Brigadier General Stephen Purdy, commander of Space Launch Delta 45, speaks at a ceremony honoring Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro with the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award on June 24, 2022, at the Florida spaceport’s visitor complex. The National Space Club Florida Committee presented Petro with the prestigious award for her contributions to America’s aerospace efforts within the state of Florida. The award – originating in 1990 – is named after Kennedy’s first director.

Bill Parsons, vice president of Human Space Programs at Peraton, speaks at a ceremony honoring Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro with the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award on June 24, 2022, at the Florida spaceport’s visitor complex. The National Space Club Florida Committee presented Petro with the prestigious award for her contributions to America’s aerospace efforts within the state of Florida. The award – originating in 1990 – is named after Kennedy’s first director.

Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro addresses friends, colleagues, and family following her acceptance of the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award on June 24, 2022, during a ceremony held at the Florida spaceport’s visitor complex. The National Space Club Florida Committee presented Petro with the prestigious award for her contributions to America’s aerospace efforts within the state of Florida. The award – originating in 1990 – is named after Kennedy’s first director.

National Space Club Florida Chapter Chair Tara Miller presents Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro with the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award during a ceremony held at the Florida spaceport’s visitor complex on June 24, 2022. The committee presented Petro with the prestigious award for her contributions to America’s aerospace efforts within the state of Florida. The award – originating in 1990 – is named after Kennedy’s first director.

Scott Henderson, vice president of Test and Operations at Blue Origin, speaks at a ceremony honoring Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro with the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award on June 24, 2022, at the Florida spaceport’s visitor complex. The National Space Club Florida Committee presented Petro with the prestigious award for her contributions to America’s aerospace efforts within the state of Florida. The award – originating in 1990 – is named after Kennedy’s first director.

Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro addresses friends, colleagues, and family following her acceptance of the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award on June 24, 2022, during a ceremony held at the Florida spaceport’s visitor complex. The National Space Club Florida Committee presented Petro with the prestigious award for her contributions to America’s aerospace efforts within the state of Florida. The award – originating in 1990 – is named after Kennedy’s first director.

Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro is photographed in the audience during an award ceremony held in her honor on June 24, 2022, at the Florida spaceport’s visitor complex. The National Space Club Florida Committee presented Petro with the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award for her contributions to America’s aerospace efforts within the state of Florida. The award – originating in 1990 – is named after Kennedy’s first director.

Scott Henderson, vice president of Test and Operations at Blue Origin, speaks at a ceremony honoring Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro with the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award on June 24, 2022, at the Florida spaceport’s visitor complex. The National Space Club Florida Committee presented Petro with the prestigious award for her contributions to America’s aerospace efforts within the state of Florida. The award – originating in 1990 – is named after Kennedy’s first director.

Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro addresses friends, colleagues, and family following her acceptance of the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award on June 24, 2022, during a ceremony held at the Florida spaceport’s visitor complex. The National Space Club Florida Committee presented Petro with the prestigious award for her contributions to America’s aerospace efforts within the state of Florida. The award – originating in 1990 – is named after Kennedy’s first director.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Florida Today senior aerospace reporter Todd Halvorson (right) is honored with a Harry Kolcum Memorial News and Communications Award for 2004 by the National Space Club Florida Committee at the Radisson Resort at the Port, Cape Canaveral, Fla. He is joined by Committee Chairman Jerry Moyer (left) and Eddie Kolcum, wife of the late journalist for whom the award is named. Each year, the National Space Club Florida Committee recognizes area representatives of the news media and communications professions for excellence in their ability to communicate the space story along Florida’s Space Coast and throughout the world. The award is named in honor of Harry Kolcum, the former managing editor of Aviation Week and Space Technology, who was Cape bureau chief from 1980 to 1993 prior to his death in 1994. Kolcum was a founding member of the National Space Club Florida Committee.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA public affairs specialist George Diller (right) is honored with a Harry Kolcum Memorial News and Communications Award for 2004 by the National Space Club Florida Committee at the Radisson Resort at the Port, Cape Canaveral, Fla. He is joined by Committee Chairman Jerry Moyer (left) and Eddie Kolcum, wife of the late journalist for whom the award is named. Each year, the National Space Club Florida Committee recognizes area representatives of the news media and communications professions for excellence in their ability to communicate the space story along Florida’s Space Coast and throughout the world. The award is named in honor of Harry Kolcum, the former managing editor of Aviation Week and Space Technology, who was Cape bureau chief from 1980 to 1993 prior to his death in 1994. Kolcum was a founding member of the National Space Club Florida Committee.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Florida Today senior aerospace reporter Todd Halvorson is honored with a Harry Kolcum Memorial News and Communications Award for 2004 by the National Space Club Florida Committee at the Radisson Resort at the Port, Cape Canaveral, Fla. Each year, the National Space Club Florida Committee recognizes area representatives of the news media and communications professions for excellence in their ability to communicate the space story along Florida’s Space Coast and throughout the world. The award is named in honor of Harry Kolcum, the former managing editor of Aviation Week and Space Technology, who was Cape bureau chief from 1980 to 1993 prior to his death in 1994. Kolcum was a founding member of the National Space Club Florida Committee.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA public affairs specialist George Diller (left) is honored with a Harry Kolcum Memorial News and Communications Award for 2004 by the National Space Club Florida Committee at the Radisson Resort at the Port, Cape Canaveral, Fla. He is joined by Marcie Young, wife of the late chief of NASA news operations at Kennedy Space Center, Dick Young, with whom Diller worked for many years. Each year, the National Space Club Florida Committee recognizes area representatives of the news media and communications professions for excellence in their ability to communicate the space story along Florida’s Space Coast and throughout the world. The award is named in honor of Harry Kolcum, the former managing editor of Aviation Week and Space Technology, who was Cape bureau chief from 1980 to 1993 prior to his death in 1994. Kolcum was a founding member of the National Space Club Florida Committee.

