Seen here is the “Launch America” banner for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program (CCP) on the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Oct. 28, 2021. NASA and SpaceX are preparing for Crew-3 – the third crew rotation flight to the International Space Station for CCP – and part of that includes conducting a dress rehearsal ahead of launch. On Oct. 28, NASA’s SpaceX Crew-3 astronauts and launch teams rehearsed countdown operations, concluding with the Go/No-Go poll for Falcon-9 fueling. The Crew-3 mission will carry NASA astronauts Raja Chari, Tom Marshburn, and Kayla Barron, as well as ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Matthias Maurer to the space station for a six-month stay. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon spacecraft are scheduled to lift off from Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39A no earlier than Nov. 6 at 11:36 p.m. EDT.

Seen here is the “Launch America” banner for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program (CCP) on the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Oct. 28, 2021. NASA and SpaceX are preparing for Crew-3 – the third crew rotation flight to the International Space Station for CCP – and part of that includes conducting a dress rehearsal ahead of launch. On Oct. 28, NASA’s SpaceX Crew-3 astronauts and launch teams rehearsed countdown operations, concluding with the Go/No-Go poll for Falcon-9 fueling. The Crew-3 mission will carry NASA astronauts Raja Chari, Tom Marshburn, and Kayla Barron, as well as ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Matthias Maurer to the space station for a six-month stay. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon spacecraft are scheduled to lift off from Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39A no earlier than Nov. 6 at 11:36 p.m. EDT.

Kennedy Space Center’s iconic Vehicle Assembly Building is photographed just before NASA’s SpaceX Crew-3 astronauts and launch teams participate in a countdown dress rehearsal on Oct. 28, 2021, in preparation for the upcoming Crew-3 launch. The mission will carry NASA astronauts Raja Chari, Tom Marshburn, and Kayla Barron, as well as ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Matthias Maurer to the International Space Station for a six-month stay. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon spacecraft are scheduled to lift off from Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39A in Florida no earlier than Nov. 6 at 11:36 p.m. EDT. Crew-3 is the third crew rotation flight to the space station for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, and the first flight of a new Crew Dragon spacecraft.

America first satellite, Explorer 1. America joined the space race with the launch of this small, but important spacecraft. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA04601

MAF Director Robert Champion stands within the Michoud Assembly Facility model room to showcase the Artemis program, Space Launch System (SLS) hardware, and facility resources of America’s Rocket Factory.

This microscopic image shows dozens of individual bacterial cells of the recently discovered species, Tersicoccus phoenicis, found in only two places: clean rooms in Florida and South America where spacecraft are assembled for launch.

The John F. Kennedy Space Center, America spaceport, is located along Florida eastern shore on Cape Canaveral. Established as NASA Launch Operations Center on July 1, 1962, This image was acquired by NASA Terra spacecraft.

NASA's Flight Opportunities funds flight of space technology on UP Aerospace's rocket poised to launch at Spaceport America in New Mexico.

NASA's Flight Opportunities funds flight of space technology on UP Aerospace's rocket poised to launch at Spaceport America in New Mexico.

NASA's Flight Opportunities funds flight of space technology on UP Aerospace's rocket poised to launch at Spaceport America in New Mexico.

NASA’s Flight Opportunities funds flight of space technology on UP Aerospace’s rocket poised to launch at Spaceport America in New Mexico.

NASA’s Flight Opportunities funds flight of space technology on UP Aerospace’s rocket poised to launch at Spaceport America in New Mexico.

NASA's Flight Opportunities funds flight of space technology on UP Aerospace's rocket poised to launch at Spaceport America in New Mexico.

NASA’s Flight Opportunities funds flight of space technology on UP Aerospace’s rocket poised to launch at Spaceport America in New Mexico.

NASA's Flight Opportunities funds flight of space technology on UP Aerospace's rocket poised to launch at Spaceport America in New Mexico.

NASA’s Flight Opportunities funds flight of space technology on UP Aerospace’s rocket poised to launch at Spaceport America in New Mexico.

In 1973, Skylab, America's first space station, was launched aboard a two-stage Saturn V vehicle. Saturn IB rockets were used to launch three different three-man crews to the Skylab space station.

In 1973, Skylab, America's first space station, was launched aboard a two-stage Saturn V vehicle. Saturn IB rockets were used to launch three different three-man crews to the Skylab space station.

Juno II (AM-14) on the launch pad just prior to launch, March 3, 1959. The payload of AM-14 was Pioneer IV, America's first successful lunar mission. The Juno II was a modification of Jupiter ballistic missile

Brig. Gen. Wayne Monteith, 45th Space Wing commander and director of the Eastern Range, right, speaks with Launch team members who supported the launch of America's first satellite, Explorer 1. They spoke following an event celebrating the 60th anniversary of America's first satellite. The ceremony took place in front of the Space Launch Complex 26 blockhouse at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station where the Explorer 1 satellite was launched atop a Jupiter C rocket on Jan. 31, 1958. During operation, the satellite's cosmic ray detector discovered radiation belts around Earth which were named for Dr. James Van Allen, principal investigator for the satellite.

