Army Lt. Gen. James Dickinson, right, commanding general of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, speaks with NASA astronaut and current International Space Station crew member Andrew Morgan, an Army colonel, during an Oct. 8 downlink to the Payload Operations Integration Center at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center.

Air Force Two lands with Vice President Mike Pence along with Congressman Robert Aderholt at the Redstone Army Airfield in Huntsville, Alabama, on Monday, Sept. 25. They were greeted by NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center Director Todd May and Redstone Arsenal’s Lt. Gen. Edward Daly. The Vice President is visiting NASA’s Marshall Center to meet with employees, view test hardware for NASA’s Space Launch System — America’s new deep-space rocket, and tour the Payload Operations Integration Center, “science central” for the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Emmett Given)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Portrait of Lt. Gen. Forrest S. McCartney, KSC Center Director Photo credit: NASA

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Return To Flight Task Group (RTFTG) holds the first public meeting at the Debus Center, KSC Visitor Complex. Shown at the table on the left are Dr. Amy K. Donahue, James D. Lloyd, Robert Sieck, retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Forrest C. McCartney, Richard Kohrs, Sy Rubenstein and Dr. Charles C. Daniel. The group is co-chaired by former Shuttle commander Richard O. Covey and retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Stafford, who was an Apollo commander. The RTFTG was at KSC to conduct organizational activities, tour Space Shuttle facilities and receive briefings on Shuttle-related topics. The task group was chartered by NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe to perform an independent assessment of NASA’s implementation of the final recommendations of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board.

Mission Control Center (MCC) activities during Day-1 of the STS-9 mission with Flight Director Jay H. Greene and Lt. Gen. James A. Abrahamson. 1. Lt. General James A. Abrahamson 2. Jay H. Green 3. MOCR JSC, Houston, TX

Mission Control Center (MCC) activities during Day-1 of the STS-9 mission with Flight Director Jay H. Greene and Lt. Gen. James A. Abrahamson. 1. Lt. General James A. Abrahamson 2. Jay H. Green 3. MOCR JSC, Houston, TX

Lt. Gen. James A. Abrahamson talks during the NASA Advisory Council meeting held at the Rayburn House Office Building, Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2005, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., left, speaks with reitred astronaut Lt. Gen. Thomas Stafford prior to the start of a hearing before the House Subcommitte on Space and Aeronautics regarding Safety of Human Spaceflight on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Retired astronaut Lt. Gen. Thomas Stafford testifies during a hearing before the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology regarding access to and sustainability of the International Space Station, Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Kennedy Space Center Director Lt. Gen. Forrest S. McCartney, left, stands on the fixed service structure in front of one of the space shuttle Atlantis' solid rocket boosters the morning after it is rolled out to Pad 39B. With McCartney is the pad site manager Bill Warren. Photo credit: NASA

Retired astronaut Lt. Gen. Thomas Stafford testifies during a hearing before the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology regarding access to and sustainability of the International Space Station, Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

Reitred astronaut Lt. Gen. Thomas Stafford testifies during a hearing before the House Subcommitte on Space and Aeronautics regarding Safety of Human Spaceflight on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Retired astronaut Lt. Gen. Thomas Stafford testifies during a hearing before the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology regarding access to and sustainability of the International Space Station, Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

Reitred astronaut Lt. Gen. Thomas Stafford testifies during a hearing before the House Subcommitte on Space and Aeronautics regarding Safety of Human Spaceflight on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Return To Flight Task Group (RTFTG) holds the first public meeting at the Debus Center, KSC Visitor Complex. Members and staff at this table, from left, are Joseph W. Cuzzupolui, retired Army Col. James C. Adamson, David Lenyel, co-chairs Richard O. Covey and retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Thomas Stafford, and retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Ralph H. Jacobson. Covey is a former astronaut and Shuttle commander. Stafford is a former astronaut and Apollo commander. The RTFTG was at KSC to conduct organizational activities, tour Space Shuttle facilities and receive briefings on Shuttle-related topics. The task group was chartered by NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe to perform an independent assessment of NASA’s implementation of the final recommendations of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board.

