NASA Kennedy Space Center employees attend a presentation on June 11, 2019, on Native American presence in Florida in Kennedy’s Training Auditorium. Daniel Murphree, Ph.d., associate professor of history at the University of Central Florida, spoke on the impact Florida natives have had on, and how they were affected by, Atlantic World events from 1492 to the present. The presentation was brought to Kennedy by the Native American Heritage Initiative (NAHI) Employee Resource Group. One of eight resource groups at Kennedy, NAHI aims to bring employees together, provide networking opportunities and inform the Kennedy workforce about Native American heritage.

Daniel Murphree, Ph.D., associate professor of history at the University of Central Florida, presents information to NASA Kennedy Space Center employees on the impact Florida natives have had on, and how they were affected by, Atlantic World events from 1492 to the present. The presentation took place June 11, 2019, in Kennedy’s Training Auditorium and was brought to Kennedy by the Native American Heritage Initiative (NAHI) Employee Resource Group. One of eight resource groups at the Florida spaceport, NAHI aims to bring employees together, provide networking opportunities and inform the Kennedy workforce about Native American heritage.

Dan Shaver, chief counsel of Kennedy Space Center in Florida, introduces Daniel Murphree, Ph.d., associate professor of history at the University of Central Florida, to NASA Kennedy Space Center employees in Kennedy’s Training Auditorium on June 11, 2019. Murphree presented information on the impact Florida natives have had on, and how they were affected by, Atlantic World events from 1492 to the present. The presentation, open for all employees to attend, was brought to Kennedy by the Native American Heritage Initiative (NAHI) Employee Resource Group. One of eight resource groups at Kennedy, NAHI aims to bring employees together, provide networking opportunities and inform the Kennedy workforce about Native American heritage.

Daniel Murphree, Ph.D., associate professor of history at the University of Central Florida, presents information to NASA Kennedy Space Center employees on the impact Florida natives have had on, and how they were affected by, Atlantic World events from 1492 to the present. The presentation took place June 11, 2019, in Kennedy’s Training Auditorium and was brought to Kennedy by the Native American Heritage Initiative (NAHI) Employee Resource Group. One of eight resource groups at the Florida spaceport, NAHI aims to bring employees together, provide networking opportunities and inform the Kennedy workforce about Native American heritage.

Daniel Murphree, Ph.D., associate professor of history at the University of Central Florida, presents information to NASA Kennedy Space Center employees on the impact Florida natives have had on, and how they were affected by, Atlantic World events from 1492 to the present. The presentation took place June 11, 2019, in Kennedy’s Training Auditorium and was brought to Kennedy by the Native American Heritage Initiative (NAHI) Employee Resource Group. One of eight resource groups at the Florida spaceport, NAHI aims to bring employees together, provide networking opportunities and inform the Kennedy workforce about Native American heritage.

Jerry Elliott, a former NASA physicist and one of the first native americans hired at NASA's Johnson Space Center, speaks during Native American Heritage Month event at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center.

Famie Willis (left), 2009-2010 Choctaw Indian Princess, displays artifacts during Native American Heritage Month activities at Stennis Space Center on Nov. 24. The celebration featured various Native American cultural displays for Stennis employees to view. Shown above are (l to r): Willis, Elaine Couchman of NASA Shared Services Center, John Cecconi of NSSC and Lakeisha Robertson of the Environmental Protection Agency.

JIMMY YELLOWHORSE, A MEMBER OF THE CHEROKEE TRIBE, PERFORMS A TRADITIONAL SONG DURING THE NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH EVENT AT NASA’S MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER NOV. 29.

