MATTHEW YAZZIE, FOUNDER AND CEO OF THE NONPROFIT, “OTHERS PROJECT”, SPEAKS TO ATTENDEES AT MSFC 2018 NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH PROGRAM

Engineers and technicians prepare the Carbon Mapper imaging spectrometer, which will measure the greenhouse gases methane and carbon dioxide from space, for vibration testing at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California in August 2023. This test is one of a series meant to ensure that the instrument can withstand the rigors of launch and the harsh conditions of space. Engineers subjected the spectrometer to intense vibrations similar to what it will endure atop a rocket blasting into orbit. The instrument was shipped from JPL to Planet Labs PBC in San Francisco on Sept. 12, 2023, where it will be integrated into a Tanager satellite. Designed and built by JPL, imaging spectrometer will be part of an effort led by the nonprofit Carbon Mapper organization to collect data on greenhouse gas point-source emissions. The information will help locate and quantify "super-emitters" – the small percentage of individual sources responsible for a significant fraction of methane and carbon dioxide emissions around the world. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA26093

The Carbon Mapper Coalition's Tanager-1 satellite on Sept. 19, 2024, captured data over Karachi, Pakistan, showing the location and concentration of a methane plume measuring about 2½ miles (4 kilometers) long, emanating from a landfill. Enabled by the nonprofit Carbon Mapper and built by Planet Labs PBC, Tanager-1 uses an imaging spectrometer designed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. Carbon Mapper's preliminary estimate of the source emissions rate is about 2,600 pounds (1,200 kilograms) of methane released per hour. Launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Aug. 16, 2024, Tanager-1 is part of a broader effort by the nonprofit Carbon Mapper to identify and measure greenhouse gas point-source emissions on a global scale. Both Planet and JPL are members of the philanthropically funded Carbon Mapper Coalition. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA26416

An engineer prepares the Carbon Mapper imaging spectrometer, which will measure the greenhouse gases methane and carbon dioxide from space, for testing in a thermal vacuum chamber at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California in July 2023. This test is one of a series meant to ensure that the instrument can withstand the rigors of launch and the harsh conditions of space. Engineers used the chamber to subject the spectrometer to the extreme temperatures it will encounter in the vacuum of space. The instrument was shipped from JPL to Planet Labs PBC in San Francisco on Sept. 12, 2023, where it will be integrated into a Tanager satellite. Designed and built by JPL, imaging spectrometer will be part of an effort led by the nonprofit Carbon Mapper organization to collect data on greenhouse gas point-source emissions. The information will help locate and quantify "super-emitters" – the small percentage of individual sources responsible for a significant fraction of methane and carbon dioxide emissions around the world. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA26094

More than 650 volunteers - many of them employees at NASA's Stennis Space Center - weathered rain and cold to transform Bay St. Louis' old City Park into a playground Dec. 17. Volunteers assembled and erected a slide, swing set, jungle gym, sand box and planter benches in an eight-hour time frame. The playground was the first new structure built in the town devastated by Hurricane Katrina and the first on the Gulf Coast after the storm. The project was financed and led by nonprofit organization KaBOOM!, whose vision is to create a great place to play within walking distance of every child in America.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Two student teams vie for points during a match at the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition, held at the University of Central Florida. The annual event is hosting 41 teams from Canada, Brazil, Great Britain and the United States. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Center Director Jim Kennedy (right) talks to members of one of the teams at the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition, held at the University of Central Florida. The annual event is hosting 41 teams from Canada, Brazil, Great Britain and the United States. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

Student teams (background) maneuver their robots on the playing field during practice rounds of the 1999 Southeastern Regional robotic competition at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex . Thirty schools from around the country have converged at KSC for the event that pits gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. As one of their goals, the robots have to retrieve pillow-like disks from the floor. KSC is hosting the event being sponsored by the nonprofit organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, known as FIRST. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Center Director Jim Kennedy (center) joins team supporters at the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition, held at the University of Central Florida. The annual event is hosting 41 teams from Canada, Brazil, Great Britain and the United States. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Center Director Jim Kennedy (right) talks to members of the KSC-sponsored “Pink” team at the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition, held at the University of Central Florida. The annual event is hosting 41 teams from Canada, Brazil, Great Britain and the United States. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A member of the KSC-sponsored “Pink” team watches a match during the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition, held at the University of Central Florida. The annual event is hosting 41 teams from Canada, Brazil, Great Britain and the United States. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Center Director Jim Kennedy (center) poses for a photo amid the members of the KSC-sponsored “Pink” team and the FIRST LEGO™ League at the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition, held at the University of Central Florida. The annual event is hosting 41 teams from Canada, Brazil, Great Britain and the United States. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is contained in a glowing cylinder during a September 2023 test conducted by engineers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California of a state-of-the-art imaging spectrometer. The instrument will measure methane and carbon dioxide from space. Designed and built by JPL, imaging spectrometer will be part of an effort led by the nonprofit Carbon Mapper organization to collect data on greenhouse gas point-source emissions. The information will help locate and quantify "super-emitters" – the small percentage of individual sources responsible for a significant fraction of methane and carbon dioxide emissions around the world. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA26097

