MICHAEL COATES, DIRECTOR, JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, ADDRESSES AUDIENCE DURING ALL HANDS MEETING AT MSFC ON 11/9/11

S89-25242 (January 1989) --- Astronaut Michael L. Coats. Photo credit: NASA

Acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot, center, along with Deputy Chief Technology Officer of the United States Michael Kratsios, left, and Director of National Intelligence Daniel Coats, right, listen to remarks by panelists during the National Space Council's first meeting, Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017 at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. The National Space Council, chaired by Vice President Mike Pence heard testimony from representatives from civil space, commercial space, and national security space industry representatives. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot, center, along with Deputy Chief Technology Officer of the United States Michael Kratsios, left, and Director of National Intelligence Daniel Coats, right, listen to remarks by panelists during the National Space Council's first meeting, Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017 at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. The National Space Council, chaired by Vice President Mike Pence heard testimony from representatives from civil space, commercial space, and national security space industry representatives. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Mrs. George H.W. Bush talks to JSC Director Michael L. Coats and Diane Coats during visit to Houston.

JSC2007-E-023806 (12 May 2007) --- Following the Expedition 14 crew return at Ellington Field, cosmonaut Mikhail Tyurin, Expedition 14 flight engineer, is greeted by JSC Deputy Director Ellen Ochoa. JSC Director Michael L. Coats and Mrs. Coats are visible in the background. Photo credit: NASA

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame induction ceremony, new and former inductees are seated on the dais. In the front row, from left, are John Glenn, Scott Carpenter, Al Worden, Steven Hawley, Michael Coats, John Young, Jim Lovell and Ed Mitchell. At far left is John Zarrella, CNN's Miami Bureau Chief, who moderated. The May 5 induction added space shuttle commanders Michael L. Coats, Steven A. Hawley and Jeffrey A. Hoffman to the Hall of Fame. They grow the number of space explorers enshrined in the Hall of Fame to 66. The ceremony was held at the Kennedy Space Center's Apollo/Saturn V Center. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

STS029-04-029 (13-18 March 1989) --- Astronaut Michael L. Coats appears to like the status of the STS-29 flight as he offers a big smile from the commander's station on the flight deck. He takes a momentary break from updating the crew activity plan (CAP) to pose for the photo. This photographic frame was among NASA's third STS-29 photo release. Monday, March 20, 1989. Crew members were astronauts Michael L. Coats, John E. Blaha, James F. Buchli, Robert C. Springer and James P. Bagian. Photo credit: NASA

JSC2006-E-54858 (23 Dec. 2006) --- Michael L. Coats, director of the Johnson Space Center, addresses a large turnout of well-wishers at the STS-116 crew return ceremony on the afternoon of Dec. 23 at Ellington Field. Coats congratulated and thanked the Space Shuttle Discovery astronauts, whose work on the International Space Station represented one of the most difficult mission tasks in NASA's history. Seated not far away from Coats on the stage were the seven astronauts who returned to Earth on Dec. 22 aboard the Discovery. They spent their first night back on Earth in Florida, near their Kennedy Space Center landing site.

S90-52756 (December 1990) --- NASA's STS-39 crew members, wearing their partial pressure launch and entry suits, pose for traditional portrait. Left to right are astronauts Charles L. (Lacy) Veach, Donald R. McMonagle, Gregory J. Harbaugh, Michael L. Coats, L. Blaine Hammond Jr., Richard J. Hieb and Guion S. Bluford Jr. Coats is mission commander; Hammond, pilot, and the others are mission specialists. Photo credit: NASA

STS039-20-006 (28 April-6 May 1991) --- Astronaut Michael L. Coats, STS-39 mission commander, works controls of a robotic arm on the aft flight deck of the Earth-orbiting space shuttle Discovery. Out the overhead window, the SPAS-II hovers on the end of the remote manipulator system (RMS, out of frame). Inside the window, just above Coats' head is the Crewman Optical Alignment Sight (COAS), an optical device that aids in navigation. Photo credit: NASA

STS039-11-027 (28 April-6 May 1991) --- Astronaut Michael L. Coats, STS-39 mission commander, is seen in a close-up 35mm frame on the aft flight deck of the Earth-orbiting space shuttle Discovery. Out the overhead window, the SPAS-II hovers on the end of the remote manipulator system (RMS, out of frame). Inside the window, just above Coats' head is the Crewman Optical Alignment Sight (COAS), an optical device that aids in navigation. Photo credit: NASA

S89-25326 (11 Jan 1989) --- Five astronauts field questions from the news media, as they interrupt a busy training schedule in preparation for NASA's STS-29 mission in mid-March. Left to right on the dais are Astronauts James P. Bagian, James F. Buchli, Robert C. Springer, John E. Blaha and Michael L. Coats. Coats is mission commander. Jeffrey E. Carr of the Media Services Branch of JSC's Public Affairs Office, is at far right.

41D-3391 (10 April 1984) --- Astronaut Michael L. Coats positions himself for a photographic briefing during a training session for 41-D crew members in the shuttle one-g trainer at the Johnson Space Center (JSC). Coats will assume pilot duties aboard the space shuttle Discovery for the scheduled seven-day 41-D mission in late June. This photograph was taken for NASA by Otis Imboden.