At a 50th anniversary gala capping a year-long celebration of 50 years of rocket launches from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Vice Commander, Air Force Space Command, Lt. Gen. Roger DeKok; Commander, 45th Space Wing, Brig. Gen. Donald Pettit; and U.S. representative of Florida’s 15th Congressional District, David Weldon gather for a discussion. They were speakers at the gala. The first launch at CCAFS took place at 9:28 a.m. on July 24, 1950, with the liftoff of Bumper 8 from Launch Complex 3. The gala was hosted by the Cape Canaveral Chapter Air Force Association

At a 50th anniversary gala capping a year-long celebration of 50 years of rocket launches from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Vice Commander, Air Force Space Command, Lt. Gen. Roger DeKok; Commander, 45th Space Wing, Brig. Gen. Donald Pettit; and U.S. representative of Florida’s 15th Congressional District, David Weldon gather for a discussion. They were speakers at the gala. The first launch at CCAFS took place at 9:28 a.m. on July 24, 1950, with the liftoff of Bumper 8 from Launch Complex 3. The gala was hosted by the Cape Canaveral Chapter Air Force Association

Views of MOCR activity during the STS-5 Mission (11/11-16/1982) of Dr. Hans Mark, NASA Deputy Administrator; Gerald Griffin; portrait of the STS-5 Flight Directors, Flight Director (FD) Cox and Lt. Gen. James A. Abrahamson, Associate Administrator for Space Flight, in the MOCR during the STS-5 Mission. 1. Abrahamson, J. T., Gen,.- STS-5 MOCR 2. Flight Directors - STS-5 MOCR 3. STS-5 - Inflight MOCR 4. Mark, Hans Dr. - STS-5 MOCR 5. Dir. Griffin, Gerald- STS-5 MOCR JSC, Houston, TX. S83-27153 thru S83-27158

Views of MOCR activity during the STS-5 Mission (11/11-16/1982) of Dr. Hans Mark, NASA Deputy Administrator; Gerald Griffin; portrait of the STS-5 Flight Directors, Flight Director (FD) Cox and Lt. Gen. James A. Abrahamson, Associate Administrator for Space Flight, in the MOCR during the STS-5 Mission. 1. Abrahamson, J. T., Gen,.- STS-5 MOCR 2. Flight Directors - STS-5 MOCR 3. STS-5 - Inflight MOCR 4. Mark, Hans Dr. - STS-5 MOCR 5. Dir. Griffin, Gerald- STS-5 MOCR JSC, Houston, TX. S83-27153 thru S83-27158

At a 50th anniversary gala capping a year-long celebration of 50 years of launches from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Brig. Gen. Donald Pettit (left) receives a plaque from committee chairman Ed Gormel. The first launch took place at 9:28 a.m. on July 24, 1950, with the liftoff of Bumper 8 from Launch Complex 3. The gala, hosted by the Cape Canaveral Chapter Air Force Association, featured such speakers as Center Director Roy Bridges; Vice Commander, Air Force Space Command, Lt. Gen. Roger DeKok; and the Honorable David Weldon, U.S. representative of Florida’s 15th Congressional District

Views of MOCR activity during the STS-5 Mission (11/11-16/1982) of Dr. Hans Mark, NASA Deputy Administrator; Gerald Griffin; portrait of the STS-5 Flight Directors, Flight Director (FD) Cox and Lt. Gen. James A. Abrahamson, Associate Administrator for Space Flight, in the MOCR during the STS-5 Mission. 1. Abrahamson, J. T., Gen,.- STS-5 MOCR 2. Flight Directors - STS-5 MOCR 3. STS-5 - Inflight MOCR 4. Mark, Hans Dr. - STS-5 MOCR 5. Dir. Griffin, Gerald- STS-5 MOCR JSC, Houston, TX. S83-27153 thru S83-27158