The Carbon Mapper imaging spectrometer, which will measure the greenhouse gases methane and carbon dioxide from space, sits at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California in August 2023, before its September shipment to Planet Labs PBC in San Francisco. The instrument will be integrated into a Tanager satellite. Designed and built by JPL, imaging spectrometer will be part of an effort led by the nonprofit Carbon Mapper organization to collect data on greenhouse gas point-source emissions. The information will help locate and quantify "super-emitters" – the small percentage of individual sources responsible for a significant fraction of methane and carbon dioxide emissions around the world. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA26092

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A closeup of the team mascot of the Central Florida robotic team “Voltage” at the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition, held at the University of Central Florida. Among the 41 teams competing from Canada, Brazil, Great Britain and the United States is the KSC-sponsored “Pink” team. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Florida Gov. Jeb Bush speaks to attendees at the luncheon held at the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition at the University of Central Florida. The event hosted 41 teams from Canada, Brazil, Great Britain and the United States. Center Director Jim Kennedy also spoke at the luncheon. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The KSC-sponsored “Pink” team poses for a photo with Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (second from left) during a break at the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition, held at the University of Central Florida. The annual event is hosting 41 teams from Canada, Brazil, Great Britain and the United States. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During the luncheon held at the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition at the University of Central Florida, Center Director Jim Kennedy praises the teamwork of the students involved. The event hosted 41 teams from Canada, Brazil, Great Britain and the United States. Florida Gov. Jeb Bush also spoke at the luncheon. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Linnea Applegate, right, of Grace Equine Rescue and Therapy for Humans, or GERTH, organizes her booth during the National Employee Health and Fitness Day event in the Operations and Checkout Building's Mission Briefing Room. GERTH is a nonprofit organization in Cocoa, Fla., that brings horses, children and adults together in a safe, nurturing and healing environment to promote therapeutic healing. Other vendors shown in the background include Bridget Griffin of the YMCA of Titusville, center, and Sunseed Co-op’s Marcia Cooney, in pink. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Florida Gov. Jeb Bush talks to students competing with their robot at the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition, held at the University of Central Florida. Bush and Center Director Jim Kennedy were among observers at the annual event that hosted 41 teams from Canada, Brazil, Great Britain and the United States. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Center Director Jim Kennedy (center) poses for a photo amid the members of the KSC-sponsored “Pink” team at the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition, held at the University of Central Florida. The annual event is hosting 41 teams from Canada, Brazil, Great Britain and the United States. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During the luncheon held at the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition at the University of Central Florida, Center Director Jim Kennedy praises the teamwork of the students involved. The event hosted 41 teams from Canada, Brazil, Great Britain and the United States. Florida Gov. Jeb Bush also spoke at the luncheon. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

Referees check the robots on the floor of the playing field after a qualifying match of the 1999 Southeastern Regional robotic competition at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex . Thirty schools from around the country have converged at KSC for the event that pits gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The robots have to retrieve pillow-like disks from the floor, as well as climb onto the platform (with flags) and raise the cache of pillows to a height of eight feet. KSC is hosting the event being sponsored by the nonprofit organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, known as FIRST. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers

Student teams and sponsors, with their robots, fill the Center for Space Education at KSC as they look over the competition. Thirty schools from around the country have converged at KSC for the 1999 Southeastern Regional robotic competition March 4-6. The event pits the team-built gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. KSC is hosting the event being sponsored by the nonprofit organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, known as FIRST. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the NASA Kennedy Space Center Training Auditorium, Center Director Jim Kennedy talks to employees at the kickoff of the 2005 Combined Federal Campaign at the center. Guest speakers included Janet Bryant, executive director and CEO of the American Red Cross, Brevard County Chapter; Major Jack Owens, commanding officer of the Salvation Army, North/Central Brevard; and Rob Rains, president of United Way of Brevard. The campaign seeks voluntary donations from Federal civilian, postal and military workers during the campaign season to support eligible nonprofit organizations that provide health and human service benefits throughout the world.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Center Director Jim Kennedy joins students on the KSC-sponsored “Pink” team at the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition, held at the University of Central Florida. The annual event is hosting 41 teams from Canada, Brazil, Great Britain and the United States. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (left) and Center Director Jim Kennedy enjoy a humorous break at the luncheon for the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition held at the University of Central Florida. Both are featured speakers. The event hosted 41 teams from Canada, Brazil, Great Britain and the United States. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