S86-28458 (28 Feb. 1986) --- Astronaut Michael L. Coats participates in a rehearsal for his assigned flight at the commander's station of the Shuttle Mission Simulator (SMS) at the Johnson Space Center (JSC). NOTE: Coats, a veteran of spaceflight, originally trained for STS 61-H, which was cancelled in the wake of the Challenger accident. Following the Janaury 1986 accident he was named to serve on a mock crew (STS-61M) for personnel training and simulation purposes. Photo credit: NASA

JSC2009-E-207839 (12 Sept. 2009) --- NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) director Michael L. Coats addresses a large crowd of well-wishers at the STS-128 crew return ceremony on Sept. 12, 2009 at Ellington Field near JSC.

JSC2008-E-014907 (21 Feb. 2008) --- Johnson Space Center's (JSC) director Michael L. Coats (right) greets astronauts Rex Walheim (left) and Leland Melvin, STS-122 mission specialists, at Ellington Field near JSC prior to the STS-122 crew return ceremonies.

View of STS 41-D mission crew training in Shuttle Mission simulator. From left to right are Henry Hartsfield, Jr., commander; mission specialists Judith Resnik, Richard Mullane, and Steven Hawley; and Michael Coats, pilot. They appear to be standing in the middeck mockup, preparing for training.

JSC2009-E-207800 (12 Sept. 2009) --- NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) director Michael L. Coats addresses a large crowd of well-wishers at the STS-128 crew return ceremony on Sept. 12, 2009 at Ellington Field near JSC.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Members of the STS-41D flight crew are, from left to right, Michael L. Coats, Charles D. Walker, Steven A. Hawley, Judith A. Resnik, Richard M. Mullane, and Henry Hartsfield. Photo credit: NASA

S29-11-024 (13-18 March 1989) --- Astronaut Michael L. Coats, STS-29 commander, stretches across the forward flight deck of the space shuttle Discovery during a rare moment of leisure on the busy five-day mission. Photo credit: NASA

View of STS 41-D mission crew training in Shuttle Mission simulator. From left to right are Henry Hartsfield, Jr., commander; mission specialists Judith Resnik, Richard Mullane, and Steven Hawley; and Michael Coats, pilot. They appear to be standing in the middeck mockup, preparing for training.

JSC2009-E-122226 (26 May 2009) --- NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) director Michael L. Coats addresses a large crowd of well-wishers at the STS-125 crew return ceremony on May 26, 2009 at Ellington Field near JSC.

JSC2011-E-050757 (2 June 2011) --- NASA's Johnson Space Center director Michael L. Coats addresses a large crowd of well-wishers at the STS-134 crew return ceremony on June 2, 2011 at Ellington Field near JSC. Photo credit: NASA

JSC2006-E-28459 (18 July 2006) --- Johnson Space Center's (JSC) Director Michael L. Coats speaks from a lectern in Ellington Field's Hangar 276 near JSC during the STS-121 crew return ceremonies.

JSC2010-E-025784 (22 Feb. 2010) --- NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) director Michael L. Coats addresses a large crowd of well-wishers at the STS-130 crew return ceremony on Feb. 22, 2010 at Ellington Field near JSC.

JSC2007-E-31814 (23 June 2007) --- Johnson Space Center's (JSC) director Michael L. Coats addresses a large crowd of well-wishers at the STS-117 crew return ceremony on Saturday, June 23 in Ellington Field's Hangar 276 near JSC.

JSC2009-E-122153 (26 May 2009) --- NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) director Michael L. Coats (far left) and the STS-125 crew are pictured at the STS-125 crew return ceremony on May 26, 2009 at Ellington Field near JSC. From second left are astronauts Scott Altman, commander; Gregory C. Johnson, pilot; along with astronauts Michael Good, Megan McArthur, John Grunsfeld, Mike Massimino and Andrew Feustel, all mission specialists.

JSC2010-E-089697 (27 May 2010) --- At Ellington Field's Hangar 276, NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) director Michael L. Coats (far right on stage), addresses a large crowd of visitors at the crew return ceremony for STS-132 -- space shuttle Atlantis' final scheduled mission. Crew members, from the left, are NASA astronauts Piers Sellers, Steve Bowen, Michael Good, Garrett Reisman, Tony Antonelli and Ken Ham. Photo credit: NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- United Space Alliance workers Ginger Morrison and Michael Williams stitch together pieces of insulation blankets inside the ring that fits in the nose cap of Discovery. The blankets consist of layered, pure silica felt sandwiched between a layer of silica fabric (the hot side) and a layer of S-Glass fabric. The blankets are semi-rigid and can be made as large as 30 inches by 30 inches. The blanket is through-stitched with pure silica thread in a 1-inch grid pattern. After fabrication, the blanket is bonded directly to the vehicle structure and finally coated with a high purity silica coating that improves erosion resistance.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- United Space Alliance workers Michael Williams and Ginger Morrison stitch together pieces of insulation blankets inside the ring that fits in the nose cap of Discovery. The blankets consist of layered, pure silica felt sandwiched between a layer of silica fabric (the hot side) and a layer of S-Glass fabric. The blankets are semi-rigid and can be made as large as 30 inches by 30 inches. The blanket is through-stitched with pure silica thread in a 1-inch grid pattern. After fabrication, the blanket is bonded directly to the vehicle structure and finally coated with a high purity silica coating that improves erosion resistance.