At a 50th anniversary gala capping a year-long celebration of 50 years of launches from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Brig. Gen. Donald Pettit (left) receives a plaque from committee chairman Ed Gormel. The first launch took place at 9:28 a.m. on July 24, 1950, with the liftoff of Bumper 8 from Launch Complex 3. The gala, hosted by the Cape Canaveral Chapter Air Force Association, featured such speakers as Center Director Roy Bridges; Vice Commander, Air Force Space Command, Lt. Gen. Roger DeKok; and the Honorable David Weldon, U.S. representative of Florida’s 15th Congressional District

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Return To Flight Task Group (RTFTG) holds its first public meeting at the Debus Center, KSC Visitor Complex. The group is co-chaired by former Shuttle commander Richard O. Covey and retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Stafford, who was an Apollo commander. The RTFTG was at KSC to conduct organizational activities, tour Space Shuttle facilities and receive briefings on Shuttle-related topics. The task group was chartered by NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe to perform an independent assessment of NASA’s implementation of the final recommendations of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The news media capture the words and images of the Return To Flight Task Group (RTFTG) which held its first public meeting at the Debus Center, KSC Visitor Complex. The group is co-chaired by former Shuttle commander Richard O. Covey and retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Stafford, who was an Apollo commander. The RTFTG was at KSC to conduct organizational activities, tour Space Shuttle facilities and receive briefings on Shuttle-related topics. The task group was chartered by NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe to perform an independent assessment of NASA’s implementation of the final recommendations of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Return To Flight Task Group (RTFTG) holds its first public meeting at the Debus Center, KSC Visitor Complex. The group is co-chaired by former Shuttle commander Richard O. Covey and retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Stafford, who was an Apollo commander. The RTFTG was at KSC to conduct organizational activities, tour Space Shuttle facilities and receive briefings on Shuttle-related topics. The task group was chartered by NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe to perform an independent assessment of NASA’s implementation of the final recommendations of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board.

Taking part in the First Florida Space Summit on the future of space as it relates to the State of Florida are (left to right) Lt. Governor Frank Brogan, 45th Space Wing Commander Brig. Gen. Donald Pettit, and Center Director Roy Bridges, who moderated the discussion. The event, held at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, also included Senator Bob Graham, Senator Connie Mack, State Senator Patsy Kurth, Representative Dave Weldon, and heads of aerospace companies

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Stafford, former astronaut and Air Force test pilot, stands near space shuttle Atlantis inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Stafford flew two Gemini missions, commanded Apollo 10 and commanded the Apollo-Soyuz test mission during his NASA career. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Apollo 11 mission officials relax in the Launch Control Center following the successful Apollo liftoff today. From left to right are Charles W. Mathews, deputy associate administrator for Manned Space Flight; Dr. Wernher von Braun, director of the Marshall Space Flight Center; Dr. George E. Mueller, associate administrator for Manned Space Flight; and Lt. Gen. Samuel C. Phillips, director of the Apollo Program.