During practice rounds of the 1999 Southeastern Regional robotic competition at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, team members adjust components of their robot on the floor. Thirty schools from around the country have converged at KSC for the event that pits gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The robots have to retrieve pillow-like disks from the floor, as well as climb onto a platform and raise the cache of pillows to a height of eight feet. KSC is hosting the event being sponsored by the nonprofit organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, known as FIRST. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The team mascot of the Central Florida robotic team “Voltage” greets Center Director Jim Kennedy during a match at the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition, held at the University of Central Florida. Among the 41 teams competing from Canada, Brazil, Great Britain and the United States is the KSC-sponsored “Pink” team. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (left) and Center Director Jim Kennedy attend the luncheon at the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition held at the University of Central Florida. Both are featured speakers. The event hosted 41 teams from Canada, Brazil, Great Britain and the United States. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Florida Gov. Jeb Bush speaks to attendees at the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition at the University of Central Florida. The event hosted 41 teams from Canada, Brazil, Great Britain and the United States. Bush and Center Director Jim Kennedy also spoke at the luncheon. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Center Director Jim Kennedy speaks to attendees at the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition at the University of Central Florida. The event hosted 41 teams from Canada, Brazil, Great Britain and the United States. Florida Gov. Jeb Bush also spoke at the luncheon. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Florida Gov. Jeb Bush speaks to attendees at the luncheon held at the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition at the University of Central Florida. The event hosted 41 teams from Canada, Brazil, Great Britain and the United States. Florida Gov. Jeb Bush also spoke at the luncheon. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Center Director Jim Kennedy (right, back to camera) talks to members of the KSC-sponsored “Pink” team at the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition, held at the University of Central Florida. The annual event is hosting 41 teams from Canada, Brazil, Great Britain and the United States. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the NASA Kennedy Space Center Training Auditorium, Major Jack Owens talks to employees during the kickoff presentation for the Combined Federal Campaign at the center. Owens is commanding officer of the Salvation Army in North and Central Brevard County in Florida. Other speakers included Janet Bryant, executive director and CEO of the American Red Cross, Brevard County Chapter and Rob Rains, president of United Way of Brevard. The campaign seeks voluntary donations from Federal civilian, postal and military workers during the campaign season to support eligible nonprofit organizations that provide health and human service benefits throughout the world.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Center Director Jim Kennedy talks with a student team member at the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition, held at the University of Central Florida. The annual event is hosting 41 teams from Canada, Brazil, Great Britain and the United States. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

Students look over one of the robots to compete in the 1999 Southeastern Regional robotic competition being held at Kennedy Space Center March 4-6. Thirty schools from around the country have converged at KSC for the event that pits the team-built gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. KSC is hosting the event being sponsored by the nonprofit organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, known as FIRST. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers

These students from Astronaut High and Titusville High Schools, in Brevard County, Florida, known as the CombBat Team, make adjustments on their robot entered in the 1999 Southeastern Regional robotic competition at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex March 4-6. Thirty schools from around the country have converged at KSC for the event that pits gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. KSC is hosting the event being sponsored by the nonprofit organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, known as FIRST. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Merritt Island and Edgewood Middle School students/Lockheed Martin team, participating in the 2003 Southeastern Regional FIRST Robotic Competition, work on their team-built robot. The competition is being held at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, March 20-23. Forty teams from around the country are participating in the event that pits team-built gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The teams are sponsored by NASA-Kennedy Space Center, The Boeing Company/Brevard Community College, and Lockheed Martin Space Operations/Mission Systems for the nonprofit organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, known as FIRST. The vision of FIRST is to inspire in the youth of our nation an appreciation of science and technology and an understanding that mastering these disciplines can enrich the lives of all mankind.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the Merritt Island and Edgewood Middle School students/Lockheed Martin team look over their robot. They are participating in the 2003 Southeastern Regional FIRST Robotic Competition being held at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, March 20-23. Forty teams from around the country are participating in the event that pits team-built gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The teams are sponsored by NASA-Kennedy Space Center, The Boeing Company/Brevard Community College, and Lockheed Martin Space Operations/Mission Systems for the nonprofit organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, known as FIRST. The vision of FIRST is to inspire in the youth of our nation an appreciation of science and technology and an understanding that mastering these disciplines can enrich the lives of all mankind.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Student teams maneuver their robots on the University of Central Florida Arena floor during the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition. The event hosted 41 teams from Canada, Brazil, Great Britain and the United States. Among observers at the annual event were Center Director Jim Kennedy and Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who spoke at the event luncheon. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA/Kennedy Space Center-sponsored students, participating in the 2003 Southeastern Regional FIRST Robotic Competition, pose with their team-built robot. The competition is being held at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, March 20-23. Forty student teams from around the country are participating in the event that pits team-built gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The teams are sponsored by NASA/Kennedy Space Center, The Boeing Company/Brevard Community College, and Lockheed Martin Space Operations/Mission Systems for the nonprofit organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, known as FIRST. The vision of FIRST is to inspire in the youth of our nation an appreciation of science and technology and an understanding that mastering these disciplines can enrich the lives of all mankind.

During final matches at the 1999 Southeastern Regional robotic competition at the KSC Visitor Complex, referees in opposite corners and student teams watch as two robots raise their pillow disks to a height of eight feet, one of the goals of the competition. Thirty schools from around the country have converged at KSC for the event that pits gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The robots have to retrieve the pillow disks from the floor, climb onto a platform (with flags), as well as raise the cache of pillows, maneuvered by student teams behind protective walls. KSC is hosting the event being sponsored by the nonprofit organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, known as FIRST. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers by pairing engineers and corporations with student teams