Orion / Space Launch System: NASA has selected the design of a new Space Launch System SLS that will take the agency's astronauts farther into space than ever before and provide the cornerstone for America's future human space exploration efforts. The SLS will launch human crews beyond low Earth orbit in the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle. Orion is America’s next generation spacecraft. It will serve as the exploration vehicle that will provide emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel, carry the crew to distant planetary bodies, and provide safe return from deep space. Poster designed by Kennedy Space Center Graphics Department/Greg Lee. Credit: NASA

UP Aerospace SpaceLoft rocket launched into space Sept 12, 2018 from Spaceport America in New Mexico carrying three NASA technologies onboard to test in microgravity.

UP Aerospace SpaceLoft rocket launched into space Sept 12, 2018 from Spaceport America in New Mexico carrying three NASA technologies onboard to test in microgravity.

UP Aerospace SpaceLoft rocket launched into space Sept 12, 2018 from Spaceport America in New Mexico carrying three NASA technologies onboard to test in microgravity.

UP Aerospace SpaceLoft rocket launched into space Sept 12, 2018 from Spaceport America in New Mexico carrying three NASA technologies onboard to test in microgravity.

UP Aerospace SpaceLoft rocket launched into space Sept 12, 2018 from Spaceport America in New Mexico carrying three NASA technologies onboard to test in microgravity.

Kennedy Space Center Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson speaks during a ceremony renaming the Florida spaceport’s launch control center to the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center on Feb. 22, 2022. Petrone was instrumental in America’s first voyages to the Moon and headed the Apollo program. He died in 2006 at the age of 80.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in protective suits loaded the Symphonie-B spacecraft with propellants in the Spin Test Facility at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station today. The French-West German experimental communications satellite is to be launched by KSC's Unmanned Launch Operations Directorate aboard a Delta rocket from Complex 17 in late August or early September. The satellite will be placed in a synchronous orbit 22,300 miles above the equator south of the West African 'Bulge,' joining Symphonie-1 in handling communications between ground stations in Europe, South America, portions of North America and the Mideast. Photo credit: NASA Photo credit: NASA

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in protective suits loaded the Symphonie-B spacecraft with propellants in the Spin Test Facility at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station today. The French-West German experimental communications satellite is to be launched by KSC's Unmanned Launch Operations Directorate aboard a Delta rocket from Complex 17 in late August or early September. The satellite will be placed in a synchronous orbit 22,300 miles above the equator south of the West African 'Bulge,' joining Symphonie-1 in handling communications between ground stations in Europe, South America, portions of North America and the Mideast. Photo credit: NASA Photo credit: NASA

Technicians with NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems unveil on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, the America 250 logo on the twin SLS (Space Launch System) solid rocket boosters for the Artemis II mission inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The SLS rocket and the Orion spacecraft will carry NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen on a 10-day mission around the Moon and back in early 2026 from Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy. America 250 commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with NASA celebrating the “Spirit of Innovation” theme to inspire future generations.

Technicians with NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems unveil on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, the America 250 logo on the twin SLS (Space Launch System) solid rocket boosters for the Artemis II mission inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The SLS rocket and the Orion spacecraft will carry NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen on a 10-day mission around the Moon and back in early 2026 from Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy. America 250 commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with NASA celebrating the “Spirit of Innovation” theme to inspire future generations.

The flags of Kazakhstan, the United States of America and Russia are seen in the background as the Soyuz rocket is prepared to be erected into position at the launch pad Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The Soyuz is scheduled to launch the crew of Expedition 19 and a spaceflight participant on March 26, 2009. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

This image is a cutaway illustration of the Explorer I satellite with callouts. The Explorer I satellite was America's first scientific satellite launched aboard the Jupiter C launch vehicle on January 31, 1958. The Explorer I carried the radiation detection experiment designed by Dr. James Van Allen and discovered the Van Allen Radiation Belt.

Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Kelvin Manning speaks during a ceremony renaming the Florida spaceport’s launch control center to the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center on Feb. 22, 2022. Petrone was instrumental in America’s first voyages to the Moon and headed the Apollo program. He died in 2006 at the age of 80.

Go Columbia! Go America! Enthused by the sight of the space shuttle launch, one of the thousands of observers in Brevard County waves an American flag as Columbia heads skyward. Many people waited all night at viewing sites to assure that they would witness the historic first launch of the space shuttle.

John Tribe, retired Apollo engineer, North American Rockwell, speaks during a ceremony renaming Kennedy Space Center’s launch control center to the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center on Feb. 22, 2022. Petrone was instrumental in America’s first voyages to the Moon and headed the Apollo program. He died in 2006 at the age of 80.

Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro speaks during a ceremony renaming the Florida spaceport’s launch control center to the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center on Feb. 22, 2022. Petrone was instrumental in America’s first voyages to the Moon and headed the Apollo program. He died in 2006 at the age of 80.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket, carrying the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T), lifts off from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on March 1, 2022. Liftoff was at 4:38 p.m. EST. GOES-T is the third satellite in the GOES-R series that will continue to help meteorologists observe and predict local weather events that affect public safety. GOES-T will be renamed GOES-18 once it reaches geostationary orbit. GOES-18 will go into operational service as GOES West to provide critical data for the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, and the Pacific Ocean. The launch was managed by NASA’s Launch Services Program based at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, America’s multi-user spaceport.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket, carrying the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T), lifts off from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on March 1, 2022. Liftoff was at 4:38 p.m. EST. GOES-T is the third satellite in the GOES-R series that will continue to help meteorologists observe and predict local weather events that affect public safety. GOES-T will be renamed GOES-18 once it reaches geostationary orbit. GOES-18 will go into operational service as GOES West to provide critical data for the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, and the Pacific Ocean. The launch was managed by NASA’s Launch Services Program based at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, America’s multi-user spaceport.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket, carrying the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T), lifts off from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on March 1, 2022. Liftoff was at 4:38 p.m. EST. GOES-T is the third satellite in the GOES-R series that will continue to help meteorologists observe and predict local weather events that affect public safety. GOES-T will be renamed GOES-18 once it reaches geostationary orbit. GOES-18 will go into operational service as GOES West to provide critical data for the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, and the Pacific Ocean. The launch was managed by NASA’s Launch Services Program based at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, America’s multi-user spaceport.