STS028-S-001 (8 Aug 1989) --- The five astronaut crewmembers for STS-28 leave the operations and checkout building to board a transfer van en route to Launch Complex 39 for a date with Columbia. Front to back are Brewster H. Shaw Jr., Richard N. Richards, David C. Leestma, James C. Adamson and Mark N. Brown. At the rear of the line are Astronaut Michael L. Coats, acting chief of the astronaut office; and Donald R. Puddy, director of flight crew operations at JSC. Coats later flew a NASA Shuttle training aircraft for pre-launch and launch monitoring activities.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- United Space Alliance workers Ginger Morrison and Michael Williams stitch together pieces of insulation blankets inside the ring that fits in the nose cap of Discovery. The blankets consist of layered, pure silica felt sandwiched between a layer of silica fabric (the hot side) and a layer of S-Glass fabric. The blanket is through-stitched with pure silica thread in a 1-inch grid pattern. After fabrication, the blanket is bonded directly to the vehicle structure and finally coated with a high purity silica coating that improves erosion resistance. The blankets are semi-rigid and can be made as large as 30 inches by 30 inches.

JSC2006-E-28428 (18 July 2006) --- Johnson Space Center's (JSC) director Michael L. Coats speaks from a lectern in Ellington Field's Hangar 276 near JSC during the STS-121 crew return ceremonies. Seated from the left are astronauts Steven W. Lindsey, commander; Mark E. Kelly, pilot; Michael E. Fossum, mission specialist; NASA associate administrator Rex Geveden; astronauts Lisa M. Nowak, Stephanie D. Wilson and Piers J. Sellers, mission specialists. Photo credit: NASA

JSC2011-E-050763 (2 June 2011) --- NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) director Michael L. Coats (left) and STS-134 crew members are pictured during the STS-134 crew return ceremony on June 2, 2011 at Ellington Field near JSC. Pictured from second left are NASA astronauts Mark Kelly, commander; Greg H. Johnson, pilot; Michael Fincke, European Space Agency?s Roberto Vittori, NASA astronauts Andrew Feustel and Greg Chamitoff, all mission specialists. Photo credit: NASA

JSC2011-E-050737 (2 June 2011) --- NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) director Michael L. Coats (left) and STS-134 crew members are pictured during the STS-134 crew return ceremony on June 2, 2011 at Ellington Field near JSC. Pictured from second left are NASA astronauts Mark Kelly, commander; Greg H. Johnson, pilot; Michael Fincke, European Space Agency?s Roberto Vittori, NASA astronauts Andrew Feustel and Greg Chamitoff, all mission specialists. Photo credit: NASA

STS-34 crewmembers leave the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Operations and Checkout (O&C) Building. Crewmembers will then board a vehicle which will carry them to Launch Complex (LC) Pad 39B. Crewmembers, wearing orange launch and entry suits (LESs), are (left to right) Mission Specialist (MS) Franklin R. Chang-Diaz, MS Shannon W. Lucid, Pilot Michael J. McCulley, Commander Donald E. Williams, and MS Ellen S. Baker. Following the crewmembers are (dark clothing, left to right) Donald R. Puddy, Olan J. Bertrand, and astronaut Michael L. Coats of JSC.

JSC2011-E-050741 (2 June 2011) --- NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) director Michael L. Coats (left) and STS-134 crew members are pictured during the STS-134 crew return ceremony on June 2, 2011 at Ellington Field near JSC. Pictured from second left are NASA astronauts Mark Kelly, commander; Greg H. Johnson, pilot; Michael Fincke, European Space Agency?s Roberto Vittori, NASA astronauts Andrew Feustel and Greg Chamitoff, all mission specialists. Photo credit: NASA

STS033-S-001 (22 Nov 1989) --- Lighting up the entire launch complex, the Space Shuttle Discovery heads toward an earth-orbital mission, devoted to the Department of Defense. Launch occurred at 7:23:29.989 p.m. (EST), November 22, 1989. The photograph was taken by Astronaut Michael L. Coats in the Shuttle Training Aircraft (STA).

JSC2010-E-025800 (22 Feb. 2010) --- NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) director Michael L. Coats (left) addresses a large crowd of well-wishers at the STS-130 crew return ceremony on Feb. 22, 2010 at Ellington Field near JSC. Also pictured (from the second left) are NASA astronauts George Zamka, commander; Terry Virts, pilot; Kathryn Hire, Stephen Robinson, Nicholas Patrick and Robert Behnken, all mission specialists.

STS029-S-064 (18 Mar 1989) --- A rear view photographed from the ground just after Discovery's main landing gear touches down on Runway 22 at Edwards Air Force Base in California following a successful five-day mission in Earth orbit. Onboard the spacecraft were Astronauts Michael L. Coats, John E. Blaha, James F. Buchli, Robert C. Springer and James P. Bagian. Wheels came to a stop at 6:36:40 a.m. (PST), March 18, 1989.