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the University of Central Florida Arena, a local Central Florida team takes its turn during the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition. The event hosted 41 teams from Canada, Brazil, Great Britain and the United States. Among observers at the annual event were Center Director Jim Kennedy and Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who spoke at the event luncheon. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Randolph E. Berridge, president of the Florida High Tech Corridor Council, and Tom Feeney, Florida Representative from the 24th District, attend the 2003 Southeastern Regional FIRST Robotic Competition. The competition is being held at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, March 20-23. Forty student teams from around the country are participating in the event that pits team-built gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The teams are sponsored by NASA/Kennedy Space Center, The Boeing Company/Brevard Community College, and Lockheed Martin Space Operations/Mission Systems for the nonprofit organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, known as FIRST. The vision of FIRST is to inspire in the youth of our nation an appreciation of science and technology and an understanding that mastering these disciplines can enrich the lives of all mankind.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Student teams maneuver their robots on the University of Central Florida Arena floor during the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition. The event hosted 41 teams from Canada, Brazil, Great Britain and the United States. Among observers at the annual event were Center Director Jim Kennedy and Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who spoke at the event luncheon. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition in the University of Central Florida Arena, the KSC-sponsored “Pink” team applauds a win by the yellow-clad Central Florida team. The event hosted 41 teams from Canada, Brazil, Great Britain and the United States. Among observers at the annual event were Center Director Jim Kennedy and Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who spoke at the event luncheon. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Florida Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings speaks to the attendees of an invitation-only luncheon held during the 2003 Southeastern Regional FIRST Robotic Competition. The competition is being held at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, March 20-23. Forty student teams from around the country are participating in the event that pits team-built gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The teams are sponsored by NASA/Kennedy Space Center, The Boeing Company/Brevard Community College, and Lockheed Martin Space Operations/Mission Systems for the nonprofit organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, known as FIRST. The vision of FIRST is to inspire in the youth of our nation an appreciation of science and technology and an understanding that mastering these disciplines can enrich the lives of all mankind.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the University of Central Florida Arena, a local Central Florida team takes its turn during the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition. The event hosted 41 teams from Canada, Brazil, Great Britain and the United States. Among observers at the annual event were Center Director Jim Kennedy and Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who spoke at the event luncheon. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Many of the 41 teams competing in the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition at the University of Central Florida are seen here preparing their robots for a match. KSC sponsored the “Pink” team of Cocoa Beach and Rockledge High School students. Among observers at the annual event were Center Director Jim Kennedy and Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who spoke at the event luncheon. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Observing the festivities at the 2003 Southeastern Regional FIRST Robotic Competition are, from left, David Culp, executive intern to the director of KSC; Chris Fairey, former director of Spaceport Services at KSC; Roy Bridges, KSC director; and Brian Duffy, Lockheed Martin vice president/associate program manager. The competition is being held at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, March 20-23. Forty student teams from around the country are participating in the event that pits team-built gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The teams are sponsored by NASA/Kennedy Space Center, The Boeing Company/Brevard Community College, and Lockheed Martin Space Operations/Mission Systems for the nonprofit organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, known as FIRST. The vision of FIRST is to inspire in the youth of our nation an appreciation of science and technology and an understanding that mastering these disciplines can enrich the lives of all mankind.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A Lockheed Martin-sponsored student team works on its robot before a match in the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition in the University of Central Florida Arena. The event hosted 41 teams from Canada, Brazil, Great Britain and the United States. Among observers at the annual event were Center Director Jim Kennedy and Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who spoke at the event luncheon. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Scott Kerr, director of Spaceport Services at KSC, speaks to students and attendees at the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition, held at the University of Central Florida Arena. KSC sponsored the “Pink” team of Cocoa Beach and Rockledge High School students. Among observers at the annual event were Center Director Jim Kennedy and Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who spoke at the event luncheon. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

Robots, maneuvered by student teams behind protective walls, raise their caches of pillow-like disks to earn points in competition while spectators in the bleachers and on the sidelines cheer their favorite teams. Held at the KSC Visitor Complex, the 1999 Southeastern Regional robotic competition, sponsored by the nonprofit organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, known as FIRST, comprises 27 teams pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations, pitting gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. Powered by 12-volt batteries and operated by remote control, the robotic gladiators spend two minutes each trying to grab, claw and hoist the pillows onto their machines. Teams play defense by taking away competitors' pillows and generally harassing opposing machines. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Students on one of the 41 teams competing in the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition at the University of Central Florida are led in a “wave” in the stands. KSC sponsored the “Pink” team of Cocoa Beach and Rockledge High School students. Among observers at the annual event were Center Director Jim Kennedy and Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who spoke at the event luncheon. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

At the award ceremony for the 1999 FIRST Southeastern Regional robotic competition held at KSC, the Space Coast FIRST Team walks past the greeting line. In the middle, shaking hands with the team, are KSC's Director of Engineering Development Sterling Walker (left) and Center Director Roy Bridges (right). The Space Coast Team included Rockledge, Cocoa Beach and Merritt Island High Schools. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations. The regional event comprised 27 teams. Along with the championship award, which went to high school teams from Miami and San German, Puerto Rico, 15 other awards were presented

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA/Kennedy Space Center Director Roy Bridges speaks to the attendees of an invitation-only luncheon held during the 2003 Southeastern Regional FIRST Robotic Competition. The competition is being held at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, March 20-23. Forty student teams from around the country are participating in the event that pits team-built gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The teams are sponsored by NASA/Kennedy Space Center, The Boeing Company/Brevard Community College, and Lockheed Martin Space Operations/Mission Systems for the nonprofit organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, known as FIRST. The vision of FIRST is to inspire in the youth of our nation an appreciation of science and technology and an understanding that mastering these disciplines can enrich the lives of all mankind.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition in the University of Central Florida Arena, the KSC-sponsored “Pink” team scores. The event hosted 41 teams from Canada, Brazil, Great Britain and the United States. Among observers at the annual event were Center Director Jim Kennedy and Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who spoke at the event luncheon. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On the grounds of the University of Central Florida, the KSC-sponsored “Pink” team checks out its robot for the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition. The event hosted 41 teams from Canada, Brazil, Great Britain and the United States. Among observers at the annual event were Center Director Jim Kennedy and Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who spoke at the event luncheon. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