JIMMY YELLOWHORSE, FROM DECATUR, ALABAMA, PLAYS A HAND-CARVED FLUTE DURING THE NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH PROGRAM NOV. 13 AT NASA’S MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER. YELLOWHORSE CRAFTED THE FLUTE HIMSELF FROM CEDAR, WALNUT AND MAHOGANY, USING TRADITIONAL CHEROKEE TECHNIQUES. THE ANNUAL OBSERVANCE, COORDINATED BY MARSHALL'S OFFICE OF DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, HONORS THE CULTURE AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF NATIVE AMERICANS THROUGH STORYTELLING AND ETHNIC FOOD SAMPLINGS.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During a pre-launch Native American ceremony, Radmilla Cody, the 2001 Miss Navaho Nation, sings the "Star Spangled Banner" in her native language. The ceremony was part of several days' activities commemorating John B. Herrington as the first tribally enrolled Native American astronaut to fly on a Shuttle mission. Herrington is a Mission Specialist on STS-113.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - An elder of her Navaho tribe, Dorothy Cody shares the stage with her granddaughter Radmilla Cody (not shown), the 2001 Miss Navaho Nation, who is singing the "Star Spangled Banner" in her native language during a pre-launch Native American ceremony. The ceremony was part of several days' activities commemorating John B. Herrington as the first tribally enrolled Native American astronaut to fly on a Shuttle mission. Herrington is a Mission Specialist on STS-113.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During a pre-launch Native American ceremony, Radmilla Cody (right) , the 2001 Miss Navaho Nation, sings the "Star Spangled Banner" in her native language. With her is her grandmother. The ceremony was part of several days' activities commemorating John B. Herrington as the first tribally enrolled Native American astronaut to fly on a Shuttle mission. Herrington is a Mission Specialist on STS-113.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- -- The Seminole Native American Veterans Color Guard (Seminole Flag, U.S. Flag, and State of Florida Flag) present colors during a dinner at the Debus Conference Center in the KSC Visitor Complex. The dinner honored John B. Herrington, the first tribally enrolled Native American astronaut to fly on a Shuttle mission. Herrington is a Mission Specialist on STS-113. In addition to the dinner at KSC, several hundred Native Americans from around the country attended a symposium in Orlando commemorating the launch event. The Native Americans, many of them Chickasaw, were here to honor John, who is a Chickasaw from Oklahoma.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Seminole Native American Veterans Color Guard (Seminole Flag, U.S. Flag, and State of Florida Flag) enter the Debus Conference Center in the KSC Visitor Complex during a dinner honoring astronaut John B. Herrington, the first tribally enrolled Native American astronaut to fly on a Shuttle mission. Herrington is a Mission Specialist on STS-113. In addition to the dinner at KSC, several hundred Native Americans from around the country attended a symposium in Orlando commemorating the launch event. The Native Americans, many of them Chickasaw, were here to honor John, who is a Chickasaw from Oklahoma.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Seminole Native American Veterans serve as color guard during a pre-launch Native American ceremony at the Rocket Garden in the KSC Visitor Complex. David Nunez, U.S. Navy, carries the State of Florida Flag; David Stephen Bowers, U.S. Army, carries the Flag of the United States of America; Charles Billie Hiers, U.S. Marine Corps., carries the Seminole Tribe of Florida Flag. The ceremony was part of several days' activities commemorating John B. Herrington as the first tribally enrolled Native American astronaut to fly on a Shuttle mission. Herrington is a Mission Specialist on STS-113.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Joyce and James Herrington, parents of John Herrington, accept a gift during a pre-launch Native American ceremony. They are the parents of John Herrington, mission specialist on mission STS-113. Herrington is the first Native American to be going into space.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Chickasaw Indian princesses "sign" the Lord's Prayer during a Native American Ceremony at the Rocket Garden in the KSC Visitor Complex. The princesses are Crystal Underwood, Julie Underwood and Tamela Alexander. The ceremony was part of several days' activities commemorating John B. Herrington as the first tribally enrolled Native American astronaut to fly on a Shuttle mission. Herrington is a Mission Specialist on STS-113.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Chickasaw Indian princesses "sign" the Lord's Prayer during a Native American Ceremony at the Rocket Garden in the KSC Visitor Complex. The princesses are Crystal Underwood, Julie Underwood and Tamela Alexander. The ceremony was part of several days' activities commemorating John B. Herrington as the first tribally enrolled Native American astronaut to fly on a Shuttle mission. Herrington is a Mission Specialist on STS-113.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Chickasaw Dance Troupe performs an Honor Dance for John Herrington's parents during the Native American Ceremony at the Rocket Garden in the KSC Visitor Complex. The ceremony was part of several days' activities commemorating John B. Herrington as the first tribally enrolled Native American astronaut to fly on a Shuttle mission. Herrington is a Mission Specialist on STS-113.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Singer Buffy Sainte-Marie sings during a pre-launch Native American ceremony in the Rocket Garden of the KSC Visitor Complex. She herself is a Cree. The ceremony was part of several days' activities commemorating John B. Herrington as the first tribally enrolled Native American astronaut to fly on a Shuttle mission. Herrington is a Mission Specialist on STS-113.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Chickasaw Tribal Elder Lee Frazier leads the dedication to the astronauts of STS-113 during the Native American Ceremony at the Rocket Garden in the KSC Visitor Complex. The ceremony was part of several days' activities commemorating John B. Herrington as the first tribally enrolled Native American astronaut to fly on a Shuttle mission. Herrington is a Mission Specialist on STS-113.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Chickasaw Dance Troupe performs an Honor Dance during the Native American Ceremony at the Rocket Garden in the KSC Visitor Complex. The ceremony was part of several days' activities commemorating John B. Herrington as the first tribally enrolled Native American astronaut to fly on a Shuttle mission. Herrington is a Mission Specialist on STS-113.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Chickasaw Indian princesses seen here contributed to a pre-launch Native American ceremony at the Rocket Garden in the KSC Visitor Complex by leading a prayer. The ceremony was part of several days' activities commemorating John B. Herrington as the first tribally enrolled Native American astronaut to fly on a Shuttle mission. Herrington is a Mission Specialist on STS-113.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Singer Buffy Sainte-Marie sings during a pre-launch Native American ceremony in the Rocket Garden of the KSC Visitor Complex. She herself is a Cree. The ceremony was part of several days' activities commemorating John B. Herrington as the first tribally enrolled Native American astronaut to fly on a Shuttle mission. Herrington is a Mission Specialist on STS-113.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Chickasaw Dance Troupe performs an Honor Dance during the Native American Ceremony at the Rocket Garden in the KSC Visitor Complex. The ceremony was part of several days' activities commemorating John B. Herrington as the first tribally enrolled Native American astronaut to fly on a Shuttle mission. Herrington is a Mission Specialist on STS-113.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Chickasaw Indian princesses pose with folk singer Buffy Saint- Marie (center) during a Native American ceremony held in the Rocket Garden in the KSC Visitor Complex. Several days of activities were held at KSC and in Orlando commemorating John B. Herrington as the first tribally enrolled Native American astronaut to fly on a Shuttle mission. Herrington is a Mission Specialist on STS-113.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Buffy Sainte-Marie sings during a dinner at the Debus Conference Center in the KSC Visitor Complex. The dinner honored John B. Herrington, the first tribally enrolled Native American astronaut to fly on a Shuttle mission. Herrington is a Mission Specialist on STS-113. In addition to the dinner at KSC, several hundred Native Americans from around the country attended a symposium in Orlando commemorating the launch event. Buffy Sainte-Marie is Cree.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Buffy Sainte-Marie sings during a dinner at the Debus Conference Center in the KSC Visitor Complex. The dinner honored John B. Herrington, the first tribally enrolled Native American astronaut to fly on a Shuttle mission. Herrington is a Mission Specialist on STS-113. In addition to the dinner at KSC, several hundred Native Americans from around the country attended a symposium in Orlando commemorating the launch event. Buffy Sainte-Marie is Cree.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Chickasaw Dance troupe member Tim Harjo (second from left) leads Joyce and James Herrington in a dance honoring their son, STS-113 Mission Specialist John Herrington. The dance was part of a Native American ceremony at the Rocket Garden in the KSC Visitor Complex commemorating Herrington as the first tribally enrolled Native American astronaut to fly on a Shuttle mission.

