Dr. Kurt Debus and Dr. von Braun during prelaunch activities of the Ranger IV at Launch Pad 12 on April 12. 1962.

Dignataries (KSC Director Dr. Kurt Debus is second from right, NASA Administrator James C. Fletcher speaking), at the Last Major Beam Installation, attending the VAB Topping-Off Ceremony. MILA.

Dr. Kurt Debus (Director, NASA-KSC) signs the last major beam autographed by construction workers, NASA, and Corps of Engineers employees to be installed during the VAB Topping-Off Ceremony. MILA.

Center Director Roy Bridges speaks to guests at the 12th annual Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award Dinner held at the KSC Visitor Complex’s Debus Conference Facility. Presented with the 2001 Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award, Bridges was honored for his progressive, visionary leadership and contributions to space technology and exploration. The Florida Committee of the National Space Club presented the award. The Debus Award was first given in 1980. Created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to the American aerospace effort, the award is named for the KSC’s first Director, Dr. Kurt H. Debus

Center Director Roy Bridges speaks to guests at the 12th annual Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award Dinner held at the KSC Visitor Complex’s Debus Conference Facility. Presented with the 2001 Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award, Bridges was honored for his progressive, visionary leadership and contributions to space technology and exploration. The Florida Committee of the National Space Club presented the award. The Debus Award was first given in 1980. Created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to the American aerospace effort, the award is named for the KSC’s first Director, Dr. Kurt H. Debus

The 12th annual Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award Dinner included as speakers the first Shuttle crew from STS-1, John Young (left) and Robert Crippen (right). At the dinner, Center Director Roy Bridges received the 2001 Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award honoring his progressive, visionary leadership and contributions to space technology and exploration. The Florida Committee of the National Space Club presented the award. The Debus Award was first given in 1980. Created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to the American aerospace effort, the award is named for the KSC’s first Director, Dr. Kurt H. Debus

The 12th annual Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award Dinner included as speakers the first Shuttle crew from STS-1, John Young (left) and Robert Crippen (right). At the dinner, Center Director Roy Bridges received the 2001 Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award honoring his progressive, visionary leadership and contributions to space technology and exploration. The Florida Committee of the National Space Club presented the award. The Debus Award was first given in 1980. Created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to the American aerospace effort, the award is named for the KSC’s first Director, Dr. Kurt H. Debus

Center Director Roy Bridges (center) is congratulated by Spaceport Florida Authority Executive Director Ed Gormel (left) at the 12th annual Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award Dinner held at the KSC Visitor Complex’s Debus Conference Facility. At right is Rick Abramson, president of Delaware North Parks Services of Spaceport, Inc. Bridges was presented with the 2001 Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award honoring his progressive, visionary leadership and contributions to space technology and exploration. The Florida Committee of the National Space Club presented the award. The Debus Award was first given in 1980. Created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to the American aerospace effort, the award is named for the KSC’s first Director, Dr. Kurt H. Debus

Center Director Roy Bridges (center) is congratulated by Spaceport Florida Authority Executive Director Ed Gormel (left) at the 12th annual Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award Dinner held at the KSC Visitor Complex’s Debus Conference Facility. At right is Rick Abramson, president of Delaware North Parks Services of Spaceport, Inc. Bridges was presented with the 2001 Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award honoring his progressive, visionary leadership and contributions to space technology and exploration. The Florida Committee of the National Space Club presented the award. The Debus Award was first given in 1980. Created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to the American aerospace effort, the award is named for the KSC’s first Director, Dr. Kurt H. Debus

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Debus Award recipient John J. “Tip” Talone speaks to guests at the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet, held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the Visitor Complex. Talone, director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate, received the award in recognition of his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The award was created by the National Space Club Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Debus Award recipient John J. “Tip” Talone speaks to guests at the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet, held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the KSC Visitor Complex. Director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate, Talone received the award in recognition of his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The award was created by the National Space Club Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet, Master of Ceremonies Dick Beagley (left) presents the Debus Award to John J. “Tip” Talone, director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate. He was honored for his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The event was held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the Visitor Complex. The award was created by the National Space Club to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

CAPE KENNEDY, Fla. -- Official portrait of Dr. Kurt H. Debus, director of the John F. Kennedy Space Center Photo Credit: NASA

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Winners of the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award attending the 2003 awards dinner are (from left) Lee Solid, Robert B. Sieck, Adrian Laffitte, Roy D. Bridges, and Dr. Maxwell King. Laffitte, director of Atlas Programs for Lockheed Martin Astronautics at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, was honored as the winner of the 2003 Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award from the National Space Club Florida Committee. The Debus Award was created by the committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts.