Lt. Gen. David D. Thompson, Vice Commander, Space Command, United States Air Force testifies before the Aviation and Space Subcommittee of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee during a hearing titled “The Emerging Space Environment: Operational, Technical, and Policy Challenges.”, Tuesday, May 14, 2019, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Retired astronaut Lt. Gen. Thomas Stafford, right, and Cristina Chaplain, director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management, U.S. Government Accountability Office listen during a hearing before the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology regarding access to and sustainability of the International Space Station, Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Stafford, former astronaut and Air Force test pilot, looks over space shuttle Endeavour in Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Stafford flew two Gemini missions, commanded Apollo 10 and commanded the Apollo-Soyuz test mission during his NASA career. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, left, thanks JPL Deputy Director Lt. Gen. (Ret) Larry James, JPL Director Michael Watkins, JPL Distinguished Visiting Scientist and Spouse of UAG Chairman James Ellis, Elisabeth Pate-Cornell , UAG Chairman, Admiral (Ret) James Ellis , and California Institute of Technology President Thomas Rosenbaum, right, for giving him a tour of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Saturday, April 28, 2018 in Pasadena, California. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Stafford, former astronaut and Air Force test pilot, stands near space shuttle Atlantis inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Stafford flew two Gemini missions, commanded Apollo 10 and commanded the Apollo-Soyuz test mission during his NASA career. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Stafford, former astronaut and Air Force test pilot, stands near the Astrovan and space shuttle Atlantis inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Stafford flew two Gemini missions, commanded Apollo 10 and commanded the Apollo-Soyuz test mission during his NASA career. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Kennedy Space Center Director Lt. Gen. Forrest S. McCartney, far right, stands in front of the space shuttle Atlantis the morning after it is rolled out to Launch Pad 39B. Standing with McCartney is, from right to left, Bob Sieck, director of Shuttle Management and Operations, Bill Warren, pad site manager, and Gene Thomas, director of Launch and Landing Operations. Photo credit: NASA

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Stafford, former astronaut and Air Force test pilot, stands near the Astrovan and space shuttle Atlantis inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Stafford flew two Gemini missions, commanded Apollo 10 and commanded the Apollo-Soyuz test mission during his NASA career. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

Taking part in the First Florida Space Summit on the future of space as it relates to the State of Florida are (left to right) Lt. Governor Frank Brogan, 45th Space Wing Commander Brig. Gen. Donald Pettit, and Center Director Roy Bridges, who moderated the discussion. The event, held at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, also included Senator Bob Graham, Senator Connie Mack, State Senator Patsy Kurth, Representative Dave Weldon, and heads of aerospace companies

Vice Commander, Air Force Space Command, Lt. Gen. Roger DeKok (left) receives a commemorative plaque from Ed Gormel, committee chairman for the 50th anniversary gala that capped a year-long celebration of 50 years of rocket launches from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The first launch at CCAFS took place at 9:28 a.m. on July 24, 1950, with the liftoff of Bumper 8 from Launch Complex 3. The gala was hosted by the Cape Canaveral Chapter Air Force Association

Vice Commander, Air Force Space Command, Lt. Gen. Roger DeKok (left) receives a commemorative plaque from Ed Gormel, committee chairman for the 50th anniversary gala that capped a year-long celebration of 50 years of rocket launches from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The first launch at CCAFS took place at 9:28 a.m. on July 24, 1950, with the liftoff of Bumper 8 from Launch Complex 3. The gala was hosted by the Cape Canaveral Chapter Air Force Association

The Black History Month program was presented at Marshall Space Flight Center with guest speaker Lt. General Stayce Harris. General Harris is the Inspector General of the Air Force and she is the first African American female Lieutenant General in the American military. The topic of her presentation was "African Americans in Times of War". The presentation was followed by an ethnic food sampling.

The Black History Month program was presented at Marshall Space Flight Center with guest speaker Lt. General Stayce Harris. General Harris is the Inspector General of the Air Force and she is the first African American female Lieutenant General in the American military. The topic of her presentation was "African Americans in Times of War". The presentation was followed by an ethnic food sampling.

The Black History Month program was presented at Marshall Space Flight Center with guest speaker Lt. General Stayce Harris. General Harris is the Inspector General of the Air Force and she is the first African American female Lieutenant General in the American military. The topic of her presentation was "African Americans in Times of War". The presentation was followed by an ethnic food sampling.

The Black History Month program was presented at Marshall Space Flight Center with guest speaker Lt. General Stayce Harris. General Harris is the Inspector General of the Air Force and she is the first African American female Lieutenant General in the American military. The topic of her presentation was "African Americans in Times of War". The presentation was followed by an ethnic food sampling. General Harris is pictured here with local area Air Force JROTC cadets who attended the program.