LITTLE BIG MOUNTAIN PERFORMS A TRADITIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN HOOP DANCE AT NASA MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER’S 2015 NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE EVENT. THE EVENT, HELD NOV. 3 ON THE LAWN OF THE ACTIVITIES BUILDING, BUILDING 4316, HONORED THE CONTRIBUTIONS, ACHIEVEMENTS, SACRIFICES AND CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL LEGACY OF AMERICAN INDIANS. IN ITS EARLIEST FORM, THE STORYTELLING HOOP DANCE IS BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN PART OF A HEALING CEREMONY DESIGNED TO RESTORE BALANCE AND HARMONY IN THE WORLD. WITH NO BEGINNING OR END, THE HOOP REPRESENTS THE NEVER-ENDING CIRCLE OF LIFE. THE SPECIAL EMPHASIS PROGRAM -- SPONSORED BY THE OFFICE OF DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY -- WAS PART OF MARSHALL’S OBSERVANCE OF NATIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Mr. and Mrs. Sean O'Keefe (center) pose with officials of the Chickasaw Nation. Second from left is Lt. Gov. Jefferson Keel with his wife, Carol (far left). Second from right is Gov. Bill Anoatubby with his wife, Janice (far right). STS-113 Mission Specialist John Herrington is a tribally enrolled Chickasaw and the world's first Native American astronaut. Kennedy Space Center hosted more than 350 Native Americans in STS-113 prelaunch events surrounding the historic mission assignment of Herrington.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During an administrator's briefing at the IMAX 2 theatre, Lt. Gov. Jefferson Keel of the Chickasaw Nation (far left) presents a blanket with the seal of the Chickasaw Nation to NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe (second from right). Next to O'Keefe is Chickasaw Gov. Bill Anoatubby. Next to Gov. Keel is Mrs. Laura O'Keefe. STS-113 Mission Specialist John Herrington is a tribally enrolled Chickasaw and the world's first Native American astronaut. Kennedy Space Center hosted more than 350 Native Americans in STS-113 prelaunch events surrounding the historic mission assignment of Herrington.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Chickasaw Nation Cultural Resources Director Haskell Alexander (left) presents a gift to Joyce and James Herrington, parents of John Herrington, mission specialist on mission STS-113. Herrington is the first Native American to be going into space.