The 12th annual Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award Dinner gathered these distinguished guests: (from left), Center Director Roy Bridges, who received the 2001 Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award, Maxwell King, Lee Solid, JoAnn Morgan, Bob Sieck, Forrest McCartney and Ernie Briel. Solid is the former vice president and general manager of Space Systems Division, Florida Operations, Rockwell International. Morgan is the director of KSC’s External Relations & Business Development Directorate; Bob Sieck is the former director of Shuttle Processing at KSC. McCartney, center director of KSC from 1986-1991, received the first Debus award ever given to a KSC director. Bridges was given the honor for his progressive, visionary leadership and contributions to space technology and exploration. The Florida Committee of the National Space Club presented the award. The Debus Award was first given in 1980. Created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to the American aerospace effort, the award is named for the KSC’s first Director, Dr. Kurt H. Debus

The 12th annual Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award Dinner gathered these distinguished guests: (from left), Center Director Roy Bridges, who received the 2001 Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award, Maxwell King, Lee Solid, JoAnn Morgan, Bob Sieck, Forrest McCartney and Ernie Briel. Solid is the former vice president and general manager of Space Systems Division, Florida Operations, Rockwell International. Morgan is the director of KSC’s External Relations and Business Development Directorate; Bob Sieck is the former director of Shuttle Processing at KSC. McCartney, center director of KSC from 1986-1991, received the first Debus award ever given to a KSC director. Bridges was given the honor for his progressive, visionary leadership and contributions to space technology and exploration. The Florida Committee of the National Space Club presented the award. The Debus Award was first given in 1980. Created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to the American aerospace effort, the award is named for the KSC’s first Director, Dr. Kurt H. Debus

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Jim Chilton, CAPPS program manager, speaks to guests at the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet, held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the KSC Visitor Complex. Receiving the Debus Award was KSC’s Director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate John J. “Tip” Talone. He was honored for his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The award was created by the National Space Club Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Center Director Jim Kennedy and his wife pose during a break in the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet. The event was held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the Visitor Complex. Receiving the Debus Award was KSC’s Director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate John J. “Tip” Talone. He was honored for his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The award was created by the National Space Club Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the Visitor Complex, David E. Bartine, chief technologist and associate director for the Spaceport Technology Development Office, reads a proclamation honoring John J. “Tip” Talone . The proclamation named April 3, 2004, in Knox County, Tenn., as John J. “Tip” Talone Jr. Day, in recognition of his being given the 2004 Debus Award. KSC’s Director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate, Talone was presented the award for his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The award was created by the National Space Club Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Past recipients of the Debus Award join the 2004 awardee John J. “Tip” Talone (center) at the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet, held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the KSC Visitor Complex. From left are Forrest McCartney, Lee Solid, Maxwell King, Talone, Bob Sieck, Ernie Briel and Adrian Laffitte. Director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate, Talone received the award in recognition of his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The award was created by the National Space Club Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Christopher Scolese speaks to the guests at the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet, held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the KSC Visitor Complex. He is the deputy associate administrator in the Office of Space Science at NASA Headquarters. Receiving the Debus Award was KSC’s Director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate John J. “Tip” Talone. He was honored for his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The award was created by the National Space Club Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Jim Chilton (left), CAPPS program manager, and Dick Beagley, chairman of the National Space Club Debus Award Banquet committee, present the 2004 Debus Award to John J. “Tip” Talone (right). The event was held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the Visitor Complex. Talone is director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate at KSC that is responsible for prelaunch and launch preparations for all Shuttle payloads. He was honored for his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The award was created by the National Space Club Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet, held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the KSC Visitor Complex, Master of Ceremonies Dick Beagley (left) presents a memento to guest speaker Christopher Scolese, who is the deputy associate administrator in the Office of Space Science at NASA Headquarters. KSC’s Director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate John J. “Tip” Talone received the Debus award. He was honored for his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. Beagley is chairman of the National Space Club Florida Committee, which created the award to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Dr. Kurt Debus, Kennedy Space Center's first director, adds his name to the thousands of signatures affixed to the 38-foot-long steel beam used in the VAB's 'Topping Off' ceremonies.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Saturn blockhouse personnel at Complex 37 during liftoff of SA-3. Dr. Kurt Debus and Dr. Wernher von Braun are in the foreground.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Adrian Laffitte (second from left) and his family enjoy a moment in the spotlight at a formal dinner held in the Debus Conference Center at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Laffitte, director of Atlas Programs for Lockheed Martin Astronautics at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, was honored as the winner of the 2003 Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award from the National Space Club Florida Committee. The Debus Award was created by the committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Adrian Laffitte (left) and his son show off a small copy of the Debus Award Trophy presented to him at a formal dinner held in the Debus Conference Center at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Laffitte, director of Atlas Programs for Lockheed Martin Astronautics at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, was honored as the winner of the 2003 Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award from the National Space Club Florida Committee. The Debus Award was created by the committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, National Space Club Florida Committee Chairman Jim McCarthy, at the podium, has just presented the prestigious Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award to Kennedy's director, Bob Cabana. A former U.S. Marine Corps aviator and NASA astronaut, Cabana