The Black History Month program was presented at Marshall Space Flight Center with guest speaker Lt. General Stayce Harris. General Harris is the Inspector General of the Air Force and she is the first African American female Lieutenant General in the American military. The topic of her presentation was "African Americans in Times of War". The presentation was followed by an ethnic food sampling.

The Black History Month program was presented at Marshall Space Flight Center with guest speaker Lt. General Stayce Harris. General Harris is the Inspector General of the Air Force and she is the first African American female Lieutenant General in the American military. The topic of her presentation was "African Americans in Times of War". The presentation was followed by an ethnic food sampling.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Return To Flight Task Group (RTFTG) holds the first public meeting at the Debus Center, KSC Visitor Complex. Members and staff at the table, from left, are retired Navy Rear Adm. Walter H. Cantrell, David Raspet, retired Air Force Col. Gary S. Geyer, Dr. Kathryn Clark, Dr. Decatur B. Rogers, Dr. Dan L. Crippen, Dr. Walter Broadnax and astronaut Carlos Noriega. The RTFTG was at KSC to conduct organizational activities, tour Space Shuttle facilities and receive briefings on Shuttle-related topics. The task group was chartered by NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe to perform an independent assessment of NASA’s implementation of the final recommendations of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board. The group is co-chaired by former Shuttle commander Richard O. Covey and retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Stafford, who was an Apollo commander.

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, left, Kevin O’Connell, Director, Office of Space Commerce, Department of Commerce, Robert Cardillo, Former Director, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Lt. Gen. David D. Thompson, Vice Commander, Space Command, United States Air Force, and Col. Pamela A. Melroy, United States Air Force (ret.) (former astronaut), right, testify before the Senate Aviation and Space Subcommittee during a hearing titled “The Emerging Space Environment: Operational, Technical, and Policy Challenges.”, Tuesday, May 14, 2019, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Air Force Two lands with Vice President Mike Pence along with Congressman Robert Aderholt at the Redstone Army Airfield in Huntsville, Alabama, on Monday, Sept. 25. They were greeted by NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center Director Todd May and Redstone Arsenal’s Lt. Gen. Edward Daly. The Vice President is visiting NASA’s Marshall Center to meet with employees, view test hardware for NASA’s Space Launch System — America’s new deep-space rocket, and tour the Payload Operations Integration Center, “science central” for the International Space Station.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, 3rd from right, tours NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory along with his wife Karen, and daughter Charlotte, Saturday, April 28, 2018 in Pasadena, California. Joining the Vice President t and his family on the tour are: UAG Chairman, Admiral (Ret) James Ellis , left, JPL Distinguished Visiting Scientist and Spouse of UAG Chairman James Ellis, Elisabeth Pate-Cornell, behind Mrs. Pence, California Institute of Technology President Thomas Rosenbaum, JPL Director Michael Watkins, and JPL Deputy Director Lt. Gen. (Ret) Larry James, right. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence can be seen with his wife Karen Pence as they toured NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Saturday, April 28, 2018 in Pasadena, California. The vice President was also joined by his daughter Charlotte Pence, JPL Distinguished Visiting Scientist and Spouse of UAG Chairman James Ellis, Elisabeth Pate-Cornell , UAG Chairman, Admiral (Ret) James Ellis , Executive Director of the National Space Council Scott Pace, JPL Deputy Director Lt. Gen. (Ret) Larry James, and California Institute of Technology President Thomas Rosenbaum. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

