Larry Kepko - Lead scientist for Dellingr CubeSat

Closer look at a re-frozen lead in sea ice in the Bellingshausen Sea, seen from the DC-8 on Oct. 19, 2012. Credit: NASA / George Hale NASA's Operation IceBridge is an airborne science mission to study Earth's polar ice. For more information about IceBridge, visit: <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/icebridge" rel="nofollow">www.nasa.gov/icebridge</a> <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/audience/formedia/features/MP_Photo_Guidelines.html" rel="nofollow">NASA image use policy.</a> <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/home/index.html" rel="nofollow">NASA Goddard Space Flight Center</a> enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. Follow us on <a href="http://twitter.com/NASA_GoddardPix" rel="nofollow">Twitter</a> Like us on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Greenbelt-MD/NASA-Goddard/395013845897?ref=tsd" rel="nofollow">Facebook</a> Find us on <a href="http://instagrid.me/nasagoddard/?vm=grid" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>

Europa Leading Hemisphere

Embedded ice with lead

Iceberg embedded in sea ice with a lead on one side. This opening was likely caused by winds blowing against the side of the iceberg. Credit: NASA / George Hale NASA's Operation IceBridge is an airborne science mission to study Earth's polar ice. For more information about IceBridge, visit: <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/icebridge" rel="nofollow">www.nasa.gov/icebridge</a> <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/audience/formedia/features/MP_Photo_Guidelines.html" rel="nofollow">NASA image use policy.</a> <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/home/index.html" rel="nofollow">NASA Goddard Space Flight Center</a> enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. Follow us on <a href="http://twitter.com/NASA_GoddardPix" rel="nofollow">Twitter</a> Like us on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Greenbelt-MD/NASA-Goddard/395013845897?ref=tsd" rel="nofollow">Facebook</a> Find us on <a href="http://instagrid.me/nasagoddard/?vm=grid" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>

Leading Edge Vortex Suppression Series

Blunt Leading Edge Model in the Unitary Wind Tunnel

Propulsion Lead Rebekah Lam participates in Perseverance's second trajectory correction maneuver at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA24194

Propulsion Lead Checks the Tanks

Safety and Health Days - Leading (Lt. Col. Danny McKnight)

Danny McKnight, a U.S. Army retired colonel, speaks to Kennedy Space Center employees inside the Florida spaceport’s Operations Support Building II on March 3, 2020, during the center’s annual Safety and Health Days. Taking place March 2 through March 6, Safety and Health Days provides Kennedy employees with a variety of presentations to attend – all of which focus on how to maintain a safe and healthy workforce. McKnight’s presentation included information on the commitment and leadership required to be successful when operating in difficult conditions.

Safety and Health Days - Leading (Lt. Col. Danny McKnight)

NASA Kennedy Space Center employees learn more about safety from informational tables set up inside the Florida spaceport’s Operations Support Building II on March 3, 2020, during the center’s annual Safety and Health Days. Taking place March 2 through March 6, Safety and Health Days provides Kennedy employees with a variety of presentations to attend – all of which focus on how to maintain a safe and healthy workforce.

Safety and Health Days - Leading (Lt. Col. Danny McKnight)

Danny McKnight, a U.S. Army retired colonel, speaks to Kennedy Space Center employees inside the Florida spaceport’s Operations Support Building II on March 3, 2020, during the center’s annual Safety and Health Days. Taking place March 2 through March 6, Safety and Health Days provides Kennedy employees with a variety of presentations to attend – all of which focus on how to maintain a safe and healthy workforce. McKnight’s presentation included information on the commitment and leadership required to be successful when operating in difficult conditions.

Safety and Health Days - Leading (Lt. Col. Danny McKnight)

NASA Kennedy Space Center employees learn more about safety from informational tables set up inside the Florida spaceport’s Operations Support Building II on March 3, 2020, during the center’s annual Safety and Health Days. Taking place March 2 through March 6, Safety and Health Days provides Kennedy employees with a variety of presentations to attend – all of which focus on how to maintain a safe and healthy workforce.

Safety and Health Days - Leading (Lt. Col. Danny McKnight)

Danny McKnight, a U.S. Army retired colonel, presents information on what it takes to be a leader when operating in difficult conditions inside NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Operations Support Building II on March 3, 2020, during the center’s annual Safety and Health Days. Taking place March 2 through March 6, Safety and Health Days provides Kennedy employees with a variety of presentations to attend – all of which focus on how to maintain a safe and healthy workforce.