Student teams (right and left) behind protective walls maneuver their robots on the playing field during practice rounds of the 1999 Southeastern Regional robotic competition at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex . Thirty schools from around the country have converged at KSC for the event that pits gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The robots have to retrieve pillow-like disks from the floor, as well as climb onto the platform (foreground) and raise the cache of pillows to a height of eight feet. KSC is hosting the event being sponsored by the nonprofit organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, known as FIRST. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers

During final matches at the 1999 Southeastern Regional robotic competition at the KSC Visitor Complex, referees and judges (blue shirts at left) watch as two robots raise their pillow disks to a height of eight feet, one of the goals of the competition. KSC Deputy Director for Launch and Payload Processing Loren Shriver is one of the judges. Thirty schools from around the country have converged at KSC for the event that pits gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The robots have to retrieve the disks from the floor, climb onto a platform (with flags), as well as raise the cache of pillows, maneuvered by student teams behind protective walls. KSC is hosting the event being sponsored by the nonprofit organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, known as FIRST. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers by pairing engineers and corporations with student teams

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On their feet, applauding the student participants of the 2003 Southeastern Regional FIRST Robotic Competition are, from left, David Culp, executive intern to the director of KSC; Roy Bridges, KSC director; and Brian Duffy, Lockheed Martin vice president/associate program manager. The competition is being held at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, March 20-23. Forty student teams from around the country are participating in the event that pits team-built gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The teams are sponsored by NASA/Kennedy Space Center, The Boeing Company/Brevard Community College, and Lockheed Martin Space Operations/Mission Systems for the nonprofit organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, known as FIRST. The vision of FIRST is to inspire in the youth of our nation an appreciation of science and technology and an understanding that mastering these disciplines can enrich the lives of all mankind.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, left, joins Mike Aller, executive director of the Space Coast Energy Consortium, in signing a Space Act Agreement to help transition the Kennedy Space Center from a historically government-only launch facility to a multiuser spaceport. The partnership defines how the space agency will serve both government and commercial renewable energy initiatives. Looking on, from the left, are Scott Lewit, chairman of the SCEC’s board of directors, Bennett Boucher, SCEC board member, and Rodger Rees, SCEC chief financial officer. The Cape Canaveral-based energy consortium is an industry-led nonprofit association created to identify and create innovative energy opportunities for the Space Coast and Florida. The organization was formed by community and industry leaders to assist with the post-space shuttle transition by building networks among local businesses with resources across the country. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Many of the 41 teams competing in the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition at the University of Central Florida are seen here preparing their robots for a match. KSC sponsored the “Pink” team of Cocoa Beach and Rockledge High School students. Among observers at the annual event were Center Director Jim Kennedy and Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who spoke at the event luncheon. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Dressed for the part, a student on the KSC-sponsored “Pink” team waits during a break in the matches at the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition in the University of Central Florida Arena. The event hosted 41 teams from Canada, Brazil, Great Britain and the United States. Among observers at the annual event were Center Director Jim Kennedy and Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who spoke at the event luncheon. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Boeing Company/Brevard Community College-sponsored students, participating in the 2003 Southeastern Regional FIRST Robotic Competition, pose with their team-built robot. The competition is being held at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, March 20-23. Forty teams from around the country are participating in the event that pits team-built gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The teams are sponsored by NASA-Kennedy Space Center, The Boeing Company/Brevard Community College, and Lockheed Martin Space Operations/Mission Systems for the nonprofit organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, known as FIRST. The vision of FIRST is to inspire in the youth of our nation an appreciation of science and technology and an understanding that mastering these disciplines can enrich the lives of all mankind.

Students cheer their team during final matches at the 1999 Southeastern Regional robotic competition at the KSC Visitor Complex. Thirty schools from around the country have converged at KSC for the event that pits gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The robots have to retrieve pillow-like disks from the floor, climb onto a platform (with flags), as well as raise the cache of pillows, maneuvered by student teams behind protective walls. KSC is hosting the event being sponsored by the nonprofit organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, known as FIRST. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers by pairing engineers and corporations with student teams

At the award ceremony for the 1999 FIRST Southeastern Regional robotic competition held at KSC, the winning teams from Miami and San German, Puerto Rico, parade with their trophies and championship flag by the line of judges and officials. In the middle of the line is Center Director Roy Bridges. At the far right is Deputy Director for Launch and Payload Processing Loren Shriver, who served as one of the judges for the competition. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations. The regional event comprised 27 teams. Along with the championship award, 15 other awards were presented

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the University of Central Florida, friends and families of the KSC-sponsored “Pink” team lend support from the stands during the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition. The KSC team is composed of Cocoa Beach and Rockledge High School students. The event hosted 41 teams from Canada, Brazil, Great Britain and the United States. Among observers at the annual event were Center Director Jim Kennedy and Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who spoke at the event luncheon. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA/Kennedy Space Center-sponsored students, participating in the 2003 Southeastern Regional FIRST Robotic Competition, pose with their team-built robot. The competition is being held at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, March 20-23. Forty teams from around the country are participating in the event that pits team-built gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The teams are sponsored by NASA-Kennedy Space Center, The Boeing Company/Brevard Community College, and Lockheed Martin Space Operations/Mission Systems for the nonprofit organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, known as FIRST. The vision of FIRST is to inspire in the youth of our nation an appreciation of science and technology and an understanding that mastering these disciplines can enrich the lives of all mankind.