CAPE CANAVERAL Fla. -- Attendees filled the room for the National Space Club Florida Committee, or NSCFL, luncheon May 14 at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana was the featured speaker with a presentation on the Fiscal Year 2014 budget and Kennedy’s path forward. The NSCFL Committee is one of three regional committees including Huntsville, Ala. and Los Angeles, Calif. of the National Space Club in Washington, D.C. The NSCFL Committee promotes awareness through hosting monthly luncheons, sponsoring educational opportunities, recognizing significant achievement, and promoting aerospace leadership in a region heavily influenced by aerospace activities. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana spoke to attendees at the National Space Club Florida Committee, or NSCFL, luncheon May 14 at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Cabana’s presentation focused on the Fiscal Year 2014 budget and Kennedy’s path forward. The NSCFL Committee is one of three regional committees including Huntsville, Ala. and Los Angeles, Calif. of the National Space Club in Washington, D.C. The NSCFL Committee promotes awareness through hosting monthly luncheons, sponsoring educational opportunities, recognizing significant achievement, and promoting aerospace leadership in a region heavily influenced by aerospace activities. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

Bob Cabana, director of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, updates the National Space Club Florida Committee about Kennedy's future as the premier launch center for NASA and other users during a luncheon in Cape Canaveral.

Bob Cabana, director of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, updates the National Space Club Florida Committee about Kennedy's future as the premier launch center for NASA and other users during a luncheon in Cape Canaveral.

Bob Cabana, director of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, updates the National Space Club Florida Committee about Kennedy's future as the premier launch center for NASA and other users during a luncheon in Cape Canaveral.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Steve Griffin, chairman of the National Space Club Florida Committee, speaks to attendees during NASA Kennedy Space Center’s 50th Anniversary Gala event at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Apollo/Saturn V Center in Florida. The gala was coordinated by Kennedy and the National Space Club Florida Committee with the theme, “Celebrating the Past and Preparing for the Future.” The event was attended by about 650 current and retired NASA and contractor workers, dignitaries, and several former Kennedy Space Center directors. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, second from right, spoke to attendees at the National Space Club Florida Committee, or NSCFL, luncheon May 14 at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Cabana’s presentation focused on the Fiscal Year 2014 budget and Kennedy’s path forward. From the left, are State Senator and Astronaut Memorial Foundation President Thad Altman NSCFL Chairman Jim McCarthy, URS and Frank DiBello, president of Space Florida. The NSCFL Committee is one of three regional committees including Huntsville, Ala. and Los Angeles, Calif. of the National Space Club in Washington, D.C. The NSCFL Committee promotes awareness through hosting monthly luncheons, sponsoring educational opportunities, recognizing significant achievement, and promoting aerospace leadership in a region heavily influenced by aerospace activities. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, National Space Club Florida Committee Chairman Jim McCarthy, at the podium, has just presented the prestigious Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award to Kennedy's director, Bob Cabana. A former U.S. Marine Corps aviator and NASA astronaut, Cabana was honored at the gala Debus Award Dinner. Named for the spaceport’s first director, the Debus Award was created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The Debus Award was created by the space club's Florida committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, National Space Club Florida Committee Chairman Jim McCarthy, left, presents the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award to Kennedy's director, Bob Cabana. A former U.S. Marine Corps aviator and NASA astronaut, Cabana was honored at the gala Debus Award Dinner. Named for the spaceport’s first director, the Debus Award was created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The Debus Award was created by the space club's Florida committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award for 2013 was presented to director Bob Cabana by the National Space Club Florida Committee. A former U.S. Marine Corps aviator and NASA astronaut, Cabana was honored at the gala Debus Award Dinner. Named for the spaceport’s first director, the Debus Award was created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The Debus Award was created by the space club's Florida committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

COCOA BEACH, Fla.. -- Todd May, program manager of the Space Launch System, receives a sculpture from the National Space Club after his address to the National Space Club's Florida Committee during the organization's monthly luncheon in Cocoa Beach, Fla. May, who works at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., discussed the status of the SLS program. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Bob Cabana, center, director of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, in discussion with members of the National Space Club Florida Committee during the organization's luncheon in Cape Canaveral. Cabana, a former astronaut, was the keynote speaker for the luncheon and delivered an update on Kennedy's future as the premier launch center for NASA and other users.