STS039-07-017 (28 April - 6 May 1991) --- The seven member astronaut crew for the STS-39 mission poses on the middeck of the Earth-orbiting space shuttle Discovery for an in-flight crew portrait. Left to right (front) are astronauts Donald R. McMonagle, Michael L. Coats, Charles L. (Lacy) Veach and Gregory J. Harbaugh; and left to right (rear) are astronauts Guion S. Bluford Jr., L. Blaine Hammond and Richard J. Hieb. Photo credit: NASA

JSC2011-E-070270 (22 July 2011) --- NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) director Michael L. Coats (left) and STS-135 crew members are pictured during the STS-135 crew return ceremony on July 22, 2011 at Ellington Field near JSC. Pictured from second left are NASA astronauts Chris Ferguson, commander; Doug Hurley, pilot; Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim, both mission specialists. Photo credit: NASA

STS029-S-028 (13 March 1989) --- From Launch Pad 39B, the Space Shuttle Discovery is launched on Mission STS-29. Discovery lifted off at 9:57 a.m. (EST), March 13, 1989, carrying the tracking and data relay satellite (TDRS-1) into orbit. Onboard the spacecraft were astronauts Michael L. Coats, commander; John E. Blaha, pilot; and James F. Buchli, James P. Bagian and Robert C. Springer, all mission specialists.

JSC2009-E-207857 (12 Sept. 2009) --- NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) director Michael L. Coats addresses a large crowd of well-wishers at the STS-128 crew return ceremony on Sept. 12, 2009 at Ellington Field near JSC. Also pictured (from the second left) are NASA astronauts Rick Sturckow, commander; Kevin Ford, pilot; Patrick Forrester, Jose Hernandez, John ?Danny? Olivas and European Space Agency astronaut Christer Fuglesang, all mission specialists.

STS039-610-037 (28 April-6 May 1991) --- Numerous atmospheric scattering layers over Earth are apparent in this frame. The layers consist of fine particles suspended in very stable layers of the atmosphere. This photo was taken with a 70mm Rolliflex camera during the Space Shuttle Discovery's eight day mission. Crew members onboard were astronauts Michael L. Coats, L. Blaine Hammond, Guion S. Bluford, Richard J. Hieb, Gregory J. Harbaugh, Donald R. McMonagle and Charles L. (Lacy) Veach.

JSC2011-E-070523 (22 July 2011) --- NASA astronauts Chris Ferguson (center), STS-135 commander; and Doug Hurley, pilot, hold up a photo of the plaque that was left in space shuttle Atlantis by the STS-135 crew members during the STS-135 crew return ceremony on July 22, 2011 at Ellington Field near NASA?s Johnson Space Center (JSC). JSC director Michael L. Coats is at left. Photo credit: NASA

JSC2010-E-025814 (22 Feb. 2010) --- NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) director Michael L. Coats (left) and the STS-130 crew members are pictured at the STS-130 crew return ceremony on Feb. 22, 2010 at Ellington Field near JSC. From the second left are NASA astronauts George Zamka, commander; Terry Virts, pilot; Kathryn Hire, Stephen Robinson, Nicholas Patrick and Robert Behnken, all mission specialists.

S91-26674 (23 Jan 1991) --- Astronaut Michael L. Coats, mission commander, listens attentively as a news media representative (out of frame) queries the STS-39 crewmembers during a pre-flight press briefing. The others, pictured left to right, are Astronauts Guion (Guy) S. Bluford, C. Lacy Veach, Gregory J. Harbaugh, Richard J. Hieb, Donald R. McMonagle and L. Blaine Hammond Jr.

STS039-S-051 (28 April 1991) --- In KSC's Operations and Checkout Building, a very light breakfast is shared by the seven members of the STS-39 flight crew prior to their April 28, 1991 launch. Left to right are astronauts Donald R. McMonagle, Guion S. Bluford Jr., L. Blaine Hammond, Michael L. Coats, Gregory J. Harbaugh, Richard J. Hieb and Charles L. (Lacy) Veach. Launch occurred at 7:33:14 a.m. (EDT), April 28, 1991.

S88-52473 (8 Nov 1988) --- The commander and pilot of NASA's STS-29 mission get some training on the operation of one of the payloads for their upcoming spaceflight aboard Discovery. Astronauts Michael L. Coats, left, and John E. Blaha, along with the three other members of the crew, met with Imax personnel on the JSC grounds to practice using the motion-picture camera, making its first post-Challenger trip into space. The payload flew on a number of earlier STS flights.

JSC2002-E-03553 (17 January 2002) --- The STS-109 crewmembers participate in a bench review of equipment and gear in an offsite facility near Johnson Space Center (JSC). From the left (in blue lab coats) are astronauts Michael J. Massimino, mission specialist, John M. Grunsfeld, payload commander, Richard M. Linnehan, mission specialist, Duane G. Carey, pilot, Nancy J. Currie, mission specialist, Scott D. Altman, mission commander, and James H. Newman, mission specialist.