Safety and Health Days - Leading (Lt. Col. Danny McKnight)

Tom Engler, director of Center Planning and Development at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, poses with the Safety and Mission Assurance “I Love Safety” poster during the center’s annual Safety and Health Days on March 3, 2020. Taking place March 2 through March 6, Safety and Health Days provides Kennedy employees with a variety of presentations to attend – all of which focus on how to maintain a safe and healthy workforce.

Safety and Health Days - Leading (Lt. Col. Danny McKnight)

Danny McKnight, a U.S. Army retired colonel one of the guest speakers during NASA Kennedy Space Center’s annual Safety and Health Days, poses with the Safety and Mission Assurance “I Love Safety” poster inside the Operations Support Building II on March 3, 2020, prior to his presentation. Taking place March 2 through March 6, Safety and Health Days provides Kennedy employees with a variety of presentations to attend – all of which focus on how to maintain a safe and healthy workforce. McKnight’s presentation included information on the commitment and leadership required to be successful when operating in difficult conditions.

Safety and Health Days - Leading (Lt. Col. Danny McKnight)

Tom Engler, director of Center Planning and Development at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, addresses Kennedy employees inside the Operations Support Building II on March 3, 2020, during the center’s annual Safety and Health Days. Taking place March 2 through March 6, Safety and Health Days provides Kennedy employees with a variety of presentations to attend – all of which focus on how to maintain a safe and healthy workforce.

Safety and Health Days - Leading (Lt. Col. Danny McKnight)

NASA Kennedy Space Center employees learn more about safety from informational tables set up inside the Florida spaceport’s Operations Support Building II on March 3, 2020, during the center’s annual Safety and Health Days. Taking place March 2 through March 6, Safety and Health Days provides Kennedy employees with a variety of presentations to attend – all of which focus on how to maintain a safe and healthy workforce.

Safety and Health Days - Leading (Lt. Col. Danny McKnight)

NASA Kennedy Space Center employees learn more about safety from informational tables set up inside the Florida spaceport’s Operations Support Building II on March 3, 2020, during the center’s annual Safety and Health Days. Taking place March 2 through March 6, Safety and Health Days provides Kennedy employees with a variety of presentations to attend – all of which focus on how to maintain a safe and healthy workforce.

On March 3, 2020, NASA Kennedy Space Center employees attend a presentation in the Florida spaceport’s Operations Support Building II during the center’s annual Safety and Health Days. Taking place March 2 through March 6, Safety and Health Days provides Kennedy employees with a variety of presentations to attend – all of which focus on how to maintain a safe and healthy workforce.

Safety and Health Days - Leading (Lt. Col. Danny McKnight)

A NASA Kennedy Space Center employee learns more about safety from informational tables set up inside the Florida spaceport’s Operations Support Building II on March 3, 2020, during the center’s annual Safety and Health Days. Taking place March 2 through March 6, Safety and Health Days provides Kennedy employees with a variety of presentations to attend – all of which focus on how to maintain a safe and healthy workforce.

Safety and Health Days - Leading (Lt. Col. Danny McKnight)

A Kennedy Space Center employee fills out a NASA Safety Reporting System questionnaire inside the Florida spaceport’s Operations Support Building II on March 3, 2020, during the center’s annual Safety and Health Days. Taking place March 2 through March 6, Safety and Health Days provides Kennedy employees with a variety of presentations to attend – all of which focus on how to maintain a safe and healthy workforce.

Safety and Health Days - Leading (Lt. Col. Danny McKnight)

Tom Engler, director of Center Planning and Development at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, addresses Kennedy employees inside the Operations Support Building II on March 3, 2020, during the center’s annual Safety and Health Days. Taking place March 2 through March 6, Safety and Health Days provides Kennedy employees with a variety of presentations to attend – all of which focus on how to maintain a safe and healthy workforce.

NASA Cassini spacecraft shows a new view of Saturn moon Enceladus in a whole-disk mosaic of the geologically active moon leading, or western, hemisphere.