A close-up view of the first-stage engines as the United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket, carrying the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T), lifts off from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on March 1, 2022. Liftoff was at 4:38 p.m. EST. GOES-T is the third satellite in the GOES-R series that will continue to help meteorologists observe and predict local weather events that affect public safety. GOES-T will be renamed GOES-18 once it reaches geostationary orbit. GOES-18 will go into operational service as GOES West to provide critical data for the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, and the Pacific Ocean. The launch was managed by NASA’s Launch Services Program based at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, America’s multi-user spaceport.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket, carrying the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T), lifts off from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on March 1, 2022. Liftoff was at 4:38 p.m. EST. GOES-T is the third satellite in the GOES-R series that will continue to help meteorologists observe and predict local weather events that affect public safety. GOES-T will be renamed GOES-18 once it reaches geostationary orbit. GOES-18 will go into operational service as GOES West to provide critical data for the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, and the Pacific Ocean. The launch was managed by NASA’s Launch Services Program based at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, America’s multi-user spaceport.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket, carrying the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T), lifts off from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on March 1, 2022. Liftoff was at 4:38 p.m. EST. GOES-T is the third satellite in the GOES-R series that will continue to help meteorologists observe and predict local weather events that affect public safety. GOES-T will be renamed GOES-18 once it reaches geostationary orbit. GOES-18 will go into operational service as GOES West to provide critical data for the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, and the Pacific Ocean. The launch was managed by NASA’s Launch Services Program based at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, America’s multi-user spaceport.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket, carrying the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T), lifts off from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on March 1, 2022. Liftoff was at 4:38 p.m. EST. GOES-T is the third satellite in the GOES-R series that will continue to help meteorologists observe and predict local weather events that affect public safety. GOES-T will be renamed GOES-18 once it reaches geostationary orbit. GOES-18 will go into operational service as GOES West to provide critical data for the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, and the Pacific Ocean. The launch was managed by NASA’s Launch Services Program based at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, America’s multi-user spaceport.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket, carrying the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T), lifts off from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on March 1, 2022. Liftoff was at 4:38 p.m. EST. GOES-T is the third satellite in the GOES-R series that will continue to help meteorologists observe and predict local weather events that affect public safety. GOES-T will be renamed GOES-18 once it reaches geostationary orbit. GOES-18 will go into operational service as GOES West to provide critical data for the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, and the Pacific Ocean. The launch was managed by NASA’s Launch Services Program based at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, America’s multi-user spaceport.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket carrying the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T), is secured on the pad at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Feb. 28, 2022. GOES-T will lift off atop the Atlas V from SLC-41 on March 1, 2022, at 4:38 p.m. GOES-T is the third satellite in the GOES-R series that will continue to help meteorologists observe and predict local weather events that affect public safety. GOES-T will be renamed GOES-18 once it reaches geostationary orbit. GOES-18 will go into operational service as GOES West to provide critical data for the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, and the Pacific Ocean. The launch is managed by NASA’s Launch Services Program based at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, America’s multi-user spaceport.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket, carrying the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T), lifts off from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on March 1, 2022. Liftoff was at 4:38 p.m. EST. GOES-T is the third satellite in the GOES-R series that will continue to help meteorologists observe and predict local weather events that affect public safety. GOES-T will be renamed GOES-18 once it reaches geostationary orbit. GOES-18 will go into operational service as GOES West to provide critical data for the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, and the Pacific Ocean. The launch was managed by NASA’s Launch Services Program based at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, America’s multi-user spaceport.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket, carrying the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T), lifts off from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on March 1, 2022. Liftoff was at 4:38 p.m. EST. GOES-T is the third satellite in the GOES-R series that will continue to help meteorologists observe and predict local weather events that affect public safety. GOES-T will be renamed GOES-18 once it reaches geostationary orbit. GOES-18 will go into operational service as GOES West to provide critical data for the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, and the Pacific Ocean. The launch was managed by NASA’s Launch Services Program based at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, America’s multi-user spaceport.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket, carrying the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T), lifts off from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on March 1, 2022. Liftoff was at 4:38 p.m. EST. GOES-T is the third satellite in the GOES-R series that will continue to help meteorologists observe and predict local weather events that affect public safety. GOES-T will be renamed GOES-18 once it reaches geostationary orbit. GOES-18 will go into operational service as GOES West to provide critical data for the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, and the Pacific Ocean. The launch was managed by NASA’s Launch Services Program based at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, America’s multi-user spaceport.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket carrying the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T), arrives at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Feb. 28, 2022. GOES-T will lift off atop the Atlas V from SLC-41 on March 1, 2022, at 4:38 p.m. GOES-T is the third satellite in the GOES-R series that will continue to help meteorologists observe and predict local weather events that affect public safety. GOES-T will be renamed GOES-18 once it reaches geostationary orbit. GOES-18 will go into operational service as GOES West to provide critical data for the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, and the Pacific Ocean. The launch is managed by NASA’s Launch Services Program based at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, America’s multi-user spaceport.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket carrying the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T), arrives at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Feb. 28, 2022. GOES-T will lift off atop the Atlas V from SLC-41 on March 1, 2022, at 4:38 p.m. GOES-T is the third satellite in the GOES-R series that will continue to help meteorologists observe and predict local weather events that affect public safety. GOES-T will be renamed GOES-18 once it reaches geostationary orbit. GOES-18 will go into operational service as GOES West to provide critical data for the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, and the Pacific Ocean. The launch is managed by NASA’s Launch Services Program based at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, America’s multi-user spaceport.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket carrying the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T), arrives at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Feb. 28, 2022. GOES-T will lift off atop the Atlas V from SLC-41 on March 1, 2022, at 4:38 p.m. GOES-T is the third satellite in the GOES-R series that will continue to help meteorologists observe and predict local weather events that affect public safety. GOES-T will be renamed GOES-18 once it reaches geostationary orbit. GOES-18 will go into operational service as GOES West to provide critical data for the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, and the Pacific Ocean. The launch is managed by NASA’s Launch Services Program based at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, America’s multi-user spaceport.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket, carrying the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T), soars upward after lifting off from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on March 1, 2022. Liftoff was at 4:38 p.m. EST. GOES-T is the third satellite in the GOES-R series that will continue to help meteorologists observe and predict local weather events that affect public safety. GOES-T will be renamed GOES-18 once it reaches geostationary orbit. GOES-18 will go into operational service as GOES West to provide critical data for the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, and the Pacific Ocean. The launch was managed by NASA’s Launch Services Program based at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, America’s multi-user spaceport.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket, carrying the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T), lifts off from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on March 1, 2022. Liftoff was at 4:38 p.m. EST. GOES-T is the third satellite in the GOES-R series that will continue to help meteorologists observe and predict local weather events that affect public safety. GOES-T will be renamed GOES-18 once it reaches geostationary orbit. GOES-18 will go into operational service as GOES West to provide critical data for the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, and the Pacific Ocean. The launch was managed by NASA’s Launch Services Program based at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, America’s multi-user spaceport.