JPL Director Michael Watkins, standing, explains the history of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the use of the Mission Support Area to Vice President Mike Pence, seated next to his wife Karen and daughter Charlotte Pence, during a tour of JPL, Saturday, April 28, 2018 in Pasadena, California. Joining the Vice President was, JPL Distinguished Visiting Scientist and Spouse of UAG Chairman James Ellis, Elisabeth Pate-Cornell, left, UAG Chairman, Admiral (Ret) James Ellis, JPL Deputy Director Lt. Gen. (Ret) Larry James, and California Institute of Technology President Thomas Rosenbaum. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Kevin O’Connell, Director, Office of Space Commerce, Department of Commerce, left, Robert Cardillo, Former Director, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, and Lt. Gen. David D. Thompson, Vice Commander, Space Command, United States Air Force, right, gather ahead of testifying along with Col. Pamela A. Melroy, United States Air Force (ret.) (former astronaut), before the Aviation and Space Subcommittee of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, Tuesday, May 14, 2019, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, 2nd from left, poses for a group photograph with JPL Director Michael Watkins, left, JPL Deputy Director Lt. Gen. (Ret) Larry James, California Institute of Technology President Thomas Rosenbaum, JPL Distinguished Visiting Scientist and Spouse of UAG Chairman James Ellis, Elisabeth Pate-Cornell, and UAG Chairman, Admiral (Ret) James Ellis, right, after having toured NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Saturday, April 28, 2018 in Pasadena, California. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

JPL Director Michael Watkins, left, explains the history of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the use of the Mission Support Area to Vice President Mike Pence, seated 4th from left, during a tour of JPL, Saturday, April 28, 2018 in Pasadena, California. Joining the Vice President was, JPL Distinguished Visiting Scientist and Spouse of UAG Chairman James Ellis, Elisabeth Pate-Cornell, left, UAG Chairman, Admiral (Ret) James Ellis, Executive Director of the National Space Council Scott Pace, wife of Mike Pence, Karen Pence, daughter of Mike Pence, Charlotte Pence, and JPL Deputy Director Lt. Gen. (Ret) Larry James. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

At a 50th anniversary gala capping a year-long celebration of 50 years of launches from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Center Director Roy Bridges (left) receives a plaque from committee chairman Ed Gormel. The plaque has a photo of the first rocket launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFSj) and an anniversary patch below it that was flown on STS-99. The first launch at CCAFS took place at 9:28 a.m. on July 24, 1950, with the liftoff of Bumper 8 from Launch Complex 3. The gala, hosted by the Cape Canaveral Chapter Air Force Association, featured such speakers as Center Director Roy Bridges; Vice Commander, Air Force Space Command, Lt. Gen. Roger DeKok; and the Honorable David Weldon, U.S. representative of Florida’s 15th Congressional District

Interim director of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory Lt. Gen. Larry James, USAF (Ret.), second from right, accepts the 2022 Michael Collins Trophy for Current Achievement from Christopher Browne, acting director of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, right, on behalf of MiMi Aung and the Mars Ingenuity Helicopter Team, Thursday, March 24, 2022, at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy center in Chantilly, Va. Pictured with James and Browne are Dave Lavery, program executive for Solar System Exploration at NASA Headquarters, left, Joshua Anderson, Ingenuity Mars Helicopter tactical lead at NASA JPL, second from left, and Gerik Kubiak, Ingenuity Mars Helicopter flight software lead at NASA JPL, center. The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Michael Collins Trophy recognizes extraordinary accomplishments in aeronautics and spaceflight. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

S69-40024 (24 July 1969) --- NASA and Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC) officials join in with the flight controllers, in the Mission Operations Control Room (MOCR) in the Mission Control Center (MCC), in celebrating the successful conclusion of the Apollo 11 lunar landing mission. Identifiable in the picture, starting in foreground, are Dr. Robert R. Gilruth, MSC Director; George M. Low, Manager, Apollo Spacecraft Program, MSC; Dr. Christopher C. Kraft Jr., MSC Director of Flight Operation; U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Samuel C. Phillips (with glasses, looking downward), Apollo Program Director, Office of Manned Space Flight, NASA Headquarters; and Dr. George E. Mueller (with glasses, looking toward left), Associate Administrator, Office of Manned Space Flight, NASA Headquarters. Former astronaut John H. Glenn Jr. is standing behind Mr. Low.

