A member of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team prepares to compete in the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Special pellets, rather than real bullets, are used during the competition. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

Members of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team prepare for the next tactical challenge at the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

Members of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team prepare for the next tactical challenge at the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team competes in the 34th Annual SWAT Round-up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 15 to 18, and featured five different competition categories. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with 60 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

Members of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team gather to prepare for the next tactical challenge at the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team members prepare to compete in the 34th Annual SWAT Round-up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 15 to 18, and featured five different competition categories. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with 60 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

A member of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team is with his daughter at the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

Members of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team prepare for the next tactical challenge at the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

A member of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team is with his wife and children at the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, and featured five different competition categories. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with 60 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team members prepare to compete in the 34th Annual SWAT Round-up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 15 to 18, and featured five different competition categories. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with 60 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team members prepare to compete in the 34th Annual SWAT Round-up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 15 to 18, and featured five different competition categories. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with 60 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro, fourth from right, poses with other center leaders and support staff during the 2022 Center Director’s Holiday Coffee on Dec. 7, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. From left are Deputy Director Kelvin Manning; Kennedy Space Center employees Michael Haddad, Maggi Dutczak, and Cindy Rymer; Associate Director Technical Burt Summerfield; Associate Director Operations Jennifer Kunz; Petro; Kennedy employees Heidi Culp, Amber Chieffe, and Amanda Hayes. The annual holiday event is an opportunity for Kennedy employees and NASA retirees to exchange holiday greetings with center leaders and fellow support staff.

STS079-S-006 (16 Sept. 1996) --- The space shuttle Atlantis lifts off from Launch Pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). The approximately 10-day flight will be highlighted by the fourth docking between the United States Space Shuttle and Russia's Mir Space Station and it will mark the first in a series of NASA-supplied crew exchanges aboard Mir. Liftoff was at 4:54:49 a.m. (EDT) Sept. 16, 1996.

Organizers and volunteers for Kennedy Space Center’s Earth Day celebration gather for a photo at the NASA Exchange raffle booth. From left to right are Jeanne Ryba, Environmental Sustainability program specialist; Robert Smith, Earth Day volunteer; and Natasha Darre, Cultural Resources Specialist. The two-day event featured approximately 50 exhibitors offering information on a variety of topics, including electric vehicles, sustainable lighting, renewable energy, Florida-friendly landscaping tips, Florida’s biking trails and more.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) No. 2036, the first of the new Block 1 engines to fly, awaits installation into position one of the orbiter Discovery in Orbiter Processing Facility 2 during preparation of the spaceplane for the STS-70 mission. The advanced powerplant features a new high-pressure liquid oxygen turbopump, a two-duct powerhead, a baffleless main injector, a single-coil heat exchanger and start sequence modifications. These modifications are designed to improve both engine performance and safety.

Members of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team check the scopes on their rifles to prepare for the next tactical challenge during the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Special pellets, rather than real bullets, are used during the competition. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

A member of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team switches position as he works his way along a rope above water during one of the tactical challenges at the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. His ERT teammate cheers him on. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

Members of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Emergency Response Team check the scopes on their rifles to prepare for the next tactical challenge during the 37th Annual SWAT Round-Up International at the Lawson Lamar Firearms and Tactical Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The competition was held Nov. 10 to 15, 2019, and featured five different tactical challenges. Special pellets, rather than real bullets, are used during the competition. Kennedy's ERT members exchanged best practices and competed with more than 50 teams from the U.S. and around the world.

Children anxiously anticipate the opening of a new playground at Kennedy Space Center’s Child Development Center on Aug. 10, 2023. The kids were able to enjoy the playground immediately following a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Children enjoy a brand new playground at Kennedy Space Center’s Child Development Center on Aug. 10, 2023. The playground officially opened following a ribbon cutting ceremony earlier in the day.

Children anxiously anticipate the opening of a new playground at Kennedy Space Center’s Child Development Center on Aug. 10, 2023. The kids were able to enjoy the playground immediately following a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Children enjoy a brand new playground at Kennedy Space Center’s Child Development Center on Aug. 10, 2023. The playground officially opened following a ribbon cutting ceremony earlier in the day.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Vertical Processing Facility, the replacement Reaction Wheel Actuator for the Hubble Space Telescope is moved from its shipping container. Part of Hubble's Pointing Control System, the actuators receiving information from sensors and physically adjust Hubble's position and orientation so that Hubble can view the required celestial bodies. The reaction wheels work by rotating a large flywheel up to 3000 rpm or braking it to exchange momentum with the spacecraft which will make Hubble turn. The RWA is part of the payload on mission STS-109, the Hubble Servicing Mission, scheduled to launch Feb. 28, 2002

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - After its shipping cover was removed, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo Exposed Facility is moved to a high bay in the Space Station Processing Facility, or EF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. When it is installed on the Kibo laboratory, the EF will provide a multipurpose platform where science experiments can be deployed and operated in the exposed environment. The payloads attached to the EF can be exchanged or retrieved by Kibo's robotic arm, the JEM Remote Manipulator System. The EF, along with the Experiment Logistics Module Exposed Section, will be carried aboard space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission targeted for launch May 15, 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers place an element of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo Exposed Facility, or EF, on the floor of the high bay. When it is installed on the Kibo laboratory, the EF will provide a multipurpose platform where science experiments can be deployed and operated in the exposed environment. The payloads attached to the EF can be exchanged or retrieved by Kibo's robotic arm, the JEM Remote Manipulator System. The EF, along with the Experiment Logistics Module Exposed Section, will be carried aboard space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission targeted for launch May 15, 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo Exposed Facility, or EF, is ready to be lowered onto a stand. The EF, along with the Experiment Logistics Module Exposed Section, will be carried aboard space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission to the International Space Station targeted for launch May 15, 2009. When it is installed on the Kibo laboratory,the EF will provide a multipurpose platform where science experiments can be deployed and operated in the exposed environment. The payloads attached to the EF can be exchanged or retrieved by Kibo's robotic arm, the JEM Remote Manipulator System. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo Exposed Facility, or EF, rests in the high bay. When it is installed on the Kibo laboratory, the EF will provide a multipurpose platform where science experiments can be deployed and operated in the exposed environment. The payloads attached to the EF can be exchanged or retrieved by Kibo's robotic arm, the JEM Remote Manipulator System. The EF, along with the Experiment Logistics Module Exposed Section, will be carried aboard space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission targeted for launch May 15, 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