At the start of the award ceremony at the 1999 FIRST Southeastern Regional robotic competition held at KSC, judges, including Deputy Director for Launch and Payload Processing Loren Shriver (left), give "high fives" to a winning team from Minnesota as they enter. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations. The regional event comprised 27 teams. Along with the championship award, which went to high school teams in Miami and San German, Puerto Rico, 15 other awards were presented

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Robots of the KSC-sponsored “Pink” team and yellow-clad Central Florida team vie for points on the floor of the University of Central Florida Arena during the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition. The event hosted 41 teams from Canada, Brazil, Great Britain and the United States. Among observers at the annual event were Center Director Jim Kennedy and Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who spoke at the event luncheon. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA/Kennedy Space Center Director Roy Bridges (background) observes as Florida Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings interacts with students at a display of space structures built from Lego blocks at the 2003 Southeastern Regional FIRST Robotic Competition. The competition is being held at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, March 20-23. Forty student teams from around the country are participating in the event that pits team-built gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The teams are sponsored by NASA/Kennedy Space Center, The Boeing Company/Brevard Community College, and Lockheed Martin Space Operations/Mission Systems for the nonprofit organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, known as FIRST. The vision of FIRST is to inspire in the youth of our nation an appreciation of science and technology and an understanding that mastering these disciplines can enrich the lives of all mankind.

During the 1999 FIRST Southeastern Regional robotic competition held at KSC, a robot carrying its cache of pillow-like disks maneuvers to move around another at left. Powered by 12-volt batteries and operated by remote control, the robotic gladiators spend two minutes each trying to grab, claw and hoist the pillows onto their machines. Teams play defense by taking away competitors' pillows and generally harassing opposing machines. Behind the field are a group of judges, including KSC former KSC Director of Shuttle Processing Robert Sieck (left, in cap), and Center Director Roy Bridges (in white shirt). A giant screen TV in the background displays the action on the playing field. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology. The competition comprised 27 teams, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This Central Florida team works on its robot before a match in the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition in the University of Central Florida Arena. The event hosted 41 teams from Canada, Brazil, Great Britain and the United States. Among observers at the annual event were Center Director Jim Kennedy and Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who both spoke at the event luncheon. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Supporters crowd the stands to cheer for their favorite teams during the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition, held at the University of Central Florida Arena. The event hosted 41 teams from Canada, Brazil, Great Britain and the United States. Among observers at the annual event were Center Director Jim Kennedy and Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who spoke at the event luncheon. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the NASA Kennedy Space Center Training Auditorium, President of United Way in Brevard Rob Rains (left) and Center Director Jim Kennedy (right) recognize James Hall (center) who submitted the winning theme for the center’s 2005 Combined Federal Campaign, “Launching Dreams of Those in Need.” The occasion was the kickoff of the campaign at the center. Guest speakers included Janet Bryant, executive director and CEO of the American Red Cross, Brevard County Chapter; Major Jack Owens, commanding officer of the Salvation Army, North/Central Brevard; and Rob Rains, president of United Way of Brevard. The campaign seeks voluntary donations from Federal civilian, postal and military workers during the campaign season to support eligible nonprofit organizations that provide health and human service benefits throughout the world.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Observing the festivities at the 2003 Southeastern Regional FIRST Robotic Competition are, from left, David Culp, executive intern to the director of KSC; Chris Fairey, former director of Spaceport Services at KSC; Roy Bridges, KSC director; and Brian Duffy, Lockheed Martin vice president/associate program manager. The competition is being held at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, March 20-23. Forty student teams from around the country are participating in the event that pits team-built gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The teams are sponsored by NASA/Kennedy Space Center, The Boeing Company/Brevard Community College, and Lockheed Martin Space Operations/Mission Systems for the nonprofit organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, known as FIRST. The vision of FIRST is to inspire in the youth of our nation an appreciation of science and technology and an understanding that mastering these disciplines can enrich the lives of all mankind.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Friends and families root for the KSC-sponsored “Pink” team during the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition in the University of Central Florida Arena. The event hosted 41 teams from Canada, Brazil, Great Britain and the United States. Among observers at the annual event were Center Director Jim Kennedy and Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who spoke at the event luncheon. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On the grounds of the University of Central Florida, the KSC-sponsored “Pink” team checks out its robot for the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition. The event hosted 41 teams from Canada, Brazil, Great Britain and the United States. Among observers at the annual event were Center Director Jim Kennedy and Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who spoke at the event luncheon. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

At the award ceremony for the 1999 FIRST Southeastern Regional robotic competition held at KSC, one of the winning teams, from Ocoee, Fla., is greeted by (left to right) astronaut David Brown, Deputy Director for Launch and Payload Processing Loren Shriver, Center Director Roy Bridges, and two unidentified judges. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations. The regional event comprised 27 teams. Along with the championship award, which went to high school teams from Miami and San German, Puerto Rico, 15 other awards were presented

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The NASA/Kennedy Space Center-sponsored student team (in pink wigs) is congratulated by the judges of the 2003 Southeastern Regional FIRST Robotic Competition. The competition is being held at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, March 20-23. The team won awards for Regional Finalist 2, GM Industrial Design and the Imagery Award. Forty student teams from around the country are participating in the event that pits team-built gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The teams are sponsored by NASA/Kennedy Space Center, The Boeing Company/Brevard Community College, and Lockheed Martin Space Operations/Mission Systems for the nonprofit organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, known as FIRST. The vision of FIRST is to inspire in the youth of our nation an appreciation of science and technology and an understanding that mastering these disciplines can enrich the lives of all mankind.