was honored at the gala Debus Award Dinner. Named for the spaceport’s first director, the Debus Award was created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The Debus Award was created by the space club's Florida committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, National Space Club Florida Committee Chairman Jim McCarthy, left, presents the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award to Kennedy's director, Bob Cabana. A former U.S. Marine Corps aviator and NASA astronaut, Cabana was honored at the gala Debus Award Dinner. Named for the spaceport’s first director, the Debus Award was created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The Debus Award was created by the space club's Florida committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, center director Bob Cabana speaks after being presented the prestigious Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award. A former U.S. Marine Corps aviator and NASA astronaut, Cabana was honored at the gala Debus Award Dinner. Named for the spaceport’s first director, the Debus Award was created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The Debus Award was created by the space club's Florida committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, NASA Administrator Charles Bolden speaks at the annual the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award gala in which the prestigious honor was presented to Kennedy's director, Bob Cabana. A former U.S. Marine Corps aviator and NASA astronaut, Cabana was honored at the gala Debus Award Dinner. Named for the spaceport’s first director, the Debus Award was created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The Debus Award was created by the space club's Florida committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, center director Bob Cabana speaks after being presented the prestigious Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award. A former U.S. Marine Corps aviator and NASA astronaut, Cabana was honored at the gala Debus Award Dinner. Named for the spaceport’s first director, the Debus Award was created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The Debus Award was created by the space club's Florida committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, center director Bob Cabana speaks after being presented the prestigious Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award. A former U.S. Marine Corps aviator and NASA astronaut, Cabana was honored at the gala Debus Award Dinner. Named for the spaceport’s first director, the Debus Award was created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The Debus Award was created by the space club's Florida committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award for 2013 was presented to director Bob Cabana by the National Space Club Florida Committee. A former U.S. Marine Corps aviator and NASA astronaut, Cabana was honored at the gala Debus Award Dinner. Named for the spaceport’s first director, the Debus Award was created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The Debus Award was created by the space club's Florida committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, the center's associate director, Kelvin Manning, served as emcee for the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award gala in which the prestigious honor was presented to Kennedy's director, Bob Cabana. A former U.S. Marine Corps aviator and NASA astronaut, Cabana was honored at the gala Debus Award Dinner. Named for the spaceport’s first director, the Debus Award was created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The Debus Award was created by the space club's Florida committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- John J. “Tip” Talone (right) poses with Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach and his wife during the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet. Talone received the award that was created to recognize significant achievements made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The event was held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the Visitor Complex. Talone is director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate at KSC that is responsible for prelaunch and launch preparations for all Shuttle payloads. He was honored for his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The award was created by the National Space Club Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- John J. “Tip” Talone (left) talks to George English, former director of KSC’s Executive Management Office, during the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet. Talone received the award that was created to recognize significant achievements made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The event was held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the Visitor Complex. Talone is director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate at KSC that is responsible for prelaunch and launch preparations for all Shuttle payloads. He was honored for his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The award was created by the National Space Club Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- John J. “Tip” Talone (right) shares a bit of humor with Shuttle Program Manager Bill Parsons (left) and Center Director Jim Kennedy during the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet. Talone received the award that was created by the National Space Club to recognize significant achievements made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The event was held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the Visitor Complex. Talone is director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate at KSC that is responsible for prelaunch and launch preparations for all Shuttle payloads. He was honored for his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The award was created by the National Space Club Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- John J. “Tip” Talone (center) poses with his son and daughter during the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet. Talone received the award that was created to recognize significant achievements made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The event was held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the Visitor Complex. Talone is director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate at KSC that is responsible for prelaunch and launch preparations for all Shuttle payloads. He was honored for his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The award was created by the National Space Club Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- John J. “Tip” Talone (right) poses with Lisa Malone, director of KSC External Affairs, and Kevin Hoshstrasser, her fiancé, during the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet. Talone received the award that was created to recognize significant achievements made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The event was held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the Visitor Complex. Talone is director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate at KSC that is responsible for prelaunch and launch preparations for all Shuttle payloads. He was honored for his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The award was created by the National Space Club Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- NASA Deputy Administrator and former astronaut Frederick Gregory is the featured speaker at a formal dinner held in the Debus Conference Center at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Adrian Laffitte, director of Atlas Programs for Lockheed Martin Astronautics at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, was honored as the winner of the 2003 Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award from the National Space Club Florida Committee at the dinner. The Debus Award was created by the committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts.