Bob Cabana, right, director of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, in discussion with a member of the National Space Club Florida Committee during the organization's luncheon in Cape Canaveral. Cabana, a former astronaut, was the keynote speaker for the luncheon and delivered an update on Kennedy's future as the premier launch center for NASA and other users.

CAPE CANAVERAL Fla. -- Dale Ketchum, director of the Space Research and Technology Institute, speaks to attendees of the National Space Club Florida Committee, or NSCFL, at the May 14 luncheon at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana was the featured speaker with a presentation on the Fiscal Year 2014 budget and Kennedy’s path forward. The NSCFL Committee is one of three regional committees including Huntsville, Ala. and Los Angeles, Calif. of the National Space Club in Washington, D.C. The NSCFL Committee promotes awareness through hosting monthly luncheons, sponsoring educational opportunities, recognizing significant achievement, and promoting aerospace leadership in a region heavily influenced by aerospace activities. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL Fla. -- Jim McCarthy, with URS and chairman of the National Space Club Florida Committee, or NSCFL, greets attendees at the May 14 luncheon at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana was the featured speaker with a presentation on the Fiscal Year 2014 budget and Kennedy’s path forward. The NSCFL Committee is one of three regional committees including Huntsville, Ala. and Los Angeles, Calif. of the National Space Club in Washington, D.C. The NSCFL Committee promotes awareness through hosting monthly luncheons, sponsoring educational opportunities, recognizing significant achievement, and promoting aerospace leadership in a region heavily influenced by aerospace activities. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