JSC2011-E-070471 (22 July 2011) --- NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) director Michael L. Coats (left), Houston Mayor Annise Parker, U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R.-Texas) and NASA astronaut Chris Ferguson, STS-135 commander, are pictured during the STS-135 crew return ceremony on July 22, 2011 at Ellington Field near JSC. Photo credit: NASA

Five astronauts composed the STS-29 crew. Standing (left ot right) are James P. Bagian, mission specialist 1; Robert C. Springer, mission specialist 3; and James F. (Jim) Buchli, mission specialist 2. Seated (left to right) are John E. Blaha, pilot, and Michael L. Coats, commander. STS-29 launched aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery on March 13, 1989 at 9:57 am (EST). The primary payload was the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite- 4 (TDRS-4).

NASA Glenn’s Natural Gas/Oxygen Burner Rig is used to study the high temperature performance of various metal alloys, ceramics, and protective coatings for aero and space propulsion systems. The burner rig provides an easily accessible and economical method to simulate engine operating conditions to understand thermomechanical and thermochemical degradation of materials and structures. In the photo, Materials Research Engineer Michael Presby uses an infrared pyrometer to monitor the surface temperature of the material for a test on February 23, 2024. Photo Credit: (NASA/Sara Lowthian-Hanna)

S91-26676 (23 Jan 1991) --- The five mission specialists assigned to the STS-39 Shuttle mission are pictured during a pre-flight press briefing. Pictured left to right are Astronauts Guion (Guy) S. Bluford, C. Lacy Veach, Gregory J. Harbaugh, Richard J. Hieb and Donald R. McMonagle. McMonagle uses models to demonstrate deployment of the infrared background signature survey (IBSS) satellite. Astronauts Michael L. Coats, mission commander, and L. Blaine Hammond Jr., pilot, are out of frame at right.

JSC2010-E-055368 (21 April 2010) --- NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) director Michael L. Coats (left) addresses a large crowd of well-wishers at the STS-131 crew return ceremony on April 21, 2010 at Ellington Field near JSC. NASA astronaut Alan Poindexter, STS-131 commander, is at right.

JSC2010-E-089680 (27 May 2010) --- At Ellington Field's Hangar 276, NASA's Johnson Space Center director Michael L. Coats, speaks to a large crowd of visitors at the crew return ceremony for space shuttle Atlantis' final scheduled mission. Each of the six crew members had a chance to express his sentiments to the visitors. Photo credit: NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration

JSC2011-E-070263 (22 July 2011) --- NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) director Michael L. Coats (right) greets NASA astronaut Chris Ferguson, STS-135 commander, shortly after he and three other crew members arrived at Ellington Field near JSC. Awaiting them was a large crowd on hand in nearby Hangar 990 to welcome them home to Houston during a return ceremony for the final mission for the Space Shuttle Program. Photo credit: NASA

In the Space Shuttle Atlantis facility at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Astronaut Scholarship Foundation Chairman Dan Brandenstein, left, also a Hall of Fame astronaut, presents inductee Ellen Ochoa with her hall of fame medal. Former Johnson Space Center Director Mike Coats, right, a Hall of Fame member, presented Ochoa for induction. During this year's ceremonies, space shuttle astronaut Michael Foale also was enshrined.

JSC2008-E-014908 (21 Feb. 2008) --- Johnson Space Center's (JSC) director Michael L. Coats (right) greets astronauts Rex Walheim (left) and Leland Melvin, STS-122 mission specialists, at Ellington Field near JSC prior to the STS-122 crew return ceremonies. European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Hans Schlegel, mission specialist, is visible in the background.

JSC2010-E-089686 (27 May 2010) --- At Ellington Field's Hangar 276, a large crowd of visitors have gathered for the crew return ceremony for STS-132 -- space shuttle Atlantis' final scheduled mission. The crew is seated on the stage at left, along with NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) director Michael L. Coats. . In the background is one of the T-38 trainers stationed at the air field, located just a few miles from the JSC main site. Photo credit: NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Five astronauts launched aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery on March 13, 1989 at 9:57 am (EST) for the STS-29 mission. Included were James P. Bagian, mission specialist 1; Robert C. Springer, mission specialist 3; James F. (Jim) Buchli, mission specialist 2; John E. Blaha, pilot; and Michael L. Coats, commander. The mission’s primary payload was the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite-4 (TDRS-4).

41D-3299 (5 Sept 1984) --- The Space Shuttle Discovery was captured on film just prior to touchdown on Runway 17 at Edwards Air Force Base to successfully complete a six-day mission in space. Inside were Henry W. Hartsfield, Jr., Michael L., Coats, Richard M. (Mike) Mullane, Steven A. Hawley, Judith A. Resnik and Charles D. Walker. Mission duration time was six days, 56 minutes and four seconds.

STS029-S-065 (18 March 1989) --- The five-man crew who flew aboard NASA's Space Shuttle Discovery (background) pose near it following a successful five-day mission in space. Left to right are Astronauts John E. Blaha, pilot, and James P. Bagian, mission specialist; Michael L. Coats, commander; and James F. Buchli and Robert C. Springer, mission specialists.

JSC2011-E-050731 (2 June 2011) --- NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) director Michael L. Coats (left), along with astronauts Mark Kelly, STS-134 commander; and Greg H. Johnson, pilot, are pictured during the STS-134 crew return ceremony on June 2, 2011 at Ellington Field near JSC. Photo credit: NASA

JSC2007-E-44409 (22 Aug. 2007) --- The STS-118 crewmembers and Johnson Space Center's (JSC) director Michael L. Coats (left) are photographed during the STS-118 crew return ceremony on Wednesday, Aug. 22 at Ellington Field's Hangar 990 near JSC. From second left are astronauts Scott Kelly and Charlie Hobaugh, commander and pilot respectively; Tracy Caldwell, Rick Mastracchio, Canadian Space Agency's Dave Williams, Barbara R. Morgan and Alvin Drew, all mission specialists.

JSC2011-E-070272 (22 July 2011) --- U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R.-Texas) speaks to a crowd on hand at Ellington Field?s Hangar 990 near NASA?s Johnson Space Center (JSC) during the STS-135 crew return ceremonies. JSC director Michael L. Coats is visible in the background. Photo credit: NASA

JSC2011-E-050732 (2 June 2011) --- NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) director Michael L. Coats (left), along with astronauts Mark Kelly, STS-134 commander; and Greg H. Johnson, pilot, are pictured during the STS-134 crew return ceremony on June 2, 2011 at Ellington Field near JSC. Photo credit: NASA

JSC2011-E-070526 (22 July 2011) --- NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) director Michael L. Coats (left) and STS-135 crew members are pictured during the STS-135 crew return ceremony on July 22, 2011 at Ellington Field near JSC. Pictured from second left are NASA astronauts Chris Ferguson, commander; Doug Hurley, pilot; Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim, both mission specialists. Photo credit: NASA

Five astronauts launched aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery on March 13, 1989 at 9:57 am (EST) for the STS-29 mission. Included were James P. Bagian, mission specialist 1; Robert C. Springer, mission specialist 3; James F. (Jim) Buchli, mission specialist 2; John E. Blaha, pilot; and Michael L. Coats, commander. The mission’s primary payload was the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite-4 (TDRS-4).

S88-54948 (6 Dec 1988) --- The STS-29 crewmembers are trained in procedures to follow in the event of a fire with their spacecraft. Here, the crew is briefed on correct handling of the fire extinguisher by Robert Fife (far left) of NASA's fire and security staff. Pictured, left to right, are Astronauts John E. Blaha, pilot; Michael L. Coats, mission commander; Robert C. Springer, James F. Buchli and James P. Bagian, mission specialists. The training exercise took place on the northern end of the 1625-acre JSC facility.

STS029-S-027 (13 March 1989) --- From Launch Pad 39D, the Space Shuttle Discovery is launched on mission STS-29. Discovery lifted off at 9:57 a.m. (EST), March 13, 1989, carrying the tracking and data relay satellite (TDRS-1) into orbit. Florida vegetation frames the launch scene. Onboard the spacecraft were astronauts Michael L. Coats, commander; John E. Blaha, pilot; and James F. Buchli, James P. Bagian and Robert C. Springer, all mission specialists.

S89-26240 (20 Jan 1989) --- Four of the five STS-29 crewmembers inspect the content of their emergency medical and medication kits during the recent bench review of middeck locker equipment avaialable for their scheduled March 1989 flight. From left to right are Astronauts James H. Buchli, John E. Blaha, James P. Bagian and Michael L. Coats. Not pictured is Robert C. Springer.

JSC2011-E-070276 (22 July 2011) --- NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) director Michael L. Coats (left), Houston Mayor Annise Parker, U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R.-Texas) and NASA astronaut Chris Ferguson, STS-135 commander, are pictured during the STS-135 crew return ceremony on July 22, 2011 at Ellington Field near JSC. Photo credit: NASA

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The newest inductees to the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame stand tall of the ceremony. From left are Jeffrey A. Hoffman, Steven A. Hawley and Michael L. Coats. The May 5 induction has grown the number of space explorers enshrined in the Hall of Fame to 66. The ceremony was held at the Kennedy Space Center's Apollo/Saturn V Center. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

NASA Johnson Space Center Director Michael Coats monitors the launch team discussions on his headset from Firing Room Four of the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, Sunday, July 12, 2009. The space shuttle Endeavour is set to launch at 7:13p.m. EDT with the crew of STS-127 and start a 16-day mission that will feature five spacewalks and complete construction of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

JSC2010-E-025783 (22 Feb. 2010) --- NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) director Michael L. Coats addresses a large crowd of well-wishers at the STS-130 crew return ceremony on Feb. 22, 2010 at Ellington Field near JSC. Also pictured (from the second left) are NASA astronauts George Zamka, commander; Terry Virts, pilot; and Kathryn Hire, mission specialist.

STS029-71-026 (13 March 1989) --- The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-D) is tilted in the cargo bay prior to its release via a remote system on Discovery's flight deck. This photographic frame was among NASA's third STS-29 photo release. Monday, March 20, 1989. Crewmembers were Astronauts Michael L. Coats, John E. Blaha, James F. Buchli, Robert C. Springer and James P. Bagian.