At the 1999 FIRST Southeastern Regional robotic competition held at KSC, judges compare notes about a match. Serving as judges are Deputy Director for Launch and Payload Processing Loren Shriver (above right) and former KSC Director of Shuttle Processing Robert Sieck (below, with back to camera). FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations. The regional event comprised 27 teams. Along with the championship award, which went to high school teams in Miami and San German, Puerto Rico, 15 other awards were presented

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA/Kennedy Space Center Director Roy Bridges (right) talks with Florida Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings at an invitation-only luncheon held during the 2003 Southeastern Regional FIRST Robotic Competition. The competition is being held at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, March 20-23. Forty student teams from around the country are participating in the event that pits team-built gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The teams are sponsored by NASA/Kennedy Space Center, The Boeing Company/Brevard Community College, and Lockheed Martin Space Operations/Mission Systems for the nonprofit organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, known as FIRST. The vision of FIRST is to inspire in the youth of our nation an appreciation of science and technology and an understanding that mastering these disciplines can enrich the lives of all mankind.

The data captured here is one of the outputs of a September 2023 test conducted at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory of a state-of-the-art imaging spectrometer instrument, which will measure the greenhouse gases methane and carbon dioxide from space. The instrument successfully detected the presence of methane (dark blue line near the top of the rainbow band), a greenhouse gas, in a sample cylinder. The rainbow band shown on a screen here is a measure of the intensity of a spectrum of light. Blue is low intensity and red is high intensity. Designed and built by JPL, imaging spectrometer will be part of an effort led by the nonprofit Carbon Mapper organization to collect data on greenhouse gas point-source emissions. The information will help locate and quantify "super-emitters" – the small percentage of individual sources responsible for a significant fraction of methane and carbon dioxide emissions around the world. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA26096

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Lockheed Martin Vice President/Associate Program Manager Brian Duffy (second from left) and NASA/Kennedy Space Center Director Roy Bridges (center) share a laugh with student participants in the 2003 Southeastern Regional FIRST Robotic Competition. The competition is being held at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, March 20-23. Forty student teams from around the country are participating in the event that pits team-built gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The teams are sponsored by NASA/Kennedy Space Center, The Boeing Company/Brevard Community College, and Lockheed Martin Space Operations/Mission Systems for the nonprofit organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, known as FIRST. The vision of FIRST is to inspire in the youth of our nation an appreciation of science and technology and an understanding that mastering these disciplines can enrich the lives of all mankind.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Roy Bridges (left) talks with some of the students involved in the 2003 Southeastern Regional FIRST Robotic Competition. The competition is being held at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, March 20-23. Forty student teams from around the country are participating in the event that pits team-built gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The teams are sponsored by NASA/Kennedy Space Center, The Boeing Company/Brevard Community College, and Lockheed Martin Space Operations/Mission Systems for the nonprofit organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, known as FIRST. The vision of FIRST is to inspire in the youth of our nation an appreciation of science and technology and an understanding that mastering these disciplines can enrich the lives of all mankind.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the University of Central Florida Arena, the Boeing-sponsored ComBBat team of students maneuver their robots to collect and pass the balls as required in the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition. The event hosted 41 teams from Canada, Brazil, Great Britain and the United States. Among observers at the annual event were Center Director Jim Kennedy and Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who spoke at the event luncheon. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

Watching the 1999 FIRST Southeastern Regional robotic competition held at KSC are (left to right) FIRST representative Vince Wilczynski and Executive Director of FIRST David Brown, Center Director Roy Bridges, former KSC Director of Shuttle Processing Robert Sieck (pointing), and astronaut David Brown. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology. The competition comprised 27 teams, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations. Brown and Sieck served as judges for the event that pits gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. Powered by 12-volt batteries and operated by remote control, the robotic gladiators spend two minutes each trying to grab, claw and hoist large, satin pillows onto their machines. Teams play defense by taking away competitors' pillows and generally harassing opposing machines. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the Merritt Island and Edgewood Middle School students/Lockheed Martin team maneuver their robot during competition. They are participating in the 2003 Southeastern Regional FIRST Robotic Competition being held at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, March 20-23. Forty teams from around the country are participating in the event that pits team-built gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The teams are sponsored by NASA-Kennedy Space Center, The Boeing Company/Brevard Community College, and Lockheed Martin Space Operations/Mission Systems for the nonprofit organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, known as FIRST. The vision of FIRST is to inspire in the youth of our nation an appreciation of science and technology and an understanding that mastering these disciplines can enrich the lives of all mankind.