COCOA BEACH, Fla.. -- Robert Cabana, Kennedy Space Center director, left, speaks with a member of the National Space Club's Florida Committee before the organization's monthly luncheon. The event took place in Cocoa Beach, Fla. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- John J. “Tip” Talone (right) shares a bit of humor with Shuttle Program Manager Bill Parsons (left) and Center Director Jim Kennedy during the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet. Talone received the award that was created by the National Space Club to recognize significant achievements made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The event was held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the Visitor Complex. Talone is director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate at KSC that is responsible for prelaunch and launch preparations for all Shuttle payloads. He was honored for his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The award was created by the National Space Club Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana addresses the National Space Club Florida Committee during its monthly meeting at the Radisson at the Port in Cape Canaveral, Fla. His speech, titled “KSC -- Today and Tomorrow,” addressed the future of NASA and possible changes to the space shuttle launch schedule later this month. The committee, headquartered on Florida's Space Coast, is a non-profit corporation composed of private individuals representing industry, government, regional educational institutions and the media. NASA_Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana addresses the National Space Club Florida Committee during its monthly meeting at the Radisson at the Port in Cape Canaveral, Fla. His speech, titled “KSC -- Today and Tomorrow,” addressed the future of NASA and possible changes to the space shuttle launch schedule later this month. The committee, headquartered on Florida's Space Coast, is a non-profit corporation composed of private individuals representing industry, government, regional educational institutions and the media. NASA_Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana addresses the National Space Club Florida Committee during its monthly meeting at the Radisson at the Port in Cape Canaveral, Fla. His speech, titled “KSC -- Today and Tomorrow,” addressed the future of NASA and possible changes to the space shuttle launch schedule later this month. The committee, headquartered on Florida's Space Coast, is a non-profit corporation composed of private individuals representing industry, government, regional educational institutions and the media. NASA_Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Adrian Laffitte (second from left) and his family enjoy a moment in the spotlight at a formal dinner held in the Debus Conference Center at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Laffitte, director of Atlas Programs for Lockheed Martin Astronautics at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, was honored as the winner of the 2003 Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award from the National Space Club Florida Committee. The Debus Award was created by the committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Debus Award recipient John J. “Tip” Talone speaks to guests at the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet, held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the Visitor Complex. Talone, director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate, received the award in recognition of his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The award was created by the National Space Club Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Debus Award recipient John J. “Tip” Talone speaks to guests at the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet, held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the KSC Visitor Complex. Director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate, Talone received the award in recognition of his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The award was created by the National Space Club Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Jim Chilton (left), CAPPS program manager, and Dick Beagley, chairman of the National Space Club Debus Award Banquet committee, present the 2004 Debus Award to John J. “Tip” Talone (right). The event was held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the Visitor Complex. Talone is director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate at KSC that is responsible for prelaunch and launch preparations for all Shuttle payloads. He was honored for his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The award was created by the National Space Club Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, National Space Club Florida Committee Chairman Jim McCarthy speaks at the annual the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award gala in which the prestigious honor was presented to Kennedy's director, Bob Cabana. A former U.S. Marine Corps aviator and NASA astronaut, Cabana was honored at the gala Debus Award Dinner. Named for the spaceport’s first director, the Debus Award was created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The Debus Award was created by the space club's Florida committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, previous winners of the National Space Club Florid Committee's Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award pose with this year's honoree, center director Bob Cabana. From the left, are: Rick Abramson, Dick Beagley, Dick Lyon, Patty Stratton, Lyle Holloway, Lee Solid, Cabana, Dr. Maxwell King, Bob Sieck, Jerry Jamison, Roy Tharpe and Ernie Briel. A former U.S. Marine Corps aviator and NASA astronaut, Cabana was honored at the gala Debus Award Dinner. Named for the spaceport’s first director, the Debus Award was created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The Debus Award was created by the space club's Florida committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- National Space Club Florida Committee Chair Steve Griffin, left, Florida's Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll, and NASA Commercial Crew Program Manager Ed Mango pose for a photo at the club's August luncheon at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Mango was the event's guest speaker, discussing the innovative steps the agency is taking with industry partners to develop the next U.S. space transportation capability to and from low Earth orbit, which will eventually be available for use by the U.S. government and other commercial customers. To learn more about the Commercial Crew Program, visit www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana talks with Tim Yang, the executive vice president of Yang Enterprises Inc., during the National Space Club Florida Committee's monthly meeting at the Radisson at the Port in Cape Canaveral, Fla. His speech, titled “KSC -- Today and Tomorrow,” addressed the future of NASA and possible changes to the space shuttle launch schedule later this month. The committee, headquartered on Florida's Space Coast, is a non-profit corporation composed of private individuals representing industry, government, regional educational institutions and the media. NASA_Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Members of the National Space Club Florida Committee socialize during their monthly meeting at the Radisson at the Port in Cape Canaveral, Fla. NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana was the guest speaker. He addressed the future of NASA and possible changes to the space shuttle launch schedule later this month with his speech, titled “KSC -- Today and Tomorrow.' The committee, headquartered on Florida's Space Coast, is a non-profit corporation composed of private individuals representing industry, government, regional educational institutions and the media. NASA_Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Adrian Laffitte (left) and his son show off a small copy of the Debus Award Trophy presented to him at a formal dinner held in the Debus Conference Center at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Laffitte, director of Atlas Programs for Lockheed Martin Astronautics at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, was honored as the winner of the 2003 Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award from the National Space Club Florida Committee. The Debus Award was created by the committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- NASA Deputy Administrator and former astronaut Frederick Gregory is the featured speaker at a formal dinner held in the Debus Conference Center at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Adrian Laffitte, director of Atlas Programs for Lockheed Martin Astronautics at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, was honored as the winner of the 2003 Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award from the National Space Club Florida Committee at the dinner. The Debus Award was created by the committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Hundreds of attendees listened to NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden during Kennedy Space Center’s 50th Anniversary Gala event at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Apollo/Saturn V Center in Florida. The gala was coordinated by Kennedy Space Center and the National Space Club Florida Committee with the theme, “Celebrating the Past and Preparing for the Future.” The event was attended by about 650 current and retired NASA and contractor workers, dignitaries, and several former Kennedy Space Center directors. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Hundreds of attendees listened to NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden during Kennedy Space Center’s 50th Anniversary Gala event at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Apollo/Saturn V Center in Florida. The gala was coordinated by Kennedy Space Center and the National Space Club Florida Committee with the theme, “Celebrating the Past and Preparing for the Future.” The event was attended by about 650 current and retired NASA and contractor workers, dignitaries, and several former Kennedy Space Center directors. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – PBS NewsHour Science Correspondent Miles O’Brien, speaks to attendees during Kennedy Space Center’s 50th Anniversary Gala event at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Apollo/Saturn V Center in Florida. The gala was coordinated by Kennedy and the National Space Club Florida Committee with the theme, “Celebrating the Past and Preparing for the Future.” The event was attended by about 650 current and retired NASA and contractor workers, dignitaries, and several former Kennedy Space Center directors. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Winners of the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award attending the 2003 awards dinner are (from left) Lee Solid, Robert B. Sieck, Adrian Laffitte, Roy D. Bridges, and Dr. Maxwell King. Laffitte, director of Atlas Programs for Lockheed Martin Astronautics at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, was honored as the winner of the 2003 Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award from the National Space Club Florida Committee. The Debus Award was created by the committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts.