Dr. Kurt H. Debus, Kennedy Space Center's First Director: A doctor of philosophy in engineering from Darmstadt University, Debus was selected by Dr. Wernher von Braun to direct the Experimental Missile Firing Branch which began launching missiles from Cape Canaveral in 1953. Dr. Debus became the first Center Director for the new independent Launch Operations Center, and it was his job to put Saturn/Apollo into space. His tenure at Kennedy Space Center spanned 13 years, from 1962 to 1974. Poster designed by Kennedy Space Center Graphics Department/Greg Lee. Credit: NASA

CAPE KENNEDY, Fla. -- At the Cape Kennedy Air Force Station skid strip, Dr. Kurt H. Debus, director of the Kennedy Space Center, greets returning Gemini 12 astronauts James A. Lovell and Edwin E. Buzz Aldrin Jr. following their four-day Earth orbital mission. Photo Credit: NASA

CAPE CANAVERAL Fla. -- President John F. Kennedy is escorted by Launch Operations Center Director Dr. Kurt H. Debus, on the right, on a tour of Launch Complex-14 at the Cape Canaveral Missile Test Annex in Florida. Photo Credit: NASA

CAPE CANAVERAL, FLA. -- After arrival at Cape Canaveral Missile Test Annex, Skid Strip, President John F. Kennedy left is welcomed by a Color Guard. Dr. Kurt Debus is at right. The President is touring Complex 37, Cape Canaveral Missile Test Annex.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, National Space Club Florida Committee Chairman Jim McCarthy speaks at the annual the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award gala in which the prestigious honor was presented to Kennedy's director, Bob Cabana. A former U.S. Marine Corps aviator and NASA astronaut, Cabana was honored at the gala Debus Award Dinner. Named for the spaceport’s first director, the Debus Award was created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The Debus Award was created by the space club's Florida committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, previous winners of the National Space Club Florid Committee's Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award pose with this year's honoree, center director Bob Cabana. From the left, are: Rick Abramson, Dick Beagley, Dick Lyon, Patty Stratton, Lyle Holloway, Lee Solid, Cabana, Dr. Maxwell King, Bob Sieck, Jerry Jamison, Roy Tharpe and Ernie Briel. A former U.S. Marine Corps aviator and NASA astronaut, Cabana was honored at the gala Debus Award Dinner. Named for the spaceport’s first director, the Debus Award was created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The Debus Award was created by the space club's Florida committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Russell Romanella, director of NASA's Safety and Mission Assurance Directorate at the spaceport, speaks at the annual the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award gala in which the prestigious honor was presented to Kennedy's director, Bob Cabana. A former U.S. Marine Corps aviator and NASA astronaut, Cabana was honored at the gala Debus Award Dinner. Named for the spaceport’s first director, the Debus Award was created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The Debus Award was created by the space club's Florida committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro addresses friends, colleagues, and family following her acceptance of the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award on June 24, 2022, during a ceremony held at the Florida spaceport’s visitor complex. The National Space Club Florida Committee presented Petro with the prestigious award for her contributions to America’s aerospace efforts within the state of Florida. The award – originating in 1990 – is named after Kennedy’s first director.

National Space Club Florida Chapter Chair Tara Miller presents Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro with the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award during a ceremony held at the Florida spaceport’s visitor complex on June 24, 2022. The committee presented Petro with the prestigious award for her contributions to America’s aerospace efforts within the state of Florida. The award – originating in 1990 – is named after Kennedy’s first director.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Josie Burnett, director of International Space Station Processing and Ground Research Project Office at the Kennedy Space Center, provided an on current and future activities at the Florida spaceport during the annual Community Leaders Briefing. The reports were part of the annual Community Leaders Briefing at the Kurt H. Debus Conference Center at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex attended by local, state and U.S. government representatives, along with individuals from business and industry. Photo credit: NASA_Dimitri Gerondidakis

Scott Henderson, vice president of Test and Operations at Blue Origin, speaks at a ceremony honoring Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro with the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award on June 24, 2022, at the Florida spaceport’s visitor complex. The National Space Club Florida Committee presented Petro with the prestigious award for her contributions to America’s aerospace efforts within the state of Florida. The award – originating in 1990 – is named after Kennedy’s first director.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the blockhouse of Launch Complex 34 at the Cape Canaveral Missile Test Annex in Florida, President John F. Kennedy is briefed on NASA's future plans. Seated, from the left, are NASA Administrator James E. Webb, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson, Launch Operations Center Director Kurt H. Debus and Kennedy. Photo Credit: NASA

Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro addresses friends, colleagues, and family following her acceptance of the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award on June 24, 2022, during a ceremony held at the Florida spaceport’s visitor complex. The National Space Club Florida Committee presented Petro with the prestigious award for her contributions to America’s aerospace efforts within the state of Florida. The award – originating in 1990 – is named after Kennedy’s first director.

Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro is photographed in the audience during an award ceremony held in her honor on June 24, 2022, at the Florida spaceport’s visitor complex. The National Space Club Florida Committee presented Petro with the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award for her contributions to America’s aerospace efforts within the state of Florida. The award – originating in 1990 – is named after Kennedy’s first director.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A baby alligator is displayed during the dedication of the Sendler Education Outpost, located at Dummit Cove on the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (MINWR). The outpost is a resource for environmental educational students in the Central Florida area. It is named for Karl Sendler, a space pioneer and manager under Dr. Kurt Debus, KSC's first center director. Funding for the facility was provided by the Merritt Island Wildlife Association with assistance from MINWR and Kennedy Space Center.

CAPE KENNEDY, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Dr. Kurt H. Debus, center director, speaks at the "topping off" ceremonies for the Vehicle Assembly Building. A crawler-transporter is seen at the right. One of the largest buildings in the world, the 129 million cubic foot structure will be used to prepare the Apollo Saturn V launch vehicles for missions to land astronauts on the moon. Photo Credit: NASA

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Ruth Gardner, Exploration Systems manager in Ground System Development and Operations at the Kennedy Space Center provided an on current and future activities at the Florida spaceport during the annual Community Leaders Briefing. The reports were part of the annual Community Leaders Briefing at the Kurt H. Debus Conference Center at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex attended by local, state and U.S. government representatives, along with individuals from business and industry. Photo credit: NASA_Dimitri Gerondidakis

In this photo, (left to right) Army Ballistic Missile Agency (ABMA) Missile Firing Laboratory Chief Dr. Kurt Debus, Director of the ABMA Development Operations Division, Dr. von Braun and an unidentified individual in blockhouse during the CM-21 (Jupiter) firing. The Jupiter missile CM-21 became the first Chrysler production qualification missile to be fired and in March 1959 launched the Pioneer IV.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- An owl is held just before its release during the dedication of the Sendler Education Outpost, located at Dummit Cove on the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (MINWR). The outpost is a resource for environmental educational students in the Central Florida area. It is named for Karl Sendler, a space pioneer and manager under Dr. Kurt Debus, KSC's first center director. Funding for the facility was provided by the Merritt Island Wildlife Association with assistance from MINWR and Kennedy Space Center.