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket, carrying the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T), lifts off from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on March 1, 2022. Liftoff was at 4:38 p.m. EST. GOES-T is the third satellite in the GOES-R series that will continue to help meteorologists observe and predict local weather events that affect public safety. GOES-T will be renamed GOES-18 once it reaches geostationary orbit. GOES-18 will go into operational service as GOES West to provide critical data for the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, and the Pacific Ocean. The launch was managed by NASA’s Launch Services Program based at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, America’s multi-user spaceport.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket, carrying the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T), lifts off from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on March 1, 2022. Liftoff was at 4:38 p.m. EST. GOES-T is the third satellite in the GOES-R series that will continue to help meteorologists observe and predict local weather events that affect public safety. GOES-T will be renamed GOES-18 once it reaches geostationary orbit. GOES-18 will go into operational service as GOES West to provide critical data for the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, and the Pacific Ocean. The launch was managed by NASA’s Launch Services Program based at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, America’s multi-user spaceport.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket, carrying the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T), lifts off from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on March 1, 2022. Liftoff was at 4:38 p.m. EST. GOES-T is the third satellite in the GOES-R series that will continue to help meteorologists observe and predict local weather events that affect public safety. GOES-T will be renamed GOES-18 once it reaches geostationary orbit. GOES-18 will go into operational service as GOES West to provide critical data for the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, and the Pacific Ocean. The launch was managed by NASA’s Launch Services Program based at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, America’s multi-user spaceport.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket carrying the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T), is secured on the pad at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Feb. 28, 2022. GOES-T will lift off atop the Atlas V from SLC-41 on March 1, 2022, at 4:38 p.m. GOES-T is the third satellite in the GOES-R series that will continue to help meteorologists observe and predict local weather events that affect public safety. GOES-T will be renamed GOES-18 once it reaches geostationary orbit. GOES-18 will go into operational service as GOES West to provide critical data for the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, and the Pacific Ocean. The launch is managed by NASA’s Launch Services Program based at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, America’s multi-user spaceport.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket, carrying the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T), lifts off from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on March 1, 2022. Liftoff was at 4:38 p.m. EST. GOES-T is the third satellite in the GOES-R series that will continue to help meteorologists observe and predict local weather events that affect public safety. GOES-T will be renamed GOES-18 once it reaches geostationary orbit. GOES-18 will go into operational service as GOES West to provide critical data for the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, and the Pacific Ocean. The launch was managed by NASA’s Launch Services Program based at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, America’s multi-user spaceport.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket, carrying the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T), lifts off from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on March 1, 2022. Liftoff was at 4:38 p.m. EST. GOES-T is the third satellite in the GOES-R series that will continue to help meteorologists observe and predict local weather events that affect public safety. GOES-T will be renamed GOES-18 once it reaches geostationary orbit. GOES-18 will go into operational service as GOES West to provide critical data for the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, and the Pacific Ocean. The launch was managed by NASA’s Launch Services Program based at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, America’s multi-user spaceport.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket carrying the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T), is secured on the pad at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Feb. 28, 2022. GOES-T will lift off atop the Atlas V from SLC-41 on March 1, 2022, at 4:38 p.m. GOES-T is the third satellite in the GOES-R series that will continue to help meteorologists observe and predict local weather events that affect public safety. GOES-T will be renamed GOES-18 once it reaches geostationary orbit. GOES-18 will go into operational service as GOES West to provide critical data for the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, and the Pacific Ocean. The launch is managed by NASA’s Launch Services Program based at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, America’s multi-user spaceport.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket, carrying the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T), lifts off from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on March 1, 2022. Liftoff was at 4:38 p.m. EST. GOES-T is the third satellite in the GOES-R series that will continue to help meteorologists observe and predict local weather events that affect public safety. GOES-T will be renamed GOES-18 once it reaches geostationary orbit. GOES-18 will go into operational service as GOES West to provide critical data for the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, and the Pacific Ocean. The launch was managed by NASA’s Launch Services Program based at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, America’s multi-user spaceport.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket, carrying the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T), lifts off from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on March 1, 2022. Liftoff was at 4:38 p.m. EST. GOES-T is the third satellite in the GOES-R series that will continue to help meteorologists observe and predict local weather events that affect public safety. GOES-T will be renamed GOES-18 once it reaches geostationary orbit. GOES-18 will go into operational service as GOES West to provide critical data for the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, and the Pacific Ocean. The launch was managed by NASA’s Launch Services Program based at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, America’s multi-user spaceport.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket, carrying the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T), soars upward after lifting off from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on March 1, 2022. Liftoff was at 4:38 p.m. EST. GOES-T is the third satellite in the GOES-R series that will continue to help meteorologists observe and predict local weather events that affect public safety. GOES-T will be renamed GOES-18 once it reaches geostationary orbit. GOES-18 will go into operational service as GOES West to provide critical data for the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, and the Pacific Ocean. The launch was managed by NASA’s Launch Services Program based at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, America’s multi-user spaceport.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket, carrying the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T), soars upward after lifting off from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on March 1, 2022. Liftoff was at 4:38 p.m. EST. GOES-T is the third satellite in the GOES-R series that will continue to help meteorologists observe and predict local weather events that affect public safety. GOES-T will be renamed GOES-18 once it reaches geostationary orbit. GOES-18 will go into operational service as GOES West to provide critical data for the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, and the Pacific Ocean. The launch was managed by NASA’s Launch Services Program based at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, America’s multi-user spaceport.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket carrying the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T), is secured on the pad at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Feb. 28, 2022. GOES-T will lift off atop the Atlas V from SLC-41 on March 1, 2022, at 4:38 p.m. GOES-T is the third satellite in the GOES-R series that will continue to help meteorologists observe and predict local weather events that affect public safety. GOES-T will be renamed GOES-18 once it reaches geostationary orbit. GOES-18 will go into operational service as GOES West to provide critical data for the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, and the Pacific Ocean. The launch is managed by NASA’s Launch Services Program based at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, America’s multi-user spaceport.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket, carrying the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T), is in view before liftoff from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on March 1, 2022. Liftoff was at 4:38 p.m. EST. GOES-T is the third satellite in the GOES-R series that will continue to help meteorologists observe and predict local weather events that affect public safety. GOES-T will be renamed GOES-18 once it reaches geostationary orbit. GOES-18 will go into operational service as GOES West to provide critical data for the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, and the Pacific Ocean. The launch was managed by NASA’s Launch Services Program based at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, America’s multi-user spaceport.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket, carrying the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T), soars upward after lifting off from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on March 1, 2022. Liftoff was at 4:38 p.m. EST. GOES-T is the third satellite in the GOES-R series that will continue to help meteorologists observe and predict local weather events that affect public safety. GOES-T will be renamed GOES-18 once it reaches geostationary orbit. GOES-18 will go into operational service as GOES West to provide critical data for the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, and the Pacific Ocean. The launch was managed by NASA’s Launch Services Program based at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, America’s multi-user spaceport.