Bob Cabana, center, director of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, in discussion with Col. Shawn Fairhurst, vice commander of the 45th Space Wing during the National Space Club Florida Committee's luncheon in Cape Canaveral. Cabana, a former astronaut, was the keynote speaker for the luncheon and delivered an update on Kennedy's future as the premier launch center for NASA and other users.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Hundreds of guests filled the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, during the center’s 50th Anniversary Gala event. The gala was coordinated by Kennedy and the National Space Club Florida Committee with the theme, “Celebrating the Past and Preparing for the Future.” The event was attended by about 650 current and retired NASA and contractor workers, dignitaries, and several former Kennedy Space Center directors. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- National Space Club Florida Committee Chair Steve Griffin presents NASA Commercial Crew Program Manager Ed Mango with an eagle statue during the club's August luncheon at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Mango was the event's guest speaker, discussing the innovative steps the agency is taking with industry partners to develop the next U.S. space transportation capability to and from low Earth orbit, which will eventually be available for use by the U.S. government and other commercial customers. To learn more about the Commercial Crew Program, visit www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- National Space Club Florida Committee Chair Steve Griffin welcomes attendees of the club's August luncheon at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral, Fla. NASA Commercial Crew Program Manager Ed Mango was the event's guest speaker, discussing the innovative steps the agency is taking with industry partners to develop the next U.S. space transportation capability to and from low Earth orbit, which will eventually be available for use by the U.S. government and other commercial customers. To learn more about the Commercial Crew Program, visit www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- John J. “Tip” Talone (right) poses with Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach and his wife during the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet. Talone received the award that was created to recognize significant achievements made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The event was held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the Visitor Complex. Talone is director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate at KSC that is responsible for prelaunch and launch preparations for all Shuttle payloads. He was honored for his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The award was created by the National Space Club Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- John J. “Tip” Talone (left) talks to George English, former director of KSC’s Executive Management Office, during the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet. Talone received the award that was created to recognize significant achievements made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The event was held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the Visitor Complex. Talone is director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate at KSC that is responsible for prelaunch and launch preparations for all Shuttle payloads. He was honored for his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The award was created by the National Space Club Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- John J. “Tip” Talone (center) poses with his son and daughter during the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet. Talone received the award that was created to recognize significant achievements made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The event was held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the Visitor Complex. Talone is director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate at KSC that is responsible for prelaunch and launch preparations for all Shuttle payloads. He was honored for his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The award was created by the National Space Club Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- John J. “Tip” Talone (right) poses with Lisa Malone, director of KSC External Affairs, and Kevin Hoshstrasser, her fiancé, during the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet. Talone received the award that was created to recognize significant achievements made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The event was held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the Visitor Complex. Talone is director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate at KSC that is responsible for prelaunch and launch preparations for all Shuttle payloads. He was honored for his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The award was created by the National Space Club Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Christopher Scolese speaks to the guests at the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet, held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the KSC Visitor Complex. He is the deputy associate administrator in the Office of Space Science at NASA Headquarters. Receiving the Debus Award was KSC’s Director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate John J. “Tip” Talone. He was honored for his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The award was created by the National Space Club Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet, held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the KSC Visitor Complex, Master of Ceremonies Dick Beagley (left) presents a memento to guest speaker Christopher Scolese, who is the deputy associate administrator in the Office of Space Science at NASA Headquarters. KSC’s Director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate John J. “Tip” Talone received the Debus award. He was honored for his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. Beagley is chairman of the National Space Club Florida Committee, which created the award to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Jim Chilton, CAPPS program manager, speaks to guests at the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet, held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the KSC Visitor Complex. Receiving the Debus Award was KSC’s Director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate John J. “Tip” Talone. He was honored for his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The award was created by the National Space Club Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Center Director Jim Kennedy and his wife pose during a break in the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet. The event was held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the Visitor Complex. Receiving the Debus Award was KSC’s Director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate John J. “Tip” Talone. He was honored for his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The award was created by the National Space Club Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the Visitor Complex, David E. Bartine, chief technologist and associate director for the Spaceport Technology Development Office, reads a proclamation honoring John J. “Tip” Talone . The proclamation named April 3, 2004, in Knox County, Tenn., as John J. “Tip” Talone Jr. Day, in recognition of his being given the 2004 Debus Award. KSC’s Director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate, Talone was presented the award for his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The award was created by the National Space Club Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Past recipients of the Debus Award join the 2004 awardee John J. “Tip” Talone (center) at the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet, held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the KSC Visitor Complex. From left are Forrest McCartney, Lee Solid, Maxwell King, Talone, Bob Sieck, Ernie Briel and Adrian Laffitte. Director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate, Talone received the award in recognition of his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The award was created by the National Space Club Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.

COCOA BEACH, Fla.. -- Todd May, program manager of the Space Launch System, addresses the National Space Club's Florida Committee during the organization's monthly luncheon in Cocoa Beach, Fla. May, who works at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., discussed the status of the SLS program. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

COCOA BEACH, Fla.. -- Todd May, program manager of the Space Launch System, addresses the National Space Club's Florida Committee during the organization's monthly luncheon in Cocoa Beach, Fla. May, who works at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., discussed the status of the SLS program. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