This photograph shows Dr. von Braun, second from the left, in the blockhouse at the Florida launch facilities on March 3, 1959. He and others gathered for the launch of the Pioneer IV satellite. On the left of Dr. von Braun is Kurt Debus, who managed the Florida launch facilities. To the right of Dr. von Braun is Army General John B. Medaris. Next to him is General John Barclay. At this time, Dr. von Braun and his associates were members of the Army Ballistic Missile Agency in Huntsville, Alabama.

Scott Henderson, vice president of Test and Operations at Blue Origin, speaks at a ceremony honoring Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro with the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award on June 24, 2022, at the Florida spaceport’s visitor complex. The National Space Club Florida Committee presented Petro with the prestigious award for her contributions to America’s aerospace efforts within the state of Florida. The award – originating in 1990 – is named after Kennedy’s first director.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, guests listen to a hearing of the U.S. House of Representatives' Subcommittee on Government Operations. The Congressional hearing took place to review plans for putting vacant buildings and excess property at the Kennedy Space Center to their best and most productive use. Photo credit: NASA_Daniel Casper

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Darren Bedell, System Integration manager in the Launch Services Program Office at the Kennedy Space Center provided an on current and future activities at the Florida spaceport during the annual Community Leaders Briefing. The reports were part of the annual Community Leaders Briefing at the Kurt H. Debus Conference Center at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex attended by local, state and U.S. government representatives, along with individuals from business and industry. Photo credit: NASA_Dimitri Gerondidakis

Brigadier General Stephen Purdy, commander of Space Launch Delta 45, speaks at a ceremony honoring Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro with the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award on June 24, 2022, at the Florida spaceport’s visitor complex. The National Space Club Florida Committee presented Petro with the prestigious award for her contributions to America’s aerospace efforts within the state of Florida. The award – originating in 1990 – is named after Kennedy’s first director.

Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro addresses friends, colleagues, and family following her acceptance of the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award on June 24, 2022, during a ceremony held at the Florida spaceport’s visitor complex. The National Space Club Florida Committee presented Petro with the prestigious award for her contributions to America’s aerospace efforts within the state of Florida. The award – originating in 1990 – is named after Kennedy’s first director.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Scott Thurston, manager of the Commercial Crew Program’s Partner Integration Office at the Kennedy Space Center provided an on current and future activities at the Florida spaceport during the annual Community Leaders Briefing. The reports were part of the annual Community Leaders Briefing at the Kurt H. Debus Conference Center at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex attended by local, state and U.S. government representatives, along with individuals from business and industry. Photo credit: NASA_Dimitri Gerondidakis

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Scott Thurston, manager of the Commercial Crew Program’s Partner Integration Office at the Kennedy Space Center provided an on current and future activities at the Florida spaceport during the annual Community Leaders Briefing. The reports were part of the annual Community Leaders Briefing at the Kurt H. Debus Conference Center at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex attended by local, state and U.S. government representatives, along with individuals from business and industry. Photo credit: NASA_Dimitri Gerondidakis

Bill Parsons, vice president of Human Space Programs at Peraton, speaks at a ceremony honoring Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro with the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award on June 24, 2022, at the Florida spaceport’s visitor complex. The National Space Club Florida Committee presented Petro with the prestigious award for her contributions to America’s aerospace efforts within the state of Florida. The award – originating in 1990 – is named after Kennedy’s first director.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the dais (right), Kwatsi Alibaruho speaks to guests at NASA Kennedy Space Center's annual BEST (Black Employee Strategy Team) African-American History Month luncheon. Among attendees was Center Director Jim Kennedy. The guest speaker for the luncheon, Alibaruho is a flight director from Johnson Space Center Mission Control. The theme for this year's luncheon was "Creating New Paths From Journeys Past." The luncheon was held in the Kurt H. Debus Center at Kennedy Space Center's Visitor Complex. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Sen. John F. Kerry (center), D-Mass., discusses Space Shuttle processing with NASA Vehicle Manager Stephanie Stilson during a tour of the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF). They are standing under the orbiter Discovery, which is being prepared for flight on the next Space Shuttle mission. The tour follows a public meeting Kerry held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. He said he chose to speak at KSC because it symbolizes America’s commitment to science, innovation and technology. He and Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., are on a speaking tour prior to their appearance at the Democratic National Convention in Boston.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Maria Lopez-Tellado (center) and Rey N. Diaz (right) display the plaques they received at the annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration, held at the Kurt Debus Conference Facility at KSC. The two were recognized for their efforts as chairs of the event, which featuraed a luncheon and comments by Deputy Center Director Jim Jennings and Miguel Rodriquez, chief, Integration Office, of the Joint Performance Management Office. Joseph Tellado (left), International Space Station/Payload Processing, led the pledge of allegiance and invocation. The Merrit Island High School ROTC provided the color guard. The event was sponsored by the Hispanic Employment Program Working Group at KSC

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., standing, speaks to witnesses during a hearing of the U.S. House of Representatives' Subcommittee on Government Operations. From the left are Rep. Candace Miller, R-Mich., Rep. Bill Posey, R-Fla., Mica, the counsel for Rep. Mica, Rep. Ron Desantis, R-Fla., and Rep. Kerry Bentivollo, R-Mich. The Congressional hearing took place to review plans for putting vacant buildings and excess property at the Kennedy Space Center to their best and most productive use. Photo credit: NASA_Daniel Casper