A close-up view of the first-stage engines as the United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket, carrying the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T), lifts off from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on March 1, 2022. Liftoff was at 4:38 p.m. EST. GOES-T is the third satellite in the GOES-R series that will continue to help meteorologists observe and predict local weather events that affect public safety. GOES-T will be renamed GOES-18 once it reaches geostationary orbit. GOES-18 will go into operational service as GOES West to provide critical data for the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, and the Pacific Ocean. The launch was managed by NASA’s Launch Services Program based at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, America’s multi-user spaceport.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle prime crew members Robert Crippen, left, pilot, and John Young, center, commander, along with backup crewman Richard Truly, study forecasts of weather conditions for launch of the maiden flight of STS-1, America’s first reusable space transportation system.

The Redstone Test Stand, shown here, was used throughout the 1950s to test the Redstone missionile, including the modified Redstone that launched America's first astronaut, Alan Shepard. The U. S. Department of the Interior's Park Services designated the Test Stand as a National Historic Landmark January 22, 1986.

S62-00965 (20 Feb. 1962) --- Astronaut John H. Glenn Jr., finishes suiting up, and prepares for the launch of his Mercury-Atlas 6 (MA-6) spacecraft. The MA-6 ?Friendship 7? mission marks America's first manned Earth-orbiting spaceflight. Photo credit: NASA

NASA Acting Administrator Robert Lightfoot delivers the "State of NASA", February 12, 2018, at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. In his address, Lightfoot discussed what the President's Fiscal Year 2019 budget request means for America's space agency. According to Lightfoot, it "reflects the administration's confidence that America will lead the way back to the Moon and take the next giant leap". Lightfoot delivered the "State of NASA" address in Marshall's Center for Advanced Manufacturing where engineers are pushing boundaries in the fields of additive manufacturing, 3D printing, and more. Hardware for NASA's Space Launch System and a model of the agency's Orion spacecraft served as a backdrop for the annual event. SLS, which is managed by Marshall, will enable a new era of exploration beyond Earth's orbit by launching astronauts on missions to deep-space destinations including the Moon and Mars.

NASA Acting Administrator Robert Lightfoot delivers the "State of NASA", February 12, 2018, at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. In his address, Lightfoot discussed what the President's Fiscal Year 2019 budget request means for America's space agency. According to Lightfoot, it "reflects the administration's confidence that America will lead the way back to the Moon and take the next giant leap". Lightfoot delivered the "State of NASA" address in Marshall's Center for Advanced Manufacturing where engineers are pushing boundaries in the fields of additive manufacturing, 3D printing, and more. Hardware for NASA's Space Launch System and a model of the agency's Orion spacecraft served as a backdrop for the annual event. SLS, which is managed by Marshall, will enable a new era of exploration beyond Earth's orbit by launching astronauts on missions to deep-space destinations including the Moon and Mars.

NASA Acting Administrator Robert Lightfoot delivers the "State of NASA", February 12, 2018, at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. In his address, Lightfoot discussed what the President's Fiscal Year 2019 budget request means for America's space agency. According to Lightfoot, it "reflects the administration's confidence that America will lead the way back to the Moon and take the next giant leap". Lightfoot delivered the "State of NASA" address in Marshall's Center for Advanced Manufacturing where engineers are pushing boundaries in the fields of additive manufacturing, 3D printing, and more. Hardware for NASA's Space Launch System and a model of the agency's Orion spacecraft served as a backdrop for the annual event. SLS, which is managed by Marshall, will enable a new era of exploration beyond Earth's orbit by launching astronauts on missions to deep-space destinations including the Moon and Mars.

NASA Acting Administrator Robert Lightfoot delivers the "State of NASA", February 12, 2018, at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. In his address, Lightfoot discussed what the President's Fiscal Year 2019 budget request means for America's space agency. According to Lightfoot, it "reflects the administration's confidence that America will lead the way back to the Moon and take the next giant leap". Lightfoot delivered the "State of NASA" address in Marshall's Center for Advanced Manufacturing where engineers are pushing boundaries in the fields of additive manufacturing, 3D printing, and more. Hardware for NASA's Space Launch System and a model of the agency's Orion spacecraft served as a backdrop for the annual event. SLS, which is managed by Marshall, will enable a new era of exploration beyond Earth's orbit by launching astronauts on missions to deep-space destinations including the Moon and Mars.

NASA Acting Administrator Robert Lightfoot delivers the "State of NASA", February 12, 2018, at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. In his address, Lightfoot discussed what the President's Fiscal Year 2019 budget request means for America's space agency. According to Lightfoot, it "reflects the administration's confidence that America will lead the way back to the Moon and take the next giant leap". Lightfoot delivered the "State of NASA" address in Marshall's Center for Advanced Manufacturing where engineers are pushing boundaries in the fields of additive manufacturing, 3D printing, and more. Hardware for NASA's Space Launch System and a model of the agency's Orion spacecraft served as a backdrop for the annual event. SLS, which is managed by Marshall, will enable a new era of exploration beyond Earth's orbit by launching astronauts on missions to deep-space destinations including the Moon and Mars.

NASA Acting Administrator Robert Lightfoot delivers the "State of NASA", February 12, 2018, at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. In his address, Lightfoot discussed what the President's Fiscal Year 2019 budget request means for America's space agency. According to Lightfoot, it "reflects the administration's confidence that America will lead the way back to the Moon and take the next giant leap". Lightfoot delivered the "State of NASA" address in Marshall's Center for Advanced Manufacturing where engineers are pushing boundaries in the fields of additive manufacturing, 3D printing, and more. Hardware for NASA's Space Launch System and a model of the agency's Orion spacecraft served as a backdrop for the annual event. SLS, which is managed by Marshall, will enable a new era of exploration beyond Earth's orbit by launching astronauts on missions to deep-space destinations including the Moon and Mars.