COCOA BEACH, Fla.. --Todd May, program manager of the Space Launch System, addresses the National Space Club's Florida Committee during the organization's monthly luncheon in Cocoa Beach, Fla. May, who works at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., discussed the status of the SLS program. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the National Space Club Florida Committee's August luncheon at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral, Fla., NASA Commercial Crew Program Manager Ed Mango discusses the innovative steps the agency is taking with industry partners to develop the next U.S. space transportation capability to and from low Earth orbit, which will eventually be available for use by the U.S. government and other commercial customers. To learn more about the Commercial Crew Program, visit www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the National Space Club Florida Committee's August luncheon at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral, Fla., NASA Commercial Crew Program Manager Ed Mango discusses the innovative steps the agency is taking with industry partners to develop the next U.S. space transportation capability to and from low Earth orbit, which will eventually be available for use by the U.S. government and other commercial customers. To learn more about the Commercial Crew Program, visit www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the National Space Club Florida Committee's August luncheon at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral, Fla., NASA Commercial Crew Program Manager Ed Mango discusses the innovative steps the agency is taking with industry partners to develop the next U.S. space transportation capability to and from low Earth orbit, which will eventually be available for use by the U.S. government and other commercial customers. To learn more about the Commercial Crew Program, visit www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the National Space Club Florida Committee's August luncheon at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral, Fla., NASA Commercial Crew Program Manager Ed Mango discusses the innovative steps the agency is taking with industry partners to develop the next U.S. space transportation capability to and from low Earth orbit, which will eventually be available for use by the U.S. government and other commercial customers. To learn more about the Commercial Crew Program, visit www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the National Space Club Florida Committee's August luncheon at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral, Fla., NASA Commercial Crew Program Manager Ed Mango discusses the innovative steps the agency is taking with industry partners to develop the next U.S. space transportation capability to and from low Earth orbit, which will eventually be available for use by the U.S. government and other commercial customers. To learn more about the Commercial Crew Program, visit www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the National Space Club Florida Committee's August luncheon at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral, Fla., NASA Commercial Crew Program Manager Ed Mango discusses the innovative steps the agency is taking with industry partners to develop the next U.S. space transportation capability to and from low Earth orbit, which will eventually be available for use by the U.S. government and other commercial customers. To learn more about the Commercial Crew Program, visit www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the National Space Club Florida Committee's August luncheon at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral, Fla., NASA Commercial Crew Program Manager Ed Mango discusses the innovative steps the agency is taking with industry partners to develop the next U.S. space transportation capability to and from low Earth orbit, which will eventually be available for use by the U.S. government and other commercial customers. To learn more about the Commercial Crew Program, visit www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Florida's Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll talks about the positive impact the aerospace industry has on the state of Florida during the National Space Club Florida Committee's August luncheon at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral, Fla. NASA Commercial Crew Program Manager Ed Mango also discussed the innovative steps the agency is taking with industry partners to develop the next U.S. space transportation capability to and from low Earth orbit, which will eventually be available for use by the U.S. government and other commercial customers. To learn more about the Commercial Crew Program, visit www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Florida's Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll talks about the positive impact the aerospace industry has on the state of Florida during the National Space Club Florida Committee's August luncheon at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral, Fla. NASA Commercial Crew Program Manager Ed Mango also discussed the innovative steps the agency is taking with industry partners to develop the next U.S. space transportation capability to and from low Earth orbit, which will eventually be available for use by the U.S. government and other commercial customers. To learn more about the Commercial Crew Program, visit www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Florida's Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll talks about the positive impact the aerospace industry has on the state of Florida during the National Space Club Florida Committee's August luncheon at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral, Fla. NASA Commercial Crew Program Manager Ed Mango also discussed the innovative steps the agency is taking with industry partners to develop the next U.S. space transportation capability to and from low Earth orbit, which will eventually be available for use by the U.S. government and other commercial customers. To learn more about the Commercial Crew Program, visit www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Robert Cabana speaks to attendees during Kennedy Space Center’s 50th Anniversary Gala event at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Apollo/Saturn V Center in Florida. The gala was coordinated by Kennedy Space Center and the National Space Club Florida Committee with the theme, “Celebrating the Past and Preparing for the Future.” The event was attended by about 650 current and retired NASA and contractor workers, dignitaries, and several former Kennedy Space Center directors. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Robert Cabana speaks to attendees during Kennedy Space Center’s 50th Anniversary Gala event at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Apollo/Saturn V Center in Florida. The gala was coordinated by Kennedy Space Center and the National Space Club Florida Committee with the theme, “Celebrating the Past and Preparing for the Future.” The event was attended by about 650 current and retired NASA and contractor workers, dignitaries, and several former Kennedy Space Center directors. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Master of Ceremony Jim Banke, pauses during his opening remarks to attendees during NASA Kennedy Space Center’s 50th Anniversary Gala event at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Apollo/Saturn V Center in Florida. The gala was coordinated by Kennedy and the National Space Club Florida Committee with the theme, “Celebrating the Past and Preparing for the Future.” The event was attended by about 650 current and retired NASA and contractor workers, dignitaries, and several former Kennedy Space Center directors. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden speaks to attendees during Kennedy Space Center’s 50th Anniversary Gala event at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Apollo/Saturn V Center in Florida. At left, on stage, is Master of Ceremony Jim Banke. The gala was coordinated by Kennedy and the National Space Club Florida Committee with the theme, “Celebrating the Past and Preparing for the Future.” The event was attended by about 650 current and retired NASA and contractor workers, dignitaries, and several former Kennedy Space Center directors. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Adam Harris, vice president of government sales for Space Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX, speaks to a crowd of spaceflight enthusiasts at the National Space Club Florida Committee's June meeting near the Kennedy Space Center. Harris was joined at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral, Fla., by Ed Mango, manager of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, or CCP, left, and representatives from The Boeing Company and Sierra Nevada Corporation, or SNC. All three CCP partner are planning to increase their commercial activities on Florida’s space coast to send astronauts to low-Earth orbit. To learn more about the Commercial Crew Program, visit www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett

The 12th annual Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award Dinner included as speakers the first Shuttle crew from STS-1, John Young (left) and Robert Crippen (right). At the dinner, Center Director Roy Bridges received the 2001 Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award honoring his progressive, visionary leadership and contributions to space technology and exploration. The Florida Committee of the National Space Club presented the award. The Debus Award was first given in 1980. Created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to the American aerospace effort, the award is named for the KSC’s first Director, Dr. Kurt H. Debus

The 12th annual Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award Dinner included as speakers the first Shuttle crew from STS-1, John Young (left) and Robert Crippen (right). At the dinner, Center Director Roy Bridges received the 2001 Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award honoring his progressive, visionary leadership and contributions to space technology and exploration. The Florida Committee of the National Space Club presented the award. The Debus Award was first given in 1980. Created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to the American aerospace effort, the award is named for the KSC’s first Director, Dr. Kurt H. Debus

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA Commercial Crew Program Manager Ed Mango, right, shows Florida's Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll the program's "Same Crew, New Ride" poster at the National Space Club Florida Committee's August luncheon at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Mango was the event's guest speaker, discussing the innovative steps the agency is taking with industry partners to develop the next U.S. space transportation capability to and from low Earth orbit, which will eventually be available for use by the U.S. government and other commercial customers. To learn more about the Commercial Crew Program, visit www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett

Center Director Roy Bridges speaks to guests at the 12th annual Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award Dinner held at the KSC Visitor Complex’s Debus Conference Facility. Presented with the 2001 Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award, Bridges was honored for his progressive, visionary leadership and contributions to space technology and exploration. The Florida Committee of the National Space Club presented the award. The Debus Award was first given in 1980. Created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to the American aerospace effort, the award is named for the KSC’s first Director, Dr. Kurt H. Debus

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Florida's Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll, left, and NASA Commercial Crew Program Manager Ed Mango pose for a photo at the National Space Club Florida Committee's August luncheon at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Mango was the event's guest speaker, discussing the innovative steps the agency is taking with industry partners to develop the next U.S. space transportation capability to and from low Earth orbit, which will eventually be available for use by the U.S. government and other commercial customers. To learn more about the Commercial Crew Program, visit www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett

Center Director Roy Bridges speaks to guests at the 12th annual Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award Dinner held at the KSC Visitor Complex’s Debus Conference Facility. Presented with the 2001 Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award, Bridges was honored for his progressive, visionary leadership and contributions to space technology and exploration. The Florida Committee of the National Space Club presented the award. The Debus Award was first given in 1980. Created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to the American aerospace effort, the award is named for the KSC’s first Director, Dr. Kurt H. Debus

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Florida's Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll, left, and NASA Commercial Crew Program Manager Ed Mango discuss the future of human spaceflight at the National Space Club Florida Committee's August luncheon at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Mango was the event's guest speaker, discussing the innovative steps the agency is taking with industry partners to develop the next U.S. space transportation capability to and from low Earth orbit, which will eventually be available for use by the U.S. government and other commercial customers. To learn more about the Commercial Crew Program, visit www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Florida's Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll, left, and NASA Commercial Crew Program Manager Ed Mango pose for a photo at the National Space Club Florida Committee's August luncheon at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Mango was the event's guest speaker, discussing the innovative steps the agency is taking with industry partners to develop the next U.S. space transportation capability to and from low Earth orbit, which will eventually be available for use by the U.S. government and other commercial customers. To learn more about the Commercial Crew Program, visit www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Attendees of the National Space Club Florida Committee's August luncheon gather at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral, Fla. NASA Commercial Crew Program Manager Ed Mango was the guest speaker, discussing the innovative steps the agency is taking with industry partners to develop the next U.S. space transportation capability to and from low Earth orbit, which will eventually be available for use by the U.S. government and other commercial customers. To learn more about the Commercial Crew Program, visit www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett

Center Director Roy Bridges (center) is congratulated by Spaceport Florida Authority Executive Director Ed Gormel (left) at the 12th annual Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award Dinner held at the KSC Visitor Complex’s Debus Conference Facility. At right is Rick Abramson, president of Delaware North Parks Services of Spaceport, Inc. Bridges was presented with the 2001 Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award honoring his progressive, visionary leadership and contributions to space technology and exploration. The Florida Committee of the National Space Club presented the award. The Debus Award was first given in 1980. Created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to the American aerospace effort, the award is named for the KSC’s first Director, Dr. Kurt H. Debus