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana and several members of his leadership team provided an on current and future activities at the Florida spaceport during the annual Community Leaders Briefing. Cabana explained that the space center has a great deal of work going on in support of current and future space program projects. The reports were part of the annual Community Leaders Briefing at the Kurt H. Debus Conference Center at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex attended by local, state and U.S. government representatives, along with individuals from business and industry. Photo credit: NASA_Dimitri Gerondidakis

Center Directors: The Kennedy Space Center has had ten Center Directors. The first Center Director, Dr. Kurt H. Debus, was followed by: Row 1, left to right – Lee R. Scherer, Richard G. Smith, and Lieutenant General Forrest S. McCartney, USAF, ret.. Row 2, left to right – Robert L. Crippen, Jay F. Honeycutt and Roy D. Bridges. Row 3, left to right – James W. Kennedy, William W. Parsons and Robert D. Cabana, KSC’s Center Director since 2008. Poster designed by Kennedy Space Center Graphics Department/Greg Lee. Credit: NASA

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Sen. John F. Kerry, D-Mass., greets Kennedy Space Center employees during a tour of the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF). The orbiter Discovery is being prepared for flight in the OPF on the next Space Shuttle mission. The tour follows a public meeting Kerry held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. He said he chose to speak at KSC because it symbolizes America’s commitment to science, innovation and technology. He and Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., are on a speaking tour prior to their appearance at the Democratic National Convention in Boston.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Representatives from the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (MINWR) and KSC unveil a plaque dedicating the Sendler Education Outpost, located at Dummit Cove on the Refuge. Fourth from right is Acting Deputy Director JoAnn Morgan. The outpost is a resource for environmental educational students in the Central Florida area. It is named for Karl Sendler, a space pioneer and manager under Dr. Kurt Debus, KSC's first center director. Funding for the facility was provided by the Merritt Island Wildlife Association with assistance from MINWR and Kennedy Space Center.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana and several members of his leadership team provided an on current and future activities at the Florida spaceport during the annual Community Leaders Briefing. Cabana explained that the space center has a great deal of work going on in support of current and future space program projects. The reports were part of the annual Community Leaders Briefing at the Kurt H. Debus Conference Center at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex attended by local, state and U.S. government representatives, along with individuals from business and industry. Photo credit: NASA_Dimitri Gerondidakis

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., center, speaks to witnesses during a hearing of the U.S. House of Representatives' Subcommittee on Government Operations. From the left are Rep. Candace Miller, R-Mich., Rep. Bill Posey, R-Fla., Mica, the counsel for Rep. Mica, Rep. Ron Desantis, R-Fla., and Rep. Kerry Bentivollo, R-Mich. The Congressional hearing took place to review plans for putting vacant buildings and excess property at the Kennedy Space Center to their best and most productive use. Photo credit: NASA_Daniel Casper

This image depicts the tension in the Launch Control Center of the Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral, Florida, during the SA-8 on May 25, 1965. Pointing, center is Dr. Kurt Debus, Director, Launch Operations Directorate, MSFC. To the right is Dr. Hans Gruene, Deputy Director, Launch Operations Directorate, MSFC; Dr. von Braun, Director, Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC); and leaning, Dr. Eberhard Rees, Director, Deputy Director for Research and Development, MSFC. The SA-8 mission, with a Saturn I launch vehicle, made the first night launch and deployed Pegasus II, micrometeoroid detection satellite.

Launch pads and towers rose one by one above the scrub land, dotting the shoreline of Florida's East coast. By 1960, the "Missile Firing Laboratory" had become an extension of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. On July 1, 1962, NASA officially activated the Launch Operations Center at the seaside spaceport, granting the center equal status to Marshall and offering the center's new director, Dr. Kurt H. Debus, a direct report to the agency's headquarters in Washington, D.C. The following year the center was renamed to honor the president who put America on the path to the moon.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Within the Launch Control Center, Vice President Spiro T. Agnew listens to Dr. Kurt H. Debus, director, Kennedy Space Center, explain highlights of the Apollo Program. The Vice President viewed the launch of Apollo 9 astronauts James A. McDivitt, David R. Scott and Russell L. Schweickart today. They were sent on a planned 10-day Earth orbital flight to put a lunar module spacecraft through extensive tests to qualify it for a possible manned lunar landing later this year. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration directs the Apollo Program.

In this photo, Director of the U.S. Army Ballistic Missile Agency's (ABMA) Development Operations Division, Dr. Wernher von Braun, and Director of Missile Firing Division, Dr. Kurt Debus, are shown with unidentified individuals, discussing two components that would make up the Pioneer IV Lunar Probe. The mercury batteries (left) were used to power the radio transmitter, cosmic radiation counter and other instruments in Pioneer IV. The conical shroud placed over the instruments of Pioneer IV was plated with gold to improve conductivity. The metal surface also served as the anterna for the probe's instruments signaling back to the Earth receiving stations.