Kicking off the award ceremony at the 1999 FIRST Southeastern Regional robotic competition held at KSC are David Brown, Executive Director of FIRST; Woody Flowers, national advisor for FIRST; and astronaut David Brown. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations. The regional event comprised 27 teams. Along with the championship award, which went to high school teams in Miami and San German, Puerto Rico, 15 other awards were presented

All four robots, maneuvered by student teams behind protective walls, converge on a corner of the playing field during qualifying matches of the 1999 Southeastern Regional robotic competition at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex . Thirty schools from around the country have converged at KSC for the event that pits gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The robots have to retrieve pillow-like disks from the floor, as well as climb onto the platform (with flags) and raise the cache of pillows to a height of eight feet. KSC is hosting the event being sponsored by the nonprofit organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, known as FIRST. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana joins representatives of the Space Coast Energy Consortium after signing a Space Act Agreement between the two organizations. From the left are, Cabana, Scott Lewit, chairman of the SCEC’s board of directors, Bennett Boucher, SCEC board member, Mike Aller, SCEC executive director, and Rodger Rees, SCEC chief financial officer. The Cape Canaveral-based energy consortium is an industry-led nonprofit association created to identify and create innovative energy opportunities for the Space Coast and Florida. The organization was formed by community and industry leaders to assist with the post-space shuttle transition by building networks among local businesses with resources across the country. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The NASA/Kennedy Space Center-sponsored student team (in pink wigs, right) demonstrates their robot's abilities during the 2003 Southeastern Regional FIRST Robotic Competition. The competition is being held at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, March 20-23. Forty student teams from around the country are participating in the event that pits team-built gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The teams are sponsored by NASA/Kennedy Space Center, The Boeing Company/Brevard Community College, and Lockheed Martin Space Operations/Mission Systems for the nonprofit organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, known as FIRST. The vision of FIRST is to inspire in the youth of our nation an appreciation of science and technology and an understanding that mastering these disciplines can enrich the lives of all mankind.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Boeing Company/Brevard Community College-sponsored student team (in yellow shirts) is congratulated by the judges and support staff of the 2003 Southeastern Regional FIRST Robotic Competition. The competition is being held at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, March 20-23. The team won the DaimlerChrysler Team Spirit Award and the Johnson & Johnson Sportsmanship Award. Forty student teams from around the country are participating in the event that pits team-built gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The teams are sponsored by NASA/Kennedy Space Center, The Boeing Company/Brevard Community College, and Lockheed Martin Space Operations/Mission Systems for the nonprofit organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, known as FIRST. The vision of FIRST is to inspire in the youth of our nation an appreciation of science and technology and an understanding that mastering these disciplines can enrich the lives of all mankind.

At the award ceremony for the 1999 FIRST Southeastern Regional robotic competition held at KSC, the winning teams, from Miami and San German, Puerto Rico, jump for joy and wave a flag. In the foreground, at left, are Woody Flowers, national advisor to FIRST, and at right, Roy Bridges, KSC director. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations. The regional event comprised 27 teams. Along with the championship award, 15 other awards were presented

An artist's concept depicts one of the Carbon Mapper Coalition's Tanager satellites, which will use imaging spectrometer technology developed at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California to measure methane and carbon dioxide point-source emissions, down to the level of individual facilities and equipment, on a global scale. The Tanager-1 satellite, launched from Vandenberg Space Force Based in California on Aug. 16, 2024, was developed as part of a philanthropically funded public-private coalition led by the nonprofit Carbon Mapper. JPL and Planet Labs PBC, which built Tanager-1, are both members of the Carbon Mapper Coalition. The group plans to launch a second Tanager satellite, called Tanager-2, also being built by Planet Labs and equipped with a JPL-built imaging spectrometer. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA26411

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During the 2004 Florida Regional FIRST competition in the University of Central Florida Arena, a judge names the KSC-sponsored “Pink” team winner of the match. The event hosted 41 teams from Canada, Brazil, Great Britain and the United States. Among observers at the annual event were Center Director Jim Kennedy and Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who spoke at the event luncheon. FIRST is a nonprofit organization, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, that sponsors the event pitting gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The FIRST robotics competition is designed to provide students with a hands-on, inside look at engineering and other professional careers, pairing high school students with engineer mentors and corporations.

A technician slides an imaging spectrometer instrument, which will measure the greenhouse gases methane and carbon dioxide from space, into a thermal vacuum test chamber at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California in July 2023. The thermal vacuum chamber test is one of a series meant to ensure that the instrument can withstand the rigors of launch and the harsh conditions of space. Engineers use the chamber to subject the spectrometer to the extreme temperatures it will encounter in the vacuum of space. The instrument shipped Sept. 12, 2023, from JPL to Planet Labs PBC in San Francisco, where it will be integrated into a Tanager satellite. Designed and built by JPL, imaging spectrometer will be part of an effort led by the nonprofit Carbon Mapper organization to collect data on greenhouse gas point-source emissions. The information will help locate and quantify "super-emitters" – the small percentage of individual sources responsible for a significant fraction of methane and carbon dioxide emissions around the world. Movie available at https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA26098

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Boeing Company/Brevard Community College-sponsored students, participating in the 2003 Southeastern Regional FIRST Robotic Competition, demonstrate their team spirit. The competition is being held at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, March 20-23. The team won the DaimlerChrysler Team Spirit Award and the Johnson & Johnson Sportsmanship Award. Forty teams from around the country are participating in the event that pits team-built gladiator robots against each other in an athletic-style competition. The teams are sponsored by NASA-Kennedy Space Center, The Boeing Company/Brevard Community College, and Lockheed Martin Space Operations/Mission Systems for the nonprofit organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, known as FIRST. The vision of FIRST is to inspire in the youth of our nation an appreciation of science and technology and an understanding that mastering these disciplines can enrich the lives of all mankind.