Center Director Roy Bridges (center) is congratulated by Spaceport Florida Authority Executive Director Ed Gormel (left) at the 12th annual Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award Dinner held at the KSC Visitor Complex’s Debus Conference Facility. At right is Rick Abramson, president of Delaware North Parks Services of Spaceport, Inc. Bridges was presented with the 2001 Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award honoring his progressive, visionary leadership and contributions to space technology and exploration. The Florida Committee of the National Space Club presented the award. The Debus Award was first given in 1980. Created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to the American aerospace effort, the award is named for the KSC’s first Director, Dr. Kurt H. Debus

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA Commercial Crew Program, or CCP, partner representatives participate in the National Space Club Florida Committee's June meeting near the Kennedy Space Center. From left are The Boeing Company's vice president and program manager of Commercial Programs John Mulholland, Sierra Nevada Corporation, or SNC, Space Systems chief systems engineer Dan Ciccateri, and Space Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX, vice president of government sales Adam Harris. CCP Program Manager Ed Mango and the partners talked about plans to increase commercial activities on Florida’s space coast to send astronauts to low-Earth orbit. To learn more about the Commercial Crew Program, visit www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Ed Mango, manager of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, or CCP, speaks to a crowd of spaceflight enthusiasts at the National Space Club Florida Committee's June meeting near the Kennedy Space Center. Mango was joined at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral, Fla., by partner representatives from The Boeing Company, Sierra Nevada Corporation, or SNC, and Space Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX, all of whom plan to increase their commercial activities on Florida’s space coast to send astronauts to low-Earth orbit. Seated from left are vice president and program manager of Boeing's Commercial Programs John Mulholland, SNC's chief systems engineer Dan Ciccateri, and SpaceX's vice president of government sales Adam Harris. To learn more about the Commercial Crew Program, visit www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, right, and Kennedy Deputy Director Janet Petro, left, talk with aerospace industry representatives during the National Space Club Florida Committee's August luncheon at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral, Fla. NASA Commercial Crew Program Manager Ed Mango was the event's guest speaker, discussing the innovative steps the agency is taking with industry partners to develop the next U.S. space transportation capability to and from low Earth orbit, which will eventually be available for use by the U.S. government and other commercial customers. To learn more about the Commercial Crew Program, visit www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Florida's Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll, left, and NASA Commercial Crew Program Manager Ed Mango shake hands at the National Space Club Florida Committee's August luncheon at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Mango was the event's guest speaker, discussing the innovative steps the agency is taking with industry partners to develop the next U.S. space transportation capability to and from low Earth orbit, which will eventually be available for use by the U.S. government and other commercial customers. To learn more about the Commercial Crew Program, visit www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett NASA's Ground Systems Development and Operations Program is leading the 20-year life-extension project for the crawler. A pair of behemoth machines called crawler-transporters has carried the load of taking rockets and spacecraft to the launch pad for more than 40 years at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Each weighing six and a half million pounds and larger in size than a professional baseball infield, the crawler-transporters are powered by locomotive and large electrical power generator engines. The crawler-transporters will stand ready to keep up the work for the next generation of launch vehicles to lift astronauts into space. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/ground/index.html Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

The 12th annual Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award Dinner gathered these distinguished guests: (from left), Center Director Roy Bridges, who received the 2001 Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award, Maxwell King, Lee Solid, JoAnn Morgan, Bob Sieck, Forrest McCartney and Ernie Briel. Solid is the former vice president and general manager of Space Systems Division, Florida Operations, Rockwell International. Morgan is the director of KSC’s External Relations & Business Development Directorate; Bob Sieck is the former director of Shuttle Processing at KSC. McCartney, center director of KSC from 1986-1991, received the first Debus award ever given to a KSC director. Bridges was given the honor for his progressive, visionary leadership and contributions to space technology and exploration. The Florida Committee of the National Space Club presented the award. The Debus Award was first given in 1980. Created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to the American aerospace effort, the award is named for the KSC’s first Director, Dr. Kurt H. Debus

The 12th annual Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award Dinner gathered these distinguished guests: (from left), Center Director Roy Bridges, who received the 2001 Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award, Maxwell King, Lee Solid, JoAnn Morgan, Bob Sieck, Forrest McCartney and Ernie Briel. Solid is the former vice president and general manager of Space Systems Division, Florida Operations, Rockwell International. Morgan is the director of KSC’s External Relations and Business Development Directorate; Bob Sieck is the former director of Shuttle Processing at KSC. McCartney, center director of KSC from 1986-1991, received the first Debus award ever given to a KSC director. Bridges was given the honor for his progressive, visionary leadership and contributions to space technology and exploration. The Florida Committee of the National Space Club presented the award. The Debus Award was first given in 1980. Created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to the American aerospace effort, the award is named for the KSC’s first Director, Dr. Kurt H. Debus