At a 50^th anniversary gala capping a year-long celebration of 50 years of rocket launches from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Chris Bailey (left), president of the AFA Cape Canaveral Chapter, receives a rocket model from Maxwell King (right), former president of Brevard Community College. The first launch at CCAFS took place at 9:28 a.m. on July 24, 1950, with the liftoff of Bumper 8 from Launch Complex 3. The gala, hosted by the Cape Canaveral Chapter Air Force Association, featured such speakers as Center Director Roy Bridges; Vice Commander, Air Force Space Command, Lt. Gen. Roger DeKok; and the Honorable David Weldon, U.S. representative of Florida’s 15^th Congressional District

Interim director of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory Lt. Gen. Larry James, USAF (Ret.), right, delivers remarks after accepting the 2022 Michael Collins Trophy for Current Achievement on behalf of MiMi Aung and the Mars Ingenuity Helicopter Team, Thursday, March 24, 2022, at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy center in Chantilly, Va. Pictured with James are Dave Lavery, program executive for Solar System Exploration at NASA Headquarters, left, Joshua Anderson, Ingenuity Mars Helicopter tactical lead at NASA JPL, second from left, and Gerik Kubiak, Ingenuity Mars Helicopter flight software lead at NASA JPL, center. The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Michael Collins Trophy recognizes extraordinary accomplishments in aeronautics and spaceflight. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

At a 50^th anniversary gala capping a year-long celebration of 50 years of rocket launches from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Chris Bailey (left), president of the AFA Cape Canaveral Chapter, receives a rocket model from Maxwell King (right), former president of Brevard Community College. The first launch at CCAFS took place at 9:28 a.m. on July 24, 1950, with the liftoff of Bumper 8 from Launch Complex 3. The gala, hosted by the Cape Canaveral Chapter Air Force Association, featured such speakers as Center Director Roy Bridges; Vice Commander, Air Force Space Command, Lt. Gen. Roger DeKok; and the Honorable David Weldon, U.S. representative of Florida’s 15^th Congressional District

At a 50th anniversary gala capping a year-long celebration of 50 years of launches from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Center Director Roy Bridges (left) receives a plaque from committee chairman Ed Gormel. The plaque has a photo of the first rocket launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFSj) and an anniversary patch below it that was flown on STS-99. The first launch at CCAFS took place at 9:28 a.m. on July 24, 1950, with the liftoff of Bumper 8 from Launch Complex 3. The gala, hosted by the Cape Canaveral Chapter Air Force Association, featured such speakers as Center Director Roy Bridges; Vice Commander, Air Force Space Command, Lt. Gen. Roger DeKok; and the Honorable David Weldon, U.S. representative of Florida’s 15th Congressional District

Interim director of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory Lt. Gen. Larry James, USAF (Ret.), right, delivers remarks after accepting the 2022 Michael Collins Trophy for Current Achievement on behalf of MiMi Aung and the Mars Ingenuity Helicopter Team, Thursday, March 24, 2022, at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy center in Chantilly, Va. Pictured with James are Dave Lavery, program executive for Solar System Exploration at NASA Headquarters, left, Joshua Anderson, Ingenuity Mars Helicopter tactical lead at NASA JPL, second from left, and Gerik Kubiak, Ingenuity Mars Helicopter flight software lead at NASA JPL, center. The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Michael Collins Trophy recognizes extraordinary accomplishments in aeronautics and spaceflight. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Ready to put spades to work at ground-breaking ceremonies for SpaceX's new Falcon 9 rocket launch facilities at Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral are (from left) Thad Altman, Florida State representative; Jeff Kottkamp, Florida State Lt. Governor; Elon Musk, founder and CEO of Space Exploration Technologies; Brig. Gen. Susan J. Helms, commander of the U.S. Air Force 45th Space Wing; Lynda Weatherman, Brevard County Economic Development Commission CEO and president; Steve Koehler, president of Space Florida; Janet Petro, deputy director of NASA Kennedy Space Center; Patricia Grace Smith, FAA associate administrator for Commercial Space Transportation; and Steve Cain, NASA Kennedy Space Center COTS project manager. As part of NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, competition, SpaceX will launch a Falcon 9 with a cargo-carrying payload on a series of three demonstration missions from Cape Canaveral to the International Space Station, culminating with the delivery of supplies to the $100 billion dollar orbiting laboratory. SpaceX intends to demonstrate its launch, maneuvering, berthing and return abilities by 2009 – a year before NASA has scheduled the conclusion of Space Shuttle operations. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