Enceladus Leading Hemisphere

SI Annual Report Photos - Green Lead Building and Coolant Plant

Kennedy continues to expand use of alternate fuel vehicles on center. As of 2021, 75% of the fleet uses alternative fuels (electricity, E-85, and biodiesel) to power them. There are 20 hybrids (gas/electric) 15 plug in hybrids, and 14 dedicated electric vehicles. Kennedy is working with commercial partner Florida Power and Light to build 56 additional vehicle chargers for government-owned vehicles by the end of 2021.

Spacecraft in Gravity Off-load Fixture (GOLF), System Test configuration - Arisa Waddle – Test Engineer, Rick Wilson – Lead Test Engineer

Leading Edge Vortex Suppression Series

Mangoro River on Madagascar's east coast leads to the Indian Ocean

Leading Up to Flight 50

This map shows the locations of NASA's Perseverance Mars rover and its Ingenuity Mars Helicopter in the sols (Martian days) leading up to the helicopter's 50th flight. The helicopter icon can be seen in the upper left. The rover is shown with a red dot in places where communications with the helicopter were impossible. The rover is shown with a yellow dot at its location when the Flight 50 prep sequence was transferred from rover to helicopter. The rover is shown with a green dot at its nearest point to the helicopter before Flight 50 was executed. Ingenuity's 49th flight occurred on April 2, 2023, the 752nd Martian day, or sol, of the rover's mission. The 50th flight occurred April 13, 2023, the 763rd Martian sol of the mission. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA25961

JONATHAN LOOSER, SLS CORE STAGE PROPULSION LEAD

Ingenuity Team Lead All Smiles

Ingenuity team lead Josh Anderson (seated left) and project manager Teddy Tzanetos (seated center) react during during the final shift for engineers working on NASA's Ingenuity Mars Helicopter at the agency's Jet Propulsion Laboratory on April 16, 2024. The team gathered to review a transmission from the helicopter that confirmed the operation of a software patch allowing Ingenuity to act as a stationary testbed and collect data that could benefit future explorers of the Red Planet. Originally designed as short-lived technology demonstration mission that would perform up to five experimental test flights over 30 days, the first aircraft on another world operated from the Martian surface for almost three years, flew more than 14 times farther than planned, and logged more than two hours of total flight time. Its 72nd and final flight was Jan. 18, 2024. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA26315

Joseph Ladner stands at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, where he leads a team managing the budgets to fund the nation’s premier propulsion test site.

: Key Moments Lead to Fulfilling NASA Stennis Career

The Lockheed T-33 modified for area-suction leading-edge and trailing edge flaps.

NASA ENGINEER BRYAN BARLEY IS LEADING WORK ON AN ADVANCED BOOSTER CONCEPT DESIGN FOR NASA'S SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM.

Bryan Barley leads work on an advanced booster concept for SLS

The NASA Educator Resource Center hosted the 2018 "Leading Within a Multigenerational Workforce" mentoring event. Opening remarks were by MSFC Deputy Director, Jody Singer, with a mentoring presentation from Mat Park. The key note presenter was UAH professor Kristin Scroggin.

University of Alabama Huntsville communications professor Kristi

Artemis curation lead, Juliane Gross -- jsc2026e019959

Artemis curation lead, Juliane Gross, holds a lunar globe in the Science Evaluation Room (SER) in Mission Control at Johnson Space Center in Houston. The SER supports lunar science and planetary observations for the Artemis science officer in the mission’s main flight control room. Built specifically for Artemis missions with these science priorities in mind, the SER is equipped to support rapid data interpretation, collaborative analysis, real-time decision making, and seamless coordination between the science and operations teams. Credits: NASA/Luna Posadas Nava

JSC2002-00546 (February 2002) --- Bryan P. Austin, lead flight director for STS-109, and Dana Weigel, lead EVA officer, pose near their respective consoles in the Shuttle Flight Control Room of the Johnson Space Center's Mission Control Center.

Flight Director Portrait - Bryan Austin with Lead EVA Console OPS- for Texas A&M Alumni Magazine

NASA Day in Montgomery, Feb. 22, 2018

Officials from Marshall Space Flight Center discussed the state's role in leading America back to the Moon and on to Mars with elected officials, industry leaders, students and the public during the Aerospace States Association’s Alabama Aerospace Week in Montgomery, Ala. NASA was honored by the Alabama legislature with a resolution and proclamation from Gov. Kay Ivey recognizing the agency's achievements. NASA Trained Alabama Lead Teachers, (LtoR) Jacquelyn Adams, Arlinda Davis,Timothy Johnson,Laura Crowe demonstrate how rocket boosters work.