Marshall Space Flight Center Director Todd May introduces NASA Acting Adminstrator Robert Lightfoot prior to his delivery of the "State of NASA", February 12, 2018, at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. In his address, Lightfoot discussed what the President's Fiscal Year 2019 budget request means for America's space agency. According to Lightfoot, it "reflects the administration's confidence that America will lead the way back to the Moon and take the next giant leap". Lightfoot delivered the "State of NASA" address in Marshall's Center for Advanced Manufacturing where engineers are pushing boundaries in the fields of additive manufacturing, 3D printing, and more. Hardware for NASA's Space Launch System and a model of the agency's Orion spacecraft served as a backdrop for the annual event. SLS, which is managed by Marshall, will enable a new era of exploration beyond Earth's orbit by launching astronauts on missions to deep-space destinations including the Moon and Mars.

NASA Acting Administrator Robert Lightfoot delivers the "State of NASA", February 12, 2018, at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. In his address, Lightfoot discussed what the President's Fiscal Year 2019 budget request means for America's space agency. According to Lightfoot, it "reflects the administration's confidence that America will lead the way back to the Moon and take the next giant leap". Lightfoot delivered the "State of NASA" address in Marshall's Center for Advanced Manufacturing where engineers are pushing boundaries in the fields of additive manufacturing, 3D printing, and more. Hardware for NASA's Space Launch System and a model of the agency's Orion spacecraft served as a backdrop for the annual event. SLS, which is managed by Marshall, will enable a new era of exploration beyond Earth's orbit by launching astronauts on missions to deep-space destinations including the Moon and Mars.

Marshall Space Flight Center Director Todd May introduces NASA Acting Adminstrator Robert Lightfoot prior to his delivery of the "State of NASA", February 12, 2018, at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. In his address, Lightfoot discussed what the President's Fiscal Year 2019 budget request means for America's space agency. According to Lightfoot, it "reflects the administration's confidence that America will lead the way back to the Moon and take the next giant leap". Lightfoot delivered the "State of NASA" address in Marshall's Center for Advanced Manufacturing where engineers are pushing boundaries in the fields of additive manufacturing, 3D printing, and more. Hardware for NASA's Space Launch System and a model of the agency's Orion spacecraft served as a backdrop for the annual event. SLS, which is managed by Marshall, will enable a new era of exploration beyond Earth's orbit by launching astronauts on missions to deep-space destinations including the Moon and Mars.

NASA Acting Administrator Robert Lightfoot delivers the "State of NASA", February 12, 2018, at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. In his address, Lightfoot discussed what the President's Fiscal Year 2019 budget request means for America's space agency. According to Lightfoot, it "reflects the administration's confidence that America will lead the way back to the Moon and take the next giant leap". Lightfoot delivered the "State of NASA" address in Marshall's Center for Advanced Manufacturing where engineers are pushing boundaries in the fields of additive manufacturing, 3D printing, and more. Hardware for NASA's Space Launch System and a model of the agency's Orion spacecraft served as a backdrop for the annual event. SLS, which is managed by Marshall, will enable a new era of exploration beyond Earth's orbit by launching astronauts on missions to deep-space destinations including the Moon and Mars.

Technicians with NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems Program complete installation of the America 250 emblem on the twin SLS (Space Launch System) solid rocket boosters for the Artemis II mission inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025. The SLS rocket and the Orion spacecraft will carry NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen on a 10-day mission around the Moon and back in early 2026 from Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy. America 250 commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with NASA celebrating the “Spirit of Innovation” theme to inspire future generations.

Technicians with NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems Program complete installation of the America 250 emblem on the twin SLS (Space Launch System) solid rocket boosters for the Artemis II mission inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025. The SLS rocket and the Orion spacecraft will carry NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen on a 10-day mission around the Moon and back in early 2026 from Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy. America 250 commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with NASA celebrating the “Spirit of Innovation” theme to inspire future generations.

Technicians with NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems Program complete installation of the America 250 emblem on the twin SLS (Space Launch System) solid rocket boosters for the Artemis II mission inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025. The SLS rocket and the Orion spacecraft will carry NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen on a 10-day mission around the Moon and back in early 2026 from Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy. America 250 commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with NASA celebrating the “Spirit of Innovation” theme to inspire future generations.

Technicians with NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems Program complete installation of the America 250 emblem on the twin SLS (Space Launch System) solid rocket boosters for the Artemis II mission inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025. The SLS rocket and the Orion spacecraft will carry NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen on a 10-day mission around the Moon and back in early 2026 from Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy. America 250 commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with NASA celebrating the “Spirit of Innovation” theme to inspire future generations.

Following a ceremony at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the Florida spaceport’s launch control center was officially renamed the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center. The facility serves as a nerve center where engineers and the launch director will monitor their flight consoles and give the “go” for the upcoming launch of Artemis I and later missions that will establish a sustainable presence on the Moon to prepare for missions to Mars. Petrone, who was instrumental in America’s first voyages to the Moon and headed the Apollo program, died in 2006 at the age of 80.