NASA’s Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) observatory spacecraft is uncrated for prelaunch processing at the Astrotech Space Operations Facility near the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023. The PACE observatory will help us better understand how the ocean and atmosphere exchange carbon dioxide, measure key atmospheric variables associated with air quality and Earth's climate, and monitor ocean health, in part by studying phytoplankton, tiny plants and algae that sustain the marine food web. PACE will be encapsulated for launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –– In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the suspended Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo Exposed Facility, or EF, is lowered into a workstand. When it is installed on the Kibo laboratory, the EF will provide a multipurpose platform where science experiments can be deployed and operated in the exposed environment. The payloads attached to the EF can be exchanged or retrieved by Kibo's robotic arm, the JEM Remote Manipulator System. The EF, along with the Experiment Logistics Module Exposed Section, will be carried aboard space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission targeted for launch June 13, 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The replacement Reaction Wheel Actuator for the Hubble Space Telescope arrives at the Vertical Processing Facility. Part of Hubble's Pointing Control System, the actuators receiving information from sensors and physically adjust Hubble's position and orientation so that Hubble can view the required celestial bodies. The reaction wheels work by rotating a large flywheel up to 3000 rpm or braking it to exchange momentum with the spacecraft which will make Hubble turn. The RWA is part of the payload on mission STS-109, the Hubble Servicing Mission, scheduled to launch Feb. 28, 2002

NASA invited members of the media to view NASA’s PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem) spacecraft inside a cleanroom at the Astrotech Space Operations Facility near the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. PACE will collect data on how the ocean and atmosphere exchange carbon dioxide, measure key atmospheric variables associated with air quality and Earth's climate, and monitor ocean health. The spacecraft is scheduled to launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket no earlier than Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024, from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) hoist prepares to lift the first Block 1 engine to be installed in an orbiter into the number one position on Discovery while the spaceplane is being prepared for the STS-70 mission in the high bay of Orbiter Processing Facility 2. The new engine, SSME No. 2036, features a new high-pressure liquid oxygen turbopump, a two-duct powerhead, a baffleless main injector, a single-coil heat exchanger and start sequence modifications. The other two main engines to be used during the liftoff of the STS-70 mission are of the existing Phase II design.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an overhead crane lowers the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo Exposed Facility, or EF, part of the payload for the STS-127 mission, into the payload canister. The EF, along with the Experiment Logistics Module Exposed Section, will be carried aboard space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission targeted for launch June 13. When the EF is installed on the Kibo laboratory, it will provide a multipurpose platform where science experiments can be deployed and operated in the exposed environment. The payloads attached to the EF can be exchanged or retrieved by Kibo's robotic arm, the JEM Remote Manipulator. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an overhead crane lowers the the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo Exposed Facility, or EF, part of the payload for the STS-127 mission, into the payload canister. The EF, along with the Experiment Logistics Module Exposed Section, will be carried aboard space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission targeted for launch June 13. When the EF is installed on the Kibo laboratory, it will provide a multipurpose platform where science experiments can be deployed and operated in the exposed environment. The payloads attached to the EF can be exchanged or retrieved by Kibo's robotic arm, the JEM Remote Manipulator. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –– In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo Exposed Facility, or EF, is being transferred to a workstand. When it is installed on the Kibo laboratory, the EF will provide a multipurpose platform where science experiments can be deployed and operated in the exposed environment. The payloads attached to the EF can be exchanged or retrieved by Kibo's robotic arm, the JEM Remote Manipulator System. The EF, along with the Experiment Logistics Module Exposed Section, will be carried aboard space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission targeted for launch June 13, 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Vertical Processing Facility check the position of the Hubble Space Telescope's replacement Reaction Wheel Actuator on the Large Orbital Protective Enclosure (LOPE), which is contained in the Multi-Use Lightweight Equipment (MULE) for flight. Part of Hubble's Pointing Control System, the actuators receiving information from sensors and physically adjust Hubble's position and orientation so that Hubble can view the required celestial bodies. The reaction wheels work by rotating a large flywheel up to 3000 rpm or braking it to exchange momentum with the spacecraft which will make Hubble turn. The RWA is part of the payload on mission STS-109, the Hubble Servicing Mission, scheduled to launch Feb. 28, 2002

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo Exposed Facility, or EF, is lifted for a move to another stand. The EF, along with the Experiment Logistics Module Exposed Section, will be carried aboard space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission to the International Space Station targeted for launch May 15, 2009. When it is installed on the Kibo laboratory,the EF will provide a multipurpose platform where science experiments can be deployed and operated in the exposed environment. The payloads attached to the EF can be exchanged or retrieved by Kibo's robotic arm, the JEM Remote Manipulator System. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett