John Grunsfeld, NASA Associate Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate, speaks during an Exploration Forum showcasing NASA's human exploration path to Mars in the James E. Webb Auditorium at NASA Headquarters on Tuesday, April 29, 2014. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

John Grunsfeld, NASA Associate Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate, is seen during during an event unveiling a new exhibit featuring Hubble's Corrective Optics Space Telescope Axial Replacement (COSTAR) and the Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2 (WFPC2) on Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC. Grunsfeld flew on three of space shuttle servicing missions to Hubble, including the fifth and final mission in 2009 which returned COSTAR and WFPC2 to Earth. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

John Grunsfeld, NASA Associate Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate, speaks during an event unveiling a new exhibit featuring Hubble's Corrective Optics Space Telescope Axial Replacement (COSTAR) and the Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2 (WFPC2) on Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC. Grunsfeld flew on three of space shuttle servicing missions to Hubble, including the fifth and final mission in 2009 which returned COSTAR and WFPC2 to Earth. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

John Grunsfeld, NASA Associate Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate, speaks during during an event unveiling a new exhibit featuring Hubble's Corrective Optics Space Telescope Axial Replacement (COSTAR) and the Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2 (WFPC2) on Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC. Grunsfeld flew on three of space shuttle servicing missions to Hubble, including the fifth and final mission in 2009 which returned COSTAR and WFPC2 to Earth. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA Associate Administrator for Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate Bob Pearce, left, NASA Associate Administrator for Science Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA Associate Administrator for Human Exploration and Operations Kathy Lueders, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, NASA Associate Administrator for the Space Technology Mission Directorate Jim Reuter, and NASA Associate Administrator for the Mission Support Directorate Bob Gibbs, right, participate in a media gaggle, Wednesday, June 2, 2021, at NASA Headquarters Mary W. Jackson Building in Washington. Nelson, and other NASA leadership, answered reporters questions following a State of NASA event where Nelson remarked on his long history with NASA, and among other topics, discussed the agency’s plans for future Earth-focused missions to address climate change and a robotic and human return to the Moon through the Artemis program, as well as announcing two new planetary science missions to Venus – VERITAS and DAVINCI+. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Eugene Tu, center director at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley, offers his opening remarks to the Ames workforce during the “Moon to Mars” town hall in the N201 Syvertson Auditorium. Town hall panel, seated right to left, are NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, Associate Administrator Bob Cabana, Director of Space Architectures Kurt “Spuds” Vogel, Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration in the Science Mission Directorate Joel Kearns, Deputy Associate Administrator for Programs in the Space Technology Mission Directorate Walt Engelund, and Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration Systems Development Cathy Koerner.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, front, talks to the workforce at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley during the “Moon to Mars” town hall in the N201 Syvertson Auditorium. Behind him, left to right, are Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, Associate Administrator Bob Cabana, AmesCenter Director Eugene Tu, Director of Space Architectures Kurt “Spuds” Vogel, Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration in the Science Mission Directorate Joel Kearns, Deputy Associate Administrator for Programs in the Space Technology Mission Directorate Walt Engelund, and Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration Systems Development Cathy Koerner.

Karen St. Germain, director of the Earth Science Division of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, center, speaks with Nicola Fox, associate administrator of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, left, and NASA Associate Administrator Amit Kshatriya during NASA’s Day on the Hill, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, front, talks to the workforce at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley during the “Moon to Mars” town hall in the N201 Syvertson Auditorium. Behind, left to right, are Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, Associate Administrator Bob Cabana, Ames Center Director Eugene Tu, Director of Space Architectures Kurt “Spuds” Vogel, Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration in the Science Mission Directorate Joel Kearns.

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, center left, Deputy Administrator Jim Morhard, Ken Bowersox, acting Associate Administrator for NASA's Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, Thomas Zurbuchen, Associate Administrator of NASA's Science Mission Directorate, meet with Pascale Ehrenfreund, Chair of the Executive Board of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and other members of the executive board at the 70th International Astronautical Congress, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Thomas Zurbuchen, in plaid shirt, NASA's associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate, listens to a presentation at the Swamp Works facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Thomas Zurbuchen, in plaid shirt, NASA's associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate, listens to a presentation at the Swamp Works facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

NASA Associate Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate Thomas Zurbuchen, right, asks a question during a NASA town hall event with NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine and NASA Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate Douglas Loverro, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019, at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Christine McEntee, American Geophysical Union (AGU) Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, second from left; NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, third from left; Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate, NASA, fourth from left; and Dennis Andrucyk, deputy associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate, NASA, right, pose for a photo with winners of the AGU Data Visualization Storytelling Competition at the annual AGU meeting, Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018 at the Washington Convention Center in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Jody Singer, Director of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, left, Ken Bowersox, acting Associate Administrator for NASA's Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, center, and Steve Clarke, Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration in NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, right, discuss the agency’s Artemis program during an interactive STEM discussion with students attending the 70th International Astronautical Congress, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019, at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Steve Clarke, Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration in NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, right, is seen with Ken Bowersox, acting Associate Administrator for NASA's Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, center, and Jody Singer, Director of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, left, during an interactive STEM discussion with students attending the 70th International Astronautical Congress, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019, at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, left, NASA Associate Administrator for Human Exploration and Operations William Gerstenmaier, second from left, acting Associate Administrator for NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate, second from right, acting Associate Administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate Thomas Zurbuchen, right, are seen during a NASA town hall on the amendment to the fiscal year 2020 budget request that supports the agency’s plan to land astronauts on the Moon by 2024, Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, left, NASA Associate Administrator for Human Exploration and Operations William Gerstenmaier, second from left, acting Associate Administrator for NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate, second from right, acting Associate Administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate Thomas Zurbuchen, right, are seen during a NASA town hall on the amendment to the fiscal year 2020 budget request that supports the agency’s plan to land astronauts on the Moon by 2024, Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, left, NASA Associate Administrator for Human Exploration and Operations William Gerstenmaier, second from left, acting Associate Administrator for NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate, second from right, acting Associate Administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate Thomas Zurbuchen, right, are seen during a NASA town hall on the amendment to the fiscal year 2020 budget request that supports the agency’s plan to land astronauts on the Moon by 2024, Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, left, NASA Associate Administrator for Human Exploration and Operations William Gerstenmaier, second from left, acting Associate Administrator for NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate, second from right, acting Associate Administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate Thomas Zurbuchen, right, are seen during a NASA town hall on the amendment to the fiscal year 2020 budget request that supports the agency’s plan to land astronauts on the Moon by 2024, Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, left, NASA Associate Administrator for Human Exploration and Operations William Gerstenmaier, second from left, acting Associate Administrator for NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate, second from right, acting Associate Administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate Thomas Zurbuchen, right, are seen as they answer questions during a NASA town hall on the amendment to the fiscal year 2020 budget request that supports the agency’s plan to land astronauts on the Moon by 2024, Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Karen St. Germain, director of the Earth Science Division of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, left, speaks with NASA Associate Administrator Amit Kshatriya during NASA’s Day on the Hill, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

John Grunsfeld (far left), Associate Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters, Dr. Francisco Javier Mendieta Jimenez, Director General of the Mexican Space Agency, NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, Leland Melvin, NASA Associate Administrator for Education and Al Condes (far right), Deputy Associate Administrator for International and Interagency Relations pose for a photo, Monday, March 18, 2013 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. A Reimbursable Space Act Agreement (RSAA) for a NASA International Internship Program was signed between the two agencies. This is the first NASA-Mexico agreement signed. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

Debbie Fairbrother, chief of the Balloon Program Office at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility, center, speaks with Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Bob Cabana, NASA associate administrator, Dave Pierce, director of NASA's Wallops Flight Facility, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, and Dennis Andrucyk, director of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center during a tour the Small Satellites, Balloon Research and Development Lab, Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021, NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Debbie Fairbrother, chief of the Balloon Program Office at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility, center, speaks with Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Bob Cabana, NASA associate administrator, Dave Pierce, director of NASA's Wallops Flight Facility, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, and Dennis Andrucyk, director of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center during a tour the Small Satellites, Balloon Research and Development Lab, Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021, at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA holds a prelaunch media briefing on the agency’s Moon to Mars exploration plans on Aug. 27, 2022, at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, as the clock counts down to the launch of Artemis I scheduled for Aug. 29, at 8:33 a.m. EDT from Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39B. From left, are Jackie McGuinness, NASA press secretary; Bill Nelson, NASA administrator; Bhavya Lal, NASA associate administrator for technology, policy and strategy; Jim Free, NASA associate administrator, Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate; Kathy Lueders, NASA associate administrator, Space Operations Mission Directorate; Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate; Prasun Desai, NASA deputy associate administrator, Space Technology Mission Directorate; and Randy Bresnik, NASA astronaut. The first in a series of increasingly complex missions, Artemis I will provide a foundation for human deep space exploration and demonstrate our commitment and capability to extend human presence to the Moon and beyond. The primary goal of Artemis I is to thoroughly test the integrated systems before crewed missions by operating the spacecraft in a deep space environment, testing Orion’s heat shield, and recovering the crew module after reentry, descent, and splashdown.

Thomas Zurbuchen, in plaid shirt, NASA's associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate, listens to a presentation at the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Thomas Zurbuchen, in plaid shirt, NASA's associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate, listens to a presentation at the Swamp Works facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In the foreground is a prototype robotic exploration vehicle.

Thomas Zurbuchen, in plaid shirt, NASA's associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate, listens to a presentation at the Swamp Works facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In the foreground is a prototype robotic exploration vehicle.

Thomas Zurbuchen, in plaid shirt, NASA's associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate, listens to a presentation at the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

While touring the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Thomas Zurbuchen, in plaid shirt, NASA's associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate, examines a device to grow plants in space.

NASA Administrator Michael Griffin outlines the President's budget for fiscal year 2007 during a news conference, Monday, Feb. 6, 2006, at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Griffin was joined by the heads of NASA's four mission directorates to explain how the proposed $16.8 billion dollar budget supports the Vision for Space Exploration. Seated left to right: Scott Horowitz, NASA Associate Administrator for Exploration Systems, William Gerstenmaier, NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations, Lisa Porter, NASA Associate Administrator for Aeronautics Research and Mary Cleave, NASA Associate Administrator for Science. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA leaders spoke to social media participants as the Orion spacecraft and its Delta IV Heavy rocket were being prepared for launch. Speakers included, from the left, NASA Associate Administrator Human Exploration and Operations Bill Gerstenmaier, Associate Administrator for the agency's Science Mission Directorate John Grunsfeld, Associate Administrator for the Space Technology Directorate Michael Gazaria, NASA Chief Scientist Ellen Stofan, and Chief Technologist David Miller. Moderator for the panel session was John Yembrick, with the microphone on the far right, who is NASA's social media lead at the agency's Headquarters in Washington.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Dave Pierce, director of NASA's Wallops Flight Facility, and Dennis Andrucyk, director of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, are seen during a tour of the Sounding Rockets Machine Shop, Test and Evaluation Facility, Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021, at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Faith McKie, acting NASA Press Secretary, left, asks a question a briefing in advance of Earth Day to share updates on NASA’s climate science, Friday, April 19, 2024, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, Karen St. Germain, division director of the Earth Science Division of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, and Tom Wagner, associate director for Earth Action in the Earth Science Division of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, discussed early data from NASA’s PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem) mission and announced new airborne science missions. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Faith McKie, acting NASA Press Secretary, open a briefing in advance of Earth Day to share updates on NASA’s climate science, Friday, April 19, 2024, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, Karen St. Germain, division director of the Earth Science Division of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, and Tom Wagner, associate director for Earth Action in the Earth Science Division of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, discussed early data from NASA’s PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem) mission and announced new airborne science missions. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson speaks during a briefing in advance of Earth Day to share updates on NASA’s climate science, Friday, April 19, 2024, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. Nelson, Karen St. Germain, division director of the Earth Science Division of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, and Tom Wagner, associate director for Earth Action in the Earth Science Division of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, discussed early data from NASA’s PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem) mission and announced new airborne science missions. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson speaks during a briefing in advance of Earth Day to share updates on NASA’s climate science, Friday, April 19, 2024, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. Nelson, Karen St. Germain, division director of the Earth Science Division of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, and Tom Wagner, associate director for Earth Action in the Earth Science Division of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, discussed early data from NASA’s PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem) mission and announced new airborne science missions. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Acting Deputy Associate Administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate Mark Clampin speaks with acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy, Friday, July 18, 2025, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Dave Wilcox, chief of the Small Satellite Project Office at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility, center, speaks about cubesats with NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, Bob Cabana, NASA associate administrator, Dave Pierce, director of NASA's Wallops Flight Facility, NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, and Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate during tour of the Small Satellites, Balloon Research and Development Lab, Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021, at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, left, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson second from left, Dennis Andrucyk, director of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, center, NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, second from right, and Bob Cabana, NASA associate administrator, right, hold a recovered portion of the Black Brant IX sounding rocket used for the Advanced Supersonic Parachute Inflation Research Experiment (ASPIRE), during a tour of the Sounding Rockets Machine Shop, Test and Evaluation Facility, Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021, at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Tom Wagner, associate director for Earth Action in the Earth Science Division of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, speaks during a briefing, Friday, April 19, 2024, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. Wagner, Karen St. Germain, division director of the Earth Sciences Division of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, and NASA Administrator Bill Nelson discussed early data from NASA’s PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem) mission and announced new airborne science missions. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Karen St. Germain, division director of the Earth Sciences Division of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, speaks during a briefing, Friday, April 19, 2024, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. Germain, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, and Tom Wagner, associate director for Earth Action in the Earth Science Division of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, discussed early data from NASA’s PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem) mission and announced new airborne science missions. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Tom Wagner, associate director for Earth Action in the Earth Science Division of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, speaks during a briefing, Friday, April 19, 2024, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. Wagner, Karen St. Germain, division director of the Earth Sciences Division of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, and NASA Administrator Bill Nelson discussed early data from NASA’s PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem) mission and announced new airborne science missions. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Karen St. Germain, division director of the Earth Sciences Division of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, speaks during a briefing, Friday, April 19, 2024, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. Germain, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, and Tom Wagner, associate director for Earth Action in the Earth Science Division of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, discussed early data from NASA’s PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem) mission and announced new airborne science missions. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA Associate Administrator of the Science Mission Directorate Dr. Edward J. Weiler discusses newly released images from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. The images were from four of the telescopes' six operating science instruments. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Associate Administrator of the Science Mission Directorate Dr. Edward J. Weiler discusses newly released images from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. The images were from four of the telescopes' six operating science instruments. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Associate Administrator of the Science Mission Directorate Dr. Edward J. Weiler discusses newly released images from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. The images were from four of the telescopes' six operating science instruments. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, left, and NASA Associate Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate Thomas Zurbuchen give remarks during a briefing, Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in Baltimore. The briefing focused on the status of NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope in its final weeks of preparing for its science mission, as well as overviews of planned science for Webb’s first year of operations. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, left, and NASA Associate Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate Thomas Zurbuchen give remarks during a briefing, Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in Baltimore. The briefing focused on the status of NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope in its final weeks of preparing for its science mission, as well as overviews of planned science for Webb’s first year of operations. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, left, and NASA Associate Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate Thomas Zurbuchen give remarks during a briefing, Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in Baltimore. The briefing focused on the status of NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope in its final weeks of preparing for its science mission, as well as overviews of planned science for Webb’s first year of operations. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Amber Jacobson, press secretary to NASA’s Deputy Administrator, left, moderates a discussion of key takeaways with Sandra Connelly, deputy associate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, second from left, Lori Glaze, acting deputy associate administrator for NASA’s Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, Robyn Gatens, director of the International Space Station at NASA Headquarters, and Carrie Olsen, manager of the Next Gen STEM project for NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement, at the conclusion of NASA’s LEO Microgravity Strategy Industry and Academia Workshop, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, at Convene in Washington. NASA’s LEO Microgravity Strategy effort aims to develop and document an objectives-based approach toward the next generation of human presence in low Earth orbit to advance microgravity science, technology, and exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

THOMAS ZURBUCHEN, RIGHT, NASA ASSOCIATE ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE SCIENCE MISSION DIRECTORATE, SPEAKS WITH DENNON CLARDY, LEFT, DEPUTY MANAGER OF THE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY OFFICE AT NASA’S MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER IN HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA, AND SHAWN MCINERY, AFTER HIS KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT THE MARCH 21 LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE MARSHALL ASSOCIATION. ZURBUCHEN, WHO ASSUMED HIS NEW ROLE IN OCTOBER 2016, ALSO TOURED KEY MARSHALL MANUFACTURING AND TEST FACILITIES. THE MARSHALL ASSOCIATION IS THE CENTER’S PROFESSIONAL, EMPLOYEE SERVICE ORGANIZATION.

Nujoud Merancy, architecture lead for NASA's Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, Catherine Koerner, deputy associate administrator for NASA's Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, Patrick Forrester, special advisor in NASA's Space Operations Mission Directorate, Michelle Munk, chief architect for NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate, and Joel Kearns, deputy associate administrator for Exploration in NASA's Science Mission Directorate, listen to a question during NASA’s Moon to Mars Architecture Workshop, Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Md. Following the release of the 2022 Architecture Concept Review, NASA is conducting the workshop to engage the broader space community and collect feedback from U.S. industry and academia to inform the Moon to Mars mission architecture and operational delivery. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Nujoud Merancy, architecture lead for NASA's Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, Catherine Koerner, deputy associate administrator for NASA's Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, Patrick Forrester, special advisor in NASA's Space Operations Mission Directorate, Michelle Munk, chief architect for NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate, and Joel Kearns, deputy associate administrator for Exploration in NASA's Science Mission Directorate, listen to a question during NASA’s Moon to Mars Architecture Workshop, Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Md. Following the release of the 2022 Architecture Concept Review, NASA is conducting the workshop to engage the broader space community and collect feedback from U.S. industry and academia to inform the Moon to Mars mission architecture and operational delivery. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Nujoud Merancy, architecture lead for NASA's Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, Catherine Koerner, deputy associate administrator for NASA's Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, Patrick Forrester, special advisor in NASA's Space Operations Mission Directorate, Michelle Munk, chief architect for NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate, and Joel Kearns, deputy associate administrator for Exploration in NASA's Science Mission Directorate, are seen on stage during NASA’s Moon to Mars Architecture Workshop, Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Md. Following the release of the 2022 Architecture Concept Review, NASA is conducting the workshop to engage the broader space community and collect feedback from U.S. industry and academia to inform the Moon to Mars mission architecture and operational delivery. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Nujoud Merancy, architecture lead for NASA's Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, Catherine Koerner, deputy associate administrator for NASA's Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, Patrick Forrester, special advisor in NASA's Space Operations Mission Directorate, Michelle Munk, chief architect for NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate, and Joel Kearns, deputy associate administrator for Exploration in NASA's Science Mission Directorate, are seen on stage during NASA’s Moon to Mars Architecture Workshop, Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Md. Following the release of the 2022 Architecture Concept Review, NASA is conducting the workshop to engage the broader space community and collect feedback from U.S. industry and academia to inform the Moon to Mars mission architecture and operational delivery. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA Associate Administrator, Science Mission Directorate, Thomas Zurbuchen, introduces Nicola Fox, director of the Heliophysics division for the Science Mission Directorate, to give a presentation titled, “The Challenge of Exploring Our Sun - the 60-Year Odyssey to Parker Solar Probe,” during the 70th International Astronautical Congress, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington. Photo credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA Associate Administrator, Science Mission Directorate, Thomas Zurbuchen, introduces Nicola Fox, director of the Heliophysics division for the Science Mission Directorate, to give a presentation titled, “The Challenge of Exploring Our Sun - the 60-Year Odyssey to Parker Solar Probe,” during the 70th International Astronautical Congress, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington. Photo credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Vice President Mike Pence, center, meets with NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, second from left, and NASA Deputy Administrator Jim Morhard, left, to discuss the progress on Space Policy Directive 1 (SPD-1), Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Also attending the meeting was NASA Chief of Staff Janet Karika, NASA Associate Administrator Steve Jurczyk, Chief Financial Officer Jeff DeWit, Associate Administrator for Human Exploration and Operations William Gerstenmaier, and Associate Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate Thomas Zurbuchen, along with acting Chief of Staff to the Vice President Jarrod Agen and Executive Director of the National Space Council Scott Pace. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Ed Weiler, Associate Administrator, Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters, makes a point during a press conference on the upcoming Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission, Thursday, April 23, 2009, at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul. E. Alers)

U.S. President Joe Biden previews images from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope in a meeting, Monday, July 11, 2022, in the South Court Auditorium in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House complex in Washington. Joining the President on screen are NASA Associate Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate Thomas Zurbuchen, top, Deputy Director of the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) Nancy Levenson, and NASA James Webb Space Telescope Program Director Greg Robinson, bottom. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Ed Weiler, Associate Administrator, Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters, seated second from left, speaks during a press conference on the upcoming Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission as David Leckrone, Hubble Project Scientist, Preston Burch and Mike Klenlen, seated right, look on, Thursday, April 23, 2009, at NASA Headquarters in Washington. J.D. Harrington, Public Affairs officer for the Science Mission Directorate looks on at left. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul. E. Alers)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – During a press conference in the NASA News Auditorium at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach, right, answers a question from the media. Others from left are NASA Public Affairs Officer John Yembrick, who moderated, Associate Administrator for NASA's Space Operations Directorate William Gerstenmaier, Associate Administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate Ed Weiler and Launch Integration Manager Mike Moses. The conference followed the successful launch of space shuttle Atlantis on the STS-125 mission to service NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Atlantis' 11-day flight will include five spacewalks to refurbish and upgrade the telescope with state-of-the-art science instruments that will expand Hubble's capabilities and extend its operational lifespan through at least 2014. The payload includes a Wide Field Camera 3, Fine Guidance Sensor and the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

Sandra Connelly, deputy associate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, left, Lori Glaze, acting deputy associate administrator for NASA’s Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, Robyn Gatens, director of the International Space Station at NASA Headquarters, and Carrie Olsen, manager of the Next Gen STEM project for NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement, discuss key takeaways at the conclusion of NASA’s LEO Microgravity Strategy Industry and Academia Workshop, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, at Convene in Washington. NASA’s LEO Microgravity Strategy effort aims to develop and document an objectives-based approach toward the next generation of human presence in low Earth orbit to advance microgravity science, technology, and exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Panelists, from left to right, NASA Assistant Deputy Associate Administrator for Research, Science Mission Directorate, Daniel Evans; NASA Administrator Bill Nelson; NASA Associate Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate, Nicola Fox; and President of the Simons Foundation and Chair of NASA's UAP Independent Study Team, David Spergel, are seen in a video camera during a media briefing to discuss the findings from an unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) independent study team, Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. The UAP independent study team, commissioned in 2022, is a counsel of 16 community experts across diverse areas on matters relevant to potential methods of study for unidentified anomalous phenomena. NASA published the team’s full report online, which aims to inform about what possible data could be collected in the future to shed light on the nature and origin of UAP. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Robyn Gatens, director of NASA’s International Space Station Division, left, Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, second from left, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, second from right, and Bob Cabana, NASA associate administrator, right, speak to members of the media prior to the launch of a Northrop Grumman Antares rocket carrying a Cygnus resupply spacecraft, Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021, at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. Northrop Grumman’s 16th contracted cargo resupply mission for NASA launched at 6:01 p.m. EDT and will deliver nearly 8,200 pounds of science and research, crew supplies and vehicle hardware to the International Space Station and its crew. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The NASA News Auditorium is filled with media during the post-launch press conference at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Featured on the dais were Associate Administrator for NASA's Space Operations Directorate William Gerstenmaier, Associate Administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate Ed Weiler, Launch Integration Manager Mike Moses and Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach. The conference followed the successful launch of space shuttle Atlantis on the STS-125 mission to service NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Atlantis' 11-day flight will include five spacewalks to refurbish and upgrade the telescope with state-of-the-art science instruments that will expand Hubble's capabilities and extend its operational lifespan through at least 2014. The payload includes a Wide Field Camera 3, Fine Guidance Sensor and the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

Associate Administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate Thomas Zurbuchen is seen during a NASA town hall on the amendment to the fiscal year 2020 budget request that supports the agency’s plan to land astronauts on the Moon by 2024, Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a press conference following the successful launch of space shuttle Atlantis on the STS-125 mission featured (from left) Associate Administrator for NASA's Space Operations Directorate William Gerstenmaier, Associate Administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate Ed Weiler, Launch Integration Manager Mike Moses and Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach. Atlantis will rendezvous with NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Liftoff was on time at 2:01 p.m. EDT. Atlantis' 11-day flight will include five spacewalks to refurbish and upgrade the telescope with state-of-the-art science instruments that will expand Hubble's capabilities and extend its operational lifespan through at least 2014. The payload includes a Wide Field Camera 3, Fine Guidance Sensor and the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

NASA Associate Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate Thomas Zurbuchen speaks during a reception hosted by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) to celebrate NASA's 60th anniversary, Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, DC. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA Associate Administrator for Science Mission Directorate John Grunsfeld talks during a NASA Future Forum panel discussion at The Ohio State University on, Monday, Feb. 20, 2012, in Columbus, Ohio. Monday marked the 50th anniversary of Glenn's historic flight as the first American to orbit Earth. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Steve Clarke, Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration in NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, answers a question from the audience during an interactive STEM discussion with students attending the 70th International Astronautical Congress, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019, at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Douglas R. Cooke, NASA's Associate Administrator for Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD), appears before the U.S. House of Representatives' Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics to discuss proposed changes to NASA's exploration program on Wednesday, March 24, 2010, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

NASA Associate Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate Thomas Zurbuchen speaks during a reception hosted by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) to celebrate NASA's 60th anniversary, Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, DC. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Nicola Fox, associate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, is seen during a meeting with German Minister for Research, Technology, and Space Dorothee Bär, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Vice President Mike Pence shakes hands with Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate, NASA, after a discussion about the progress on Space Policy Directive 1 (SPD-1), Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Douglas R. Cooke, NASA's Associate Administrator for Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD), appears before the U.S. House of Representatives' Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics to discuss proposed changes to NASA's exploration program on Wednesday, March 24, 2010, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

Woodrow Whitlow, NASA Associate Administrator, Mission Support Directorate, gives opening remarks at the Symposium on Supporting Underrepresented Minority Males in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

Douglas R. Cooke, NASA's Associate Administrator for Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD), appears before the U.S. House of Representatives' Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics to discuss proposed changes to NASA's exploration program on Wednesday, March 24, 2010, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

Goddard employees were invited to a town hall with NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden, Associate Administrator for the NASA Science Mission Directorate Thomas Zurbuchen and Goddard Center Director Chris Scolese, Nov. 2, at 11:30 a.m. in the Hinners Auditorium in Building 8. Bolden thanked the James Webb Space Telescope team at Goddard as well as our international and corporate partners for their exceptional support. Credit: NASA/Goddard

Goddard employees were invited to a town hall with NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden, Associate Administrator for the NASA Science Mission Directorate Thomas Zurbuchen and Goddard Center Director Chris Scolese, Nov. 2, at 11:30 a.m. in the Hinners Auditorium in Building 8. Bolden thanked the James Webb Space Telescope team at Goddard as well as our international and corporate partners for their exceptional support. Credit: NASA/Goddard

Goddard employees were invited to a town hall with NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden, Associate Administrator for the NASA Science Mission Directorate Thomas Zurbuchen and Goddard Center Director Chris Scolese, Nov. 2, at 11:30 a.m. in the Hinners Auditorium in Building 8. Bolden thanked the James Webb Space Telescope team at Goddard as well as our international and corporate partners for their exceptional support. Credit: NASA/Goddard

Goddard employees were invited to a town hall with NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden, Associate Administrator for the NASA Science Mission Directorate Thomas Zurbuchen and Goddard Center Director Chris Scolese, Nov. 2, at 11:30 a.m. in the Hinners Auditorium in Building 8. Bolden thanked the James Webb Space Telescope team at Goddard as well as our international and corporate partners for their exceptional support. Credit: NASA/Goddard

Goddard employees were invited to a town hall with NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden, Associate Administrator for the NASA Science Mission Directorate Thomas Zurbuchen and Goddard Center Director Chris Scolese, Nov. 2, at 11:30 a.m. in the Hinners Auditorium in Building 8. Bolden thanked the James Webb Space Telescope team at Goddard as well as our international and corporate partners for their exceptional support. Credit: NASA/Goddard

Goddard employees were invited to a town hall with NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden, Associate Administrator for the NASA Science Mission Directorate Thomas Zurbuchen and Goddard Center Director Chris Scolese, Nov. 2, at 11:30 a.m. in the Hinners Auditorium in Building 8. Bolden thanked the James Webb Space Telescope team at Goddard as well as our international and corporate partners for their exceptional support. Credit: NASA/Goddard

Goddard employees were invited to a town hall with NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden, Associate Administrator for the NASA Science Mission Directorate Thomas Zurbuchen and Goddard Center Director Chris Scolese, Nov. 2, at 11:30 a.m. in the Hinners Auditorium in Building 8. Bolden thanked the James Webb Space Telescope team at Goddard as well as our international and corporate partners for their exceptional support. Credit: NASA/Goddard

Goddard employees were invited to a town hall with NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden, Associate Administrator for the NASA Science Mission Directorate Thomas Zurbuchen and Goddard Center Director Chris Scolese, Nov. 2, at 11:30 a.m. in the Hinners Auditorium in Building 8. Bolden thanked the James Webb Space Telescope team at Goddard as well as our international and corporate partners for their exceptional support. Credit: NASA/Goddard

Goddard employees were invited to a town hall with NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden, Associate Administrator for the NASA Science Mission Directorate Thomas Zurbuchen and Goddard Center Director Chris Scolese, Nov. 2, at 11:30 a.m. in the Hinners Auditorium in Building 8. Bolden thanked the James Webb Space Telescope team at Goddard as well as our international and corporate partners for their exceptional support. Credit: NASA/Goddard

Goddard employees were invited to a town hall with NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden, Associate Administrator for the NASA Science Mission Directorate Thomas Zurbuchen and Goddard Center Director Chris Scolese, Nov. 2, at 11:30 a.m. in the Hinners Auditorium in Building 8. Bolden thanked the James Webb Space Telescope team at Goddard as well as our international and corporate partners for their exceptional support. Credit: NASA/Goddard

Goddard employees were invited to a town hall with NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden, Associate Administrator for the NASA Science Mission Directorate Thomas Zurbuchen and Goddard Center Director Chris Scolese, Nov. 2, at 11:30 a.m. in the Hinners Auditorium in Building 8. Bolden thanked the James Webb Space Telescope team at Goddard as well as our international and corporate partners for their exceptional support. Credit: NASA/Goddard

Goddard employees were invited to a town hall with NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden, Associate Administrator for the NASA Science Mission Directorate Thomas Zurbuchen and Goddard Center Director Chris Scolese, Nov. 2, at 11:30 a.m. in the Hinners Auditorium in Building 8. Bolden thanked the James Webb Space Telescope team at Goddard as well as our international and corporate partners for their exceptional support. Credit: NASA/Goddard

Goddard employees were invited to a town hall with NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden, Associate Administrator for the NASA Science Mission Directorate Thomas Zurbuchen and Goddard Center Director Chris Scolese, Nov. 2, at 11:30 a.m. in the Hinners Auditorium in Building 8. Bolden thanked the James Webb Space Telescope team at Goddard as well as our international and corporate partners for their exceptional support. Credit: NASA/Goddard

Goddard employees were invited to a town hall with NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden, Associate Administrator for the NASA Science Mission Directorate Thomas Zurbuchen and Goddard Center Director Chris Scolese, Nov. 2, at 11:30 a.m. in the Hinners Auditorium in Building 8. Bolden thanked the James Webb Space Telescope team at Goddard as well as our international and corporate partners for their exceptional support. Credit: NASA/Goddard

Goddard employees were invited to a town hall with NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden, Associate Administrator for the NASA Science Mission Directorate Thomas Zurbuchen and Goddard Center Director Chris Scolese, Nov. 2, at 11:30 a.m. in the Hinners Auditorium in Building 8. Bolden thanked the James Webb Space Telescope team at Goddard as well as our international and corporate partners for their exceptional support. Credit: NASA/Goddard

Goddard employees were invited to a town hall with NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden, Associate Administrator for the NASA Science Mission Directorate Thomas Zurbuchen and Goddard Center Director Chris Scolese, Nov. 2, at 11:30 a.m. in the Hinners Auditorium in Building 8. Bolden thanked the James Webb Space Telescope team at Goddard as well as our international and corporate partners for their exceptional support. Credit: NASA/Goddard

William Gerstenmaier, Associate Administrator, Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters, 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)

NASA Associate Administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate William Gerstenmaier testifies during a House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology hearing titled "America's Human Presence in Low-Earth Orbit" on Thursday, May 17, 2018 in the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

While touring the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Thomas Zurbuchen, in plaid shirt, NASA's associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate, learns about the advanced plant habitat used to grow plants in space.

Associate Administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate Thomas Zurbuchen is seen during a New Horizons briefing, Monday, Dec. 31, 2018 at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)