Yohan Lin, Airvolt integration lead, prepares the electric propulsion test stand.

Electric Motor Test Stand Will Help With Future X-planes

Astronaut Vance Brand seen in hatchway leading to Apollo Docking module

Culbertson leads the way from the U.S. Laboratory into Node 1

STS105-E-5108 (12 August 2001) --- Frank L. Culbertson, Jr., Expedition Three mission commander, leads cosmonaut Vladimir N. Dezhurov (back top), Expedition Three flight engineer, and Scott J. Horowitz, STS-105 commander, into Unity Node 1 during the initial ingress into the International Space Station (ISS) during the STS-105 mission. Culbertson and Dezhurov, accompanied by cosmonaut Mikhail Tyurin, will be replacing astronauts Susan J. Helms and James S. Voss and cosmonaut Yury V. Usachev as the temporary residents of the ISS. This image was taken with a digital still camera.

Artemis II lunar science team deputy lead, Jacob Richardson -- jsc2026e019903

Artemis II lunar science team deputy lead, Jacob Richardson, discusses the lunar science team's progress on the lunar targeting plan for the astronauts' several-hour flyby of the Moon, scheduled for April 6. As they pass the Moon, the crew will apply geology skills learned in the classroom and in Moon-like environments on Earth to photograph and describe features including impact craters, ancient lava flows, and surface cracks and ridges formed as the Moon slowly changed over time. They will note differences in color, brightness, and texture, which provide clues that help scientists understand what the surface is made of and how it formed. Credits: NASA/Bill Stafford

Artemis II deputy lunar science lead, Jacob Richardson -- jsc2026e021418

Artemis II deputy lunar science lead, Jacob Richardson, celebrates with a dance after hearing astronauts describe seeing impact flashes on the Moon during their lunar flyby on April 6, 2026. Richardson was monitoring the flyby from the Science Evaluation Room (SER) in Mission Control at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. Built specifically for Artemis missions with these science priorities in mind, the SER is equipped to support rapid data interpretation, collaborative analysis, real-time decision making, and seamless coordination between the science and operations teams. Credits: NASA/Luna Posadas Nava

Lead flight director James M. Heflin, Jr answers question at STS-34's thirty days before launch (T-30) press briefing conducted in the JSC Auditorium and Public Affairs Facility Bldg 2 briefing room.

STS-34 MCC lead flight director James M. Heflin, Jr at T-30 press briefing

Preston Schmauch, SLS Stages Element Alternate Lead Systems Engineer, oversees testing of the Intertank Structural Test Article (STA)

Perseverance's AutoNav Leads the Way

This annotated composite image shows the path NASA's Perseverance Mars rover took through a dense section of boulders. It was acquired on June 29, 2023, the 838th day, or sol, of the mission, by one of the rover's navigation cameras and was annotated using the Robot Sequencing and Visualization Program. The pale blue line indicates the course of the center of the rover's front wheel hubs, while the darker blue lines show the paths taken by the bottom of the rover's six wheels. With the help of its self-driving autonomous navigation system, AutoNav, Perseverance traversed the boulder field much more quickly than previous rovers could have. A key objective for Perseverance's mission on Mars is astrobiology, including the search for signs of ancient microbial life. The rover will characterize the planet's geology and past climate, pave the way for human exploration of the Red Planet, and be the first mission to collect and cache Martian rock and regolith (broken rock and dust). Subsequent NASA missions, in cooperation with ESA (European Space Agency), would send spacecraft to Mars to collect these sealed samples from the surface and return them to Earth for in-depth analysis. The Mars 2020 Perseverance mission is part of NASA's Moon to Mars exploration approach, which includes Artemis missions to the Moon that will help prepare for human exploration of the Red Planet. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA26071

NASA Marshall To Lead Artemis Program’s Human Lunar Lander Development

On Aug. 16, 2019, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine announced the agency’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, will lead the Human Landing System Program. Bridenstine was joined by Representatives Mo Brooks and Robert Aderholt of Alabama and Representative Scott DesJarlais of Tennessee. NASA will rapidly develop the lander for safely carrying the first woman and the next man to the Moon’s surface in 2024. The Artemis missions will start with launch by the world’s most powerful rocket, NASA’s Space Launch System, also managed by Marshall. Bridenstine made the announcement in front of the 149-foot-tall SLS liquid hydrogen structural test article, currently being tested to help ensure the structure can safely launch astronauts on the Artemis lunar missions. (NASA/Fred Deaton) For more information: https://www.nasa.gov/artemis-1