This historical photograph is of the Apollo Space Program Leaders. An inscription appears at the top of the image that states, “Our deep appreciation for your outstanding contribution to the success of Apollo 11”, signed “S”, indicating that it was originally signed by Apollo Program Director General Sam Phillips, pictured second from left. From left to right are; NASA Associate Administrator George Mueller; Phillips; Kurt Debus, Director of the Kennedy Space Center; Robert Gilruth, Director of the Manned Spacecraft Center, later renamed the Johnson Space Center; and Wernher von Braun, Director of the Marshall Space Flight Center.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Deputy Center Director Jim Jennings speaks to guests at the annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration, held at the Kurt Debus Conference Facility at KSC. Chaired by Rey N. Diaz and Maria Lopez-Tellado, who received plaques of appreciation for their efforts, the event also featured a luncheon and comments by Miguel Rodriquez, chief, Integration Office, of the Joint Performance Management Office. The pledge of allegiance and invocation was led by Joseph Tellado, International Space Station_Payload Processing. The Merrit Island High School ROTC provided the color guard. The event was sponsored by the Hispanic Employment Program Working Group at KSC

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana and several members of his leadership team provided an on current and future activities at the Florida spaceport during the annual Community Leaders Briefing. Cabana explained that the space center has a great deal of work going on in support of current and future space program projects. The reports were part of the annual Community Leaders Briefing at the Kurt H. Debus Conference Center at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex attended by local, state and U.S. government representatives, along with individuals from business and industry. Photo credit: NASA_Dimitri Gerondidakis

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Sen. Bill Nelson (right), D-Fla., explains the layout of the glass cockpit to Sen. John F. Kerry, D-Mass., on the flight deck of orbiter Discovery during a tour of the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF). The “bunny suits” they are wearing are clean room attire required for anyone coming in close proximity to Discovery, currently being prepared for flight on the next Space Shuttle mission. The tour of the OPF follows a public meeting Kerry held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. He said he chose to speak at KSC because it symbolizes America’s commitment to science, innovation and technology. He and Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., are on a speaking tour prior to their appearance at the Democratic National Convention in Boston.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - From left, Sen. John F. Kerry, D-Mass., Sen. Bob Graham, D-Fla., and former astronaut and Sen. John H. Glenn, D-Ohio, receive a briefing from Kennedy Space Center Director James W. Kennedy before a tour of the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF). In the OPF, the orbiter Discovery is being prepared for flight on the next Space Shuttle mission. The tour follows a public meeting Kerry held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. He said he chose to speak at KSC because it symbolizes America’s commitment to science, innovation and technology. He and Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., are on a speaking tour prior to their appearance at the Democratic National Convention in Boston.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Sen. John F. Kerry, D-Mass., visits the flight deck of Space Shuttle Discovery during a tour of the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF). The “bunny suit” he is wearing is clean room attire required for anyone coming in close proximity to Discovery, currently being prepared for flight on the next Space Shuttle mission. The tour of the OPF follows a public meeting Kerry held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. He said he chose to speak at KSC because it symbolizes America’s commitment to science, innovation and technology. He and Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., are on a speaking tour prior to their appearance at the Democratic National Convention in Boston.

During a Kennedy Space Center (KSC) briefing on the next day’s Apollo 11 launch, Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia (with raised hand) asks a question of Rocco A. Petrone, director of launch operations at KSC. To the right of the emperor is astronaut Gordon Cooper and to his left is Dr. Kurt Debus, director of KSC. The first manned lunar launch occurred at 9:32 am on July 16, 1969. The crew included astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, commander; Michael Collins, Command Module (CM) pilot; and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr., Lunar Module (LM) pilot. After 21/2 hours of collecting samples on the lunar surface, the crew safely splashed down into the Pacific Ocean on July 24, 1969. With the success of Apollo 11, the national objective to land men on the Moon and return them safely to Earth had been accomplished.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Sen. Bob Graham (back), D-Fla., former astronaut and Sen. John H. Glenn (front left), D-Ohio, Sen. John F. Kerry, D-Mass., and Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., don clean room attire during a tour of the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF). The “bunny suits” are required dress for anyone coming in close proximity to the orbiter Discovery, currently being prepared for flight on the next Space Shuttle mission. The tour of the OPF follows a public meeting Kerry held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. He said he chose to speak at KSC because it symbolizes America’s commitment to science, innovation and technology. He and Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., are on a speaking tour prior to their appearance at the Democratic National Convention in Boston.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, witnesses listen during a hearing of the U.S. House of Representatives' Subcommittee on Government Operations. From the left are Bob Cabana, director of the Kennedy Space Center, Brig. Gen. Nina Armagno, commander of the 45th Space Wing and director of the Eastern Range at Patrick Air Force Base, John Smith, regional commissioner of the U.S. General Services Administration, Jim Kuzma, chief operating officer of Space Florida, Charles Lee of the Audubon Society, and John Walsh, chief executive officer of the Canaveral Port Authority. The Congressional hearing took place to review plans for putting vacant buildings and excess property at the Kennedy Space Center to their best and most productive use. Photo credit: NASA_Daniel Casper

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At NASA Kennedy Space Center's annual BEST (Black Employee Strategy Team) African-American History Month luncheon, Erin Parrish (left) displays a plaque she received from Elaine Johnson (right) that names Parrish the recipient of the Evelyn Johnson Scholarship. Elaine Johnson is the daughter of Evelyn Johnson, one of the organization's founding members. The Evelyn Johnson Scholarship is given each year by BEST in honor and memory of Evelyn Johnson. Stay-In-School and coop students at Kennedy as well as dependents of KSC civil service employees are eligible. The theme for this year's luncheon was "Creating New Paths From Journeys Past." The luncheon was held in the Kurt H. Debus Center at Kennedy Space Center's Visitor Complex. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Sen. Bill Nelson (second from left), D-Fla., former astronaut and Sen. John H. Glenn, D-Ohio, and Sen. John F. Kerry, D-Mass., receive a briefing from NASA Vehicle Manager Stephanie Stilson during a tour of the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF). They are standing under the orbiter Discovery, which is being prepared for flight on the next Space Shuttle mission. The tour follows a public meeting Kerry held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. He said he chose to speak at KSC because it symbolizes America’s commitment to science, innovation and technology. He and Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., are on a speaking tour prior to their appearance at the Democratic National Convention in Boston.