At Cape Canaveral Air Station's (CCAS) Complex 3/4, officials held a ceremony kicking off a year-long series of events commemorating 50 years of launches from the Space Coast that began with the Bumper rockets. At left is Jim Thompson, who is with CCAS. Unveiling the 50th anniversary logo at left is the artist Darlene Egli. On stage, from left to right, are Lt. Col. Randall K. Horn, Commander, CCAS; Congressman David Weldon, 15th Congressional District of the State of Florida; Lieutenant Governor of the State of Florida Frank T. Brogan; Center Director Roy D. Bridges; and Executive Director Edward F. Gormel, Joint Performance Management Office. Also present (but not seen) is Brig. Gen. Donald P. Pettit, Commander, 45th Space Wing. After six Bumper launches at White Sands Proving Grounds, N.M., and a failed Bumper 7, a successful Bumper 8 lifted off July 24, 1950, from Complex 3/4 to conduct aerodynamic investigations around Mach 7 at relatively low altitudes. The kick-off event also inaugurated a student art contest to design a commemorative etching. The winning artwork will be permanently displayed on a 24-inch black granite square in the U.S. space Walk Hall of Fame in Titusville, Fla

At Cape Canaveral Air Station's (CCAS) Complex 3/4, officials held a ceremony kicking off a year-long series of events commemorating 50 years of launches from the Space Coast that began with the Bumper rockets. At left is artist Darlene Egli who designed the 50th anniversary logo next to her. On stage, from left to right, are Lt. Col. Randall K. Horn, Commander, CCAS; Brig. Gen. Donald P. Pettit, Commander, 45th Space Wing; Congressman David Weldon, 15th Congressional District of the State of Florida; Lieutenant Governor of the State of Florida Frank T. Brogan; Center Director Roy D. Bridges; and Executive Director Edward F. Gormel, Joint Performance Management Office. After six Bumper launches at White Sands Proving Grounds, N.M., and a failed Bumper 7, a successful Bumper 8 lifted off July 24, 1950, from Complex 3/4 to conduct aerodynamic investigations around Mach 7 at relatively low altitudes. The kick-off event also inaugurated a student art contest to design a commemorative etching. The winning artwork will be permanently displayed on a 24-inch black granite square in the U.S. Space Walk Hall of Fame in Titusville, Fla

At Cape Canaveral Air Station's (CCAS) Complex 3/4, officials held a ceremony kicking off a year-long series of events commemorating 50 years of launches from the Space Coast that began with the Bumper rockets. At right, Norris Gray, a Bumper Program veteran, unveils a street sign that will be used to mark the road leading to the launch complex from which Bumper was launched. Seen on the stage are, left to right, Lt. Col. Randall K. Horn (at the podium), Commander, CCAS; Congressman David Weldon, 15th Congressional District of the State of Florida; Lieutenant Governor of the State of Florida Frank T. Brogan; Center Director Roy D. Bridges; and Executive Director Edward F. Gormel, Joint Performance Management Office. Also present (but not seen) is Brig. Gen. Donald P. Pettit, Commander, 45th Space Wing. After six Bumper launches at White Sands Proving Grounds, N.M., and a failed Bumper 7, a successful Bumper 8 lifted off July 24, 1950, from Complex 3/4 to conduct aerodynamic investigations around Mach 7 at relatively low altitudes. The kick-off event also inaugurated a student art contest to design a commemorative etching. The winning artwork will be permanently displayed on a 24-inch black granite square in the U.S. Space Walk Hall of Fame in Titusville, Fla