JSC2006-E-46706 (26 Oct. 2006) --- Cosmonaut Pavel V. Vinogradov (left), Expedition 13 commander representing Russia's Federal Space Agency, and astronaut Jeffrey N. Williams, NASA space station science officer and flight engineer, are pictured with floral arrangements in the ballroom of the Gilruth Center at Johnson Space Center (JSC) during the Expedition 13 welcome home ceremony. JSC Director Michael L. Coats is seated at right.

In the Space Shuttle Atlantis facility at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Astronaut Scholarship Foundation Chairman Dan Brandenstein, left, also a Hall of Fame astronaut, presents inductee Ellen Ochoa with her hall of fame medal. Former Johnson Space Center Director Mike Coats, right, a Hall of Fame member, presented Ochoa for induction. During this year's ceremonies, space shuttle astronaut Michael Foale also was enshrined.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, The space shuttle Discovery lifts off from Launch Pad 39A for its maiden flight at 8:42 a.m. EDT. The crew members for the 41-D flight are commander Henry w. Hartsfield, pilot Michael L. Coats, mission specialists Judith A. Resnik, Steven A. Hawley, Richard M. Mullane, and payload specialist Charles W. Walker. Photo Credit: NASA

S89-25082 (January 1989) --- Space shuttle Discovery will be manned by these five astronauts when it makes it second flight within a five-month period next month. The STS-29 crew members are (front row), Michael L. Coats (right), commander; and John E. Blaha, pilot; (left to right back row) James P. Bagian, Robert C. Springer and James F. Buchli, mission specialists. Photo credit: NASA

S89-28089 (24 Jan 1989) --- The Space Shuttle Discovery is lowered for mating to the external tank and two solid rockert boosters in the vehicle assembly building (VAB) at the Kennedy Space Center. Onboard the spacecraft in mid-March for a five-day mission, on which will be deployed a third tracking and data relay satellite (TDRS-D), will be Astronauts Michael L. Coats, John E. Blaha, James F. Buchli, James P. Bagian and Robert C. Springer.

S89-27380 (15 Dec 1988) --- The 155-ft. long external fuel tank (ET) is slowly lowered for mating with the twin solid rocket boosters (SRB) in Bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at KSC, as preparations continue for a March 1989 launch of Discovery. Primary payload for the mission will be the tracking and data relay satellite (TDRS-D). Crewmembers are astronauts Michael L. Coats, John E. Blaha, James F. Buchli, Robert C. Springer and James P. Bagain.

JSC2011-E-070230 (22 July 2011) --- NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) director Michael L. Coats (left) and STS-135 crew members are pictured during the STS-135 crew return ceremony on July 22, 2011 at Ellington Field near JSC. Pictured from second left are NASA astronauts Chris Ferguson, commander; Doug Hurley, pilot; Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim, both mission specialists. A large crowd of supporters is visible in the foreground. Photo credit: NASA

S84-40185 (08/21/1984) --- stronaut preflight Press Conference with the STS-41D Crew with Public Affairs Office (PAO) Reprentative Steve Nesbitt in the foreground in the Bldg 2 Briefing Room on 08/17/1984. Crewmembers visible (R-L) are: Henry W. Hartsfield, Jr., Crew Commander; Michael L. Coats, Pilot: Richard M. (Mike) Mullane, Steven A. Hawley, Judith A. Resnik - all Mission Specialists: and, Charlie D. Walker, Payload Specialist. JSC, Houston, TX

STS039-S-048 (28 April 1991)--- This side view of liftoff of the Space Shuttle Discovery was provided by a pre-set camera at KSC's Launch Pad 39A. Launch occurred at 7:33:14 a.m. (EDT), April 28, 1991. Onboard were astronauts Michael L. Coats, L. Blaine Hammond, Guion S. Bluford Jr., Charles L. (Lacy) Veach, Richard J. Hieb, Gregory J. Harbaugh and Donald R. McMonagle.

STS029-S-063 (18 March 1989) --- Discovery's main landing gear touches down on Runway 22 at Edwards Air Force Base in California following a successful five-day mission in Earth orbit. Onboard the spacecraft were Astronauts Michael L. Coats, John E. Blaha, James F. Buchli, Robert C. Springer and James P. Bagian. Wheels came to a stop at 6:36:40 a.m. (PST), March 18, 1989.

STS029-S-005 (10 March 1989) --- A wide angle view of a T-38 on the flight line at Ellington Field near the Johnson Space Center (JSC). Astronauts Michael L. Coats, mission commander; and James F. Buchli, STS-29 mission specialist, moments later were en route to Florida's Kennedy Space Center. In three days, they and three fellow STS-29 crew members are scheduled to lift off aboard the space shuttle Discovery from Launch Pad 39B. Photo credit: NASA

PHOTO DATE: 7-21-11 LOCATION:Bldg 1 - Flag Pole Area SUBJECT: Viewing of STS-135 Landing on Jumbotron as well as flag ceremony and mini events in Front of Houston JSC Bldg. 1. Speakers include Astronaut Mike Massimino and JSC Center Director Michael Coats. WORK ORDER: 02027-DCB-LH_Wheel Stop_Bldg. 1_7-21-11 PHOTOGRAPHER: Devin Boldt

STS29-02-033 (3-18 March 1989) --- In what appears to be a juggling act in the microgravity of space, James P. Bagian, a physician, is actually attempting to organize audio cassettes. Other frames taken during the flight document Bagian's medical testing of his fellow crewmembers. This photographic frame was among NASA's third STS-29 photo release. Monday, March 20, 1989. Crewmembers were Astronauts Michael L. Coats, John E. Blaha, James F. Buchli, Robert C. Springer and James P. Bagian.