S65-20864 (25 March 1965) --- News conference held at the Carriage House press site the day after the successful Gemini-Titan 3 three-orbit mission. Being interviewed at the press table by news media are (left to right) Dr. Kurt H. Debus, director of Kennedy Space Center; Christopher C. Kraft Jr., MSC assistant director for Flight Operations; astronaut John W. Young, pilot of the GT-3 flight; astronaut Virgil I. Grissom, command pilot of the GT-3 mission; Dr. Robert R. Gilruth, MSC director; Dr. Robert C. Seamans, NASA associate administrator; and Julian Scheer, assistant administrator, Office Of Public Affairs, NASA.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Sen. John F. Kerry (left), D-Mass., and Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., dressed in clean room attire, visit the flight deck of Space Shuttle Discovery during a tour of the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF). The “bunny suits” are required dress for anyone coming in close proximity to Discovery, currently being prepared for flight on the next Space Shuttle mission. The tour of the OPF follows a public meeting Kerry held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. He said he chose to speak at KSC because it symbolizes America’s commitment to science, innovation and technology. He and Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., are on a speaking tour prior to their appearance at the Democratic National Convention in Boston.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, witnesses are sworn in prior to a hearing of the U.S. House of Representatives'. From the left are Bob Cabana, director of the Kennedy Space Center, Brig. Gen. Nina Armagno, commander of the 45th Space Wing and director of the Eastern Range at Patrick Air Force Base, John Smith, regional commissioner of the U.S. General Services Administration, Jim Kuzma, chief operating officer of Space Florida, Charles Lee of the Audubon Society, and John Walsh, chief executive officer of the Canaveral Port Authority. The Congressional hearing took place to review plans for putting vacant buildings and excess property at the Kennedy Space Center to their best and most productive use. Photo credit: NASA_Daniel Casper

On July 3, 1974 NASA commemorated the 5th anniversary of the Apollo 11, first lunar landing mission, at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Launch Pad 39, from which astronauts Neil Armstrong, Edwin Aldrin, and Michael Collins first embarked on their historic journey to the Moon, was dedicated as a national landmark. Apollo 11 was launched at 9:32 am on July 16, 1969 and made the first successful lunar landing July 20th. During the 45 minute ceremony, the three Apollo 11 astronauts unveiled this plaque which was placed at the launch site. Other participating dignitaries included Dr. James Fletcher and Dr. George H. Low, NASA Administrator and Deputy Administrator respectively; Florida Governor Rubin Askew; Senator frank E. Moss; Congressman Olin E. Teague, and Kurt Debus, KSC Director. Apollo 11 launched from the Kennedy Space Center, Florida via a Saturn V launch which was developed by the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) under the direction of Dr. Wernher von Braun.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, preparations are under way to tear down the Mercury Mission Control Center. The original building, constructed between 1956 and 1958, was last modified in 1963. The center succumbed to the two worst enemies of structures along the space coast - time and salt air - necessitating that it be demolished as a safety measure. The facility served as mission control during all the Project Mercury missions, as well as the first three flights of the Gemini Program. The center housed the flight controllers whose duty was to take over flight control after liftoff and follow it through until splashdown. Additionally, it supported vehicle checkout, spacecraft tracking, and astronaut training. With Gemini IV, mission control moved to Houston, and the facility took on the roles of launch control and tracking station. In 1999, much of the equipment and furnishings from the flight control area was moved to Kennedy Space Center's Visitor Complex. A re-created mission control room currently is on display in the complex's Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility. Speegle II of Cocoa, Fla., was awarded the contract for the deconstruction project. Frank-Lin Excavating is performing the demolition for Sunrise Systems of Brevard, a subcontractor to Speegle II. Photo credit: NASA_Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, a Caterpillar 330 track-hoe punches a hole in the wall of the Mercury Mission Control Center. The original building, constructed between 1956 and 1958, was last modified in 1963. The center succumbed to the two worst enemies of structures along the space coast - time and salt air - necessitating that it be demolished as a safety measure. The facility served as mission control during all the Project Mercury missions, as well as the first three flights of the Gemini Program. The center housed the flight controllers whose duty was to take over flight control after liftoff and follow it through until splashdown. Additionally, it supported vehicle checkout, spacecraft tracking, and astronaut training. With Gemini IV, mission control moved to Houston, and the facility took on the roles of launch control and tracking station. In 1999, much of the equipment and furnishings from the flight control area was moved to Kennedy Space Center's Visitor Complex. A re-created mission control room currently is on display in the complex's Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility. Speegle II of Cocoa, Fla., was awarded the contract for the deconstruction project. Frank-Lin Excavating is performing the demolition for Sunrise Systems of Brevard, a subcontractor to Speegle II. Photo credit: NASA_Jack Pfaller