Artemis II deputy lunar science lead, Marie Henderson -- jsc2026e020759

Artemis II deputy lunar science lead, Marie Henderson, reacts to the astronauts' verbal observations of the Moon during their flyby on April 6, 2026. Along with other lunar science team members, Henderson helped train the astronauts in geology both in the classroom and in the field. The team also built the lunar targeting plan that, like an International Space Station spacewalk plan, provides strong, detailed observation guidance, plus flexibility for the crew to make decisions based on what they’re seeing and experiencing in real time. The science team had many moments of celebration during the lunar flyby as the astronauts took images of the Moon and provided verbal descriptions of what they were seeing. This type of information reveals the geologic history of an area and will be critical to collect when future Artemis astronauts explore the Moon's surface. Credits: NASA/Luna Posadas Nava

Artemis II deputy lunar science lead, Marie Henderson -- jsc2026e020765

Artemis II deputy lunar science lead, Marie Henderson, reacts to the astronauts' verbal observations of the Moon during their flyby on April 6, 2026. Along with other lunar science team members, Ewing helped train the crew in geology both in the classroom and in the field. The science team also built the lunar targeting plan that, like an International Space Station spacewalk plan, provides strong, detailed observation guidance, plus flexibility for the crew to make decisions based on what they’re seeing and experiencing in real time. The science team had many moments of celebration during the lunar flyby as the astronauts took images of the Moon and provided verbal descriptions of what they were seeing. This type of information reveals the geologic history of an area and will be critical to collect when future Artemis astronauts explore the Moon's surface. Credits: NASA/Luna Posadas Nava

Ernie Wright, Artemis II lunar science visualization lead -- jsc2026e020757

Ernie Wright, Artemis II lunar science visualization lead, reacts to hearing the astronauts describe features of the Moon as they few by on April 6, 2026. To prepare the crew for this mission, the Artemis II lunar science team trained the astronauts in geology, both in the classroom and in the field. They also built the lunar targeting plan that, which, like an International Space Station spacewalk plan, provides strong, detailed observation guidance, plus flexibility for the crew to make decisions based on what they’re seeing and experiencing in real time. The science team had many moments of celebration during the lunar flyby as the astronauts took images of the Moon and provided verbal descriptions of what they were seeing. This type of information reveals the geologic history of an area and will be critical to collect when future Artemis astronauts explore the Moon's surface. Credits: NASA/Luna Posadas Nava

This schematic graphic illustrates the bombardments that lead to colorful splotches and bands on the surfaces of several icy moons of Saturn.

Moons Under Bombardment

This illustration shows the various steps that lead to the formation of the aerosols that make up the haze on Titan, Saturn largest moon.

The Formation of Titan Haze

$Dione leading hemisphere appears relatively smooth and placid here, compared to the fractured landscape on its trailing hemisphere$

Construction of the Ring leading to the Test Section of the Ames 40x80 Foot Wind Tunnel.

The Bonanza King rock on Mars, pictured here, was tapped by the drill belonging to NASA Mars rover Curiosity. The tapping resulted in sand piling up on the rock after drilling, showing the rock was not firmly in place.

Loose Rock Leads to Incomplete Drilling

S114-E-7170 (5 August 2005) --- Astronaut Stephen K, Robinson, STS-114 mission specialist, holds a camera while floating through a hatch on the International Space Station. The crewmembers were making final preparations for Space Shuttle Discoverys scheduled departure on August 6.

Robinson with camera in hatch leading to FGB

Lead Artemis II Flight Director Jeff Radigan During the Proximity Operations Demonstration

jsc2026e019242 (April 1, 2026) – Lead Artemis II Flight Director Jeff Radigan in the White Flight Control Room at the Mission Control Center at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. At the time of this photograph, a little over three hours into the mission, the Artemis II crew began a manual piloting test called the proximity operations demonstration. During the demonstration, mission controllers monitored Orion as the astronauts transitioned the spacecraft to manual mode and piloted its flight path and orientation. This demonstration will provide performance data and operational experience that cannot be readily gained on the ground in preparation for critical rendezvous, proximity operations, docking, and undocking for future Artemis missions. Credit: NASA

This image from NASA Terra satellite shows the Morenci open-pit copper mine in southeast Arizona, North America leading producer of copper.