Following a ceremony at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the Florida spaceport’s launch control center was officially renamed the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center. The facility serves as a nerve center where engineers and the launch director will monitor their flight consoles and give the “go” for the upcoming launch of Artemis I and later missions that will establish a sustainable presence on the Moon to prepare for missions to Mars. Petrone, who was instrumental in America’s first voyages to the Moon and headed the Apollo program, died in 2006 at the age of 80.

Following a ceremony at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the Florida spaceport’s launch control center was officially renamed the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center. The facility serves as a nerve center where engineers and the launch director will monitor their flight consoles and give the “go” for the upcoming launch of Artemis I and later missions that will establish a sustainable presence on the Moon to prepare for missions to Mars. Petrone, who was instrumental in America’s first voyages to the Moon and headed the Apollo program, died in 2006 at the age of 80.

Following a ceremony at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the Florida spaceport’s launch control center was officially renamed the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center. The facility serves as a nerve center where engineers and the launch director will monitor their flight consoles and give the “go” for the upcoming launch of Artemis I and later missions that will establish a sustainable presence on the Moon to prepare for missions to Mars. Petrone, who was instrumental in America’s first voyages to the Moon and headed the Apollo program, died in 2006 at the age of 80.

Following a ceremony at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the Florida spaceport’s launch control center was officially renamed the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center. The facility serves as a nerve center where engineers and the launch director will monitor their flight consoles and give the “go” for the upcoming launch of Artemis I and later missions that will establish a sustainable presence on the Moon to prepare for missions to Mars. Petrone, who was instrumental in America’s first voyages to the Moon and headed the Apollo program, died in 2006 at the age of 80.

Following a ceremony at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the Florida spaceport’s launch control center was officially renamed the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center. The facility serves as a nerve center where engineers and the launch director will monitor their flight consoles and give the “go” for the upcoming launch of Artemis I and later missions that will establish a sustainable presence on the Moon to prepare for missions to Mars. Petrone, who was instrumental in America’s first voyages to the Moon and headed the Apollo program, died in 2006 at the age of 80.

Following a ceremony at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the Florida spaceport’s launch control center was officially renamed the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center. The facility serves as a nerve center where engineers and the launch director will monitor their flight consoles and give the “go” for the upcoming launch of Artemis I and later missions that will establish a sustainable presence on the Moon to prepare for missions to Mars. Petrone, who was instrumental in America’s first voyages to the Moon and headed the Apollo program, died in 2006 at the age of 80.

Launch team members who supported the launch of America's first satellite, Explorer 1, pose at a newly unveiled historical marker with Ray Sands, chairman of the Air Force Space and Missile Foundation -- sponsor of the marker, Brig. Gen. Wayne Monteith, 45th Space Wing commander and director of the Eastern Range, and Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana. The event tool place at the site of the launch 60 years ago, Space Launch Complex 26 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

Shown is a display honoring former Kennedy Space Center launch director Rocco Petrone at the Florida spaceport on Feb. 22, 2022. During a ceremony held at Kennedy, the launch control center was officially renamed to the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center. Petrone was instrumental in America’s first voyages to the Moon and headed the Apollo program. He died in 2006 at the age of 80.

A display dedicated to former Kennedy Space Center launch director Rocco Petrone is viewed at Kennedy Space Center on Feb. 22, 2022. During a ceremony held at the Florida spaceport, Kennedy’s launch control center was officially renamed to the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center. Petrone was instrumental in America’s first voyages to the Moon and headed the Apollo program. He died in 2006 at the age of 80.

Boy Scouts of America Troop 209 members Andrew Frank, left, Elliot Lee center, and team leader Norman McFarland speak to members of social media in the Kennedy Space Center’s Press Site auditorium. The briefing focused on research planned for launch to the International Space Station. The scientific materials and supplies will be aboard a Dragon spacecraft scheduled for launch from Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39A on Aug. 14 atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on the company's 12th Commercial Resupply Services mission to the space station.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The first Space Shuttle vehicle destined to fly in space moves toward Launch Complex 39A where it will be launched. The STS-1 vehicle, consisting of America’s first reusable space ship - the orbiter Columbia, an external propellant tank and two solid rocket boosters, was assembled on a Mobile Launcher Platform in the Vehicle Assembly Building. A six-million pound tractor, called the Crawler-Transporter, is used to carry the Space Shuttle from the VAB to the launch pad, some 3.5 miles away.

The flags of Russia, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Kazakhstan and Roscosmos fly at the launch pad as the Soyuz rocket is raised into vertical position on the launch pad, Monday, Sept. 23, 2019 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Expedition 61 crewmembers Jessica Meir of NASA, Oleg Skripochka of Roscosmos, and spaceflight participant Hazzaa Ali Almansoori of the United Arab Emirates will launch September 25th on the Soyuz MS-15 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Boy Scouts of America Troop 209 members Andrew Frank, left, and Elliot Lee speak to members of social media in the Kennedy Space Center’s Press Site auditorium. The briefing focused on research planned for launch to the International Space Station. The scientific materials and supplies will be aboard a Dragon spacecraft scheduled for launch from Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39A on Aug. 14 atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on the company's 12th Commercial Resupply Services mission to the space station.