The crew assigned to the STS-41D mission included (seated left to right) Richard M. (Mike) Mullane, mission specialist; Steven A. Hawley, mission specialist; Henry W. Hartsfield, commander; and Michael L. (Mike) Coats, pilot. Standing in the rear are Charles D. Walker, payload specialist; and Judith A. (Judy) Resnik, mission specialist. Launched aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery August 30, 1984 at 8:41:50 am (EDT), the STS-41D mission deployed three satellites: the Satellite Business System SBS-D; the SYCOM IV-2 (also known as LEASAT-2); and the TELSTAR.

S89-26389 (Jan 1989) --- Four of five crewmembers for STS-29 pause during launch and entry phase rehearsals in the crew compartment trainer at the Johnson Space Center. The astronauts are in their entry positions, while the fifth (out of frame) remains strapped into a chair on the mid deck. In front are John E. Blaha (left), pilot, and Michael L. Coats, mission commander. Behind them are James P. Bagian (left), and James F. Buchli, both mission specialists. Robert C. Springer, the third mission specialist, is on the mid deck. He will occupy Discovery's middeck for entry phase, while Bagian will occupy that post for launch. Photo was made by Bill Bowers of the Johnson Space Center.

JSC2006-E-41540 (22 Sept. 2006) --- The astronauts who yesterday completed the successful STS-115 mission are pictured on a dais in a hangar at Ellington Field after returning to Houston from the Kennedy Space Center, site of the Sept. 21 landing of the Space Shuttle Atlantis. JSC Director Michael Coats addresses the crowd on hand for the event. Seated, from left, are astronauts Brent W. Jett Jr., commander; Christopher J. Ferguson, pilot; Joseph R. Tanner, Daniel C. Burbank, Heidemarie M. Stefanyshyn-Piper, and the Canadian Space Agency's Steven G. MacLean, all mission specialists.

S88-54945 (6 Dec 1988) --- The STS-29 crewmembers are trained in procedures to follow in the event of a fire with their spacecraft. Here, Astronauts Michael L. Coats (far left), mission commander, and James P. Bagian, mission specialist, follow the lead of two fellow crewmembers as they extinguish a fire. The astronauts in front of the action are Robert C. Springer, mission specialist, and John E. Blaha, pilot. Not pictured is James F. Buchli, mission specialist. Their instructor, center, is Robert Fife of NASA's security staff. The training took place on the northern end of the 1625-acre JSC facility.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Boy Scouts lead the pledge of allegiance. The May 5 induction added space shuttle commanders Michael L. Coats, Steven A. Hawley and Jeffrey A. Hoffman to the Hall of Fame. They grow the number of space explorers enshrined in the Hall of Fame to 66. These gentlemen have joined such American space heroes as Neil Armstrong, John Glenn, Alan Shepard and Sally Ride. The ceremony was held at the Kennedy Space Center's Apollo/Saturn V Center. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Former astronaut Robert Cabana (center) receives congratulations on his induction into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame from former inductees Al Worden (left) and Michael Coats (right). Other inductees were John Blaha, Loren Shriver; and Bryan O'Connor, NASA's chief of Safety and Mission Assurance at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Other former astronauts attending included Scott Carpenter, John Young, Bob Crippen, and Walt Cunningham. The U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame is operated by Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on behalf of NASA. CNN correspondent John Zarrella hosted the event.

STS039-S-003 (20 April 1991) --- Astronaut Michael L. Coats (right) addresses the news media after arriving at the Shuttle Landing Facility along with his six fellow crewmembers. From left are astronauts Richard J. Hieb, L. Blaine Hammond, Guion S. Bluford, Charles L. (Lacy) Veach, Gregory J. Harbaugh and Donald R. McMonagle. The Space Shuttle mate/demate stand is seen in the background. Note: The STS-39 launch of Discovery occurred at 7:33:14 a.m. (EDT), April 28, 1991.

STS-36 crewmembers egress Atlantis, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104, via mobile stairway following touchdown on Runway 23 drylake bed at Edwards Air Force Base (EAFB), California. Commander John O. Creighton, leading crewmembers down the stairway, is followed by Pilot John H. Casper, Mission Specialist (MS) Pierre J. Thuot, MS David C. Hilmers, and MS Richard M. Mullane. On the runway, Acting NASA Associate Administrator for Space Flight Dr. William B. Lenoir, JSC Flight Crew Operations Directorate Director Donald R. Puddy, and JSC Astronaut Office Acting Chief Michael L. Coats wait to greet crewmembers.