Morenci Mine, AZ

NASA Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or WISE, helped lead astronomers to what appears to be a new example of a dancing black hole duo.

Two Black Holes on Way to Becoming One Artist Concept

Lake Nasser in Egypt

Artemis curation lead, Juliane Gross, reacts to the astronauts' verbal observations of the Moon -- jsc2026e020758

Artemis curation lead, Juliane Gross, reacts to the astronauts' verbal observations of the Moon during their flyby on April 6, 2026. Along with other members of the Artemis II lunar science team, Gross helped train the Artemis II crew in geology both in the classroom and in the field. The team also built the lunar targeting plan that, like an International Space Station spacewalk plan, provides strong, detailed observation guidance, plus flexibility for the crew to make decisions based on what they’re seeing and experiencing in real time. The science team had many moments of celebration during the lunar flyby as the astronauts took images of the Moon and provided verbal descriptions of what they were seeing. This type of information reveals the geologic history of an area and will be critical to collect when future Artemis astronauts explore the Moon's surface. Credits: NASA/Luna Posadas Nava

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, astronaut Scott E. Parazynski discusses the Reinforced Carbon Carbon panels used on the leading edge of the wing of the orbiters. With him are engineers from around the Agency who are working on improving the RCC panels used on the wing leading edge. The gray carbon composite RCC panels have sufficient strength to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, astronaut Michael E. Lopez-Alegria looks at the Reinforced Carbon Carbon panels used on the leading edge of the wing of the orbiters. He and engineers from around the Agency are on a fact-finding tour for improving the RCC panels used on the wing leading edge. The gray carbon composite RCC panels have sufficient strength to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - - In the Orbiter Processing Facility astronaut Danny Olivas listens to Greg Grantham (left) talking about the Reinforced Carbon Carbon panels used on the leading edge of the wing of the orbiters. Behind Olivas are engineers from around the Agency who are working on improving the RCC panels used on the wing leading edge. The gray carbon composite RCC panels have sufficient strength to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, astronaut Scott E. Parazynski points to the Reinforced Carbon Carbon panels used on the leading edge of the wing of the orbiters. With Parazynski are engineers from around the Agency who are working on improving the RCC panels used on the wing leading edge. The gray carbon composite RCC panels have sufficient strength to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry.

STS088-370-014 (4-15 Dec. 1998) --- Astronaut Robert D. Cabana, commander, closes the hatch to the International Space Station (ISS) following several days of work by the crew members to ready its first two components (Zarya and Unity Modules).

Cabana closes the hatch leading to the ISS stack

Hatch leading into U.S. Laboratory / Destiny module

STS98-E-5114 (11 February 2001) --- This medium close-up shot, photographed with a digital still camera, shows Unity's closed hatch to the newly delivered Destiny laboratory. The crews of Atlantis and the International Space Station opened the laboratory, shortly after this photo was made on Feb. 11, and the astronauts and cosmonauts spent the first full day of what are planned to be years of work ahead inside the orbiting science and command center. Station commander William M. (Bill) Shepherd opened the Destiny hatch, and he and shuttle commander Kenneth D. Cockrell ventured inside at 8:38 a.m. (CST), Feb. 11. As depicted in subsequent digital images in this series, members of both crews went to work quickly inside the new module, activating air systems, fire extinguishers, alarm systems, computers and internal communications. The crew also continued equipment transfers from the shuttle to the station.

ISS014-E-05015 (28 Sept. 2006) --- European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Thomas Reiter, Expedition 14 flight engineer, photographed near a docking port in the Pirs Docking Compartment of the International Space Station. A probe-and-cone docking mechanism is visible in the port.

Crew around hatch leading into the Soyuz spacecraft

Media Meet the Team Leading NASA's Psyche Mission

A member of the media interviews the principal investigator of NASA's Psyche mission, Lindy Elkins-Tanton, in front of the spacecraft on April 11, 2022, inside a clean room at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. After engineers at JPL put their final touches on the spacecraft, Psyche will ship to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where it is scheduled to launch in August 2022 on a journey to a metal-rich asteroid of the same name. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA25241