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At a luncheon celebrating Native American Heritage Month held at the Patrick Air Force Base NCO Club, astronaut John Herrington speaks to invited guests. Herrington is a tribally enrolled Chickasaw and the world’s first Native American astronaut, who last flew on mission STS-113 in 2002.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At a luncheon celebrating Native American Heritage Month held at the Patrick Air Force Base NCO Club, astronaut John Herrington speaks to invited guests. Herrington is a tribally enrolled Chickasaw and the world’s first Native American astronaut, who last flew on mission STS-113 in 2002.

NASA Associate Administrator Bob Cabana delivers remarks during a briefing with members of the House of Representatives, the Indian Affairs Committee, and the Senate Native American Affairs Committee, Feb. 7, 2023, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Members of the House of Representatives, the Indian Affairs Committee, and the Senate Native American Affairs Committee participated in a downlink from the International Space Station (ISS) with NASA astronaut Nicole Mann, Expedition 68 Flight Engineer. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

NASA Associate Administrator Bob Cabana delivers remarks during a briefing with members of the House of Representatives, the Indian Affairs Committee, and the Senate Native American Affairs Committee, Feb. 7, 2023, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Members of the House of Representatives, the Indian Affairs Committee, and the Senate Native American Affairs Committee participated in a downlink from the International Space Station (ISS) with NASA astronaut Nicole Mann, Expedition 68 Flight Engineer. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

NASA Associate Administrator Bob Cabana delivers remarks during a briefing with members of the House of Representatives, the Indian Affairs Committee, and the Senate Native American Affairs Committee, Feb. 7, 2023, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Members of the House of Representatives, the Indian Affairs Committee, and the Senate Native American Affairs Committee participated in a downlink from the International Space Station (ISS) with NASA astronaut Nicole Mann, Expedition 68 Flight Engineer. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After a luncheon celebrating Native American Heritage Month held at the Patrick Air Force Base NCO Club, astronaut John Herrington signs autographs for invited guests. Herrington is a tribally enrolled Chickasaw and the world’s first Native American astronaut, who last flew on mission STS-113 in 2002.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Col. Everett Thomas (left), 45th Space Wing, presents a framed memento to astronaut John Herrington during a luncheon celebrating Native American Heritage Month held at the Patrick Air Force Base NCO Club. Herrington is a tribally enrolled Chickasaw and the world’s first Native American astronaut, who last flew on mission STS-113 in 2002.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Astronaut John Herrington (left) accepts a carved sculpture from 2nd Lt. Bernice Zollner, 45th Space Wing, during a luncheon celebrating Native American Heritage Month held at the Patrick Air Force Base NCO Club. Zollner was emcee of the event. Herrington is a tribally enrolled Chickasaw and the world’s first Native American astronaut, who last flew on mission STS-113 in 2002.

NASA astronaut Nicole Mann, Expedition 68 Flight Engineer, is seen from onboard the International Space Station (ISS) during a briefing with members of the House of Representatives, the Indian Affairs Committee, and the Senate Native American Affairs Committee, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Mann answered questions from members of the committees during a live downlink from the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

NASA astronaut Nicole Mann, Expedition 68 Flight Engineer, is seen from onboard the International Space Station (ISS) during a briefing with members of the House of Representatives, the Indian Affairs Committee, and the Senate Native American Affairs Committee, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Mann answered questions from members of the committees during a live downlink from the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

NASA astronaut Nicole Mann, Expedition 68 Flight Engineer, is seen from onboard the International Space Station (ISS) during a briefing with members of the House of Representatives, the Indian Affairs Committee, and the Senate Native American Affairs Committee, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Mann answered questions from members of the committees during a live downlink from the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

NASA astronaut Nicole Mann, Expedition 68 Flight Engineer, is seen from onboard the International Space Station (ISS) during a briefing with members of the House of Representatives, the Indian Affairs Committee, and the Senate Native American Affairs Committee, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Mann answered questions from members of the committees during a live downlink from the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

NASA astronaut Nicole Mann, Expedition 68 Flight Engineer, is seen from onboard the International Space Station (ISS) during a briefing with members of the House of Representatives, the Indian Affairs Committee, and the Senate Native American Affairs Committee, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Mann answered questions from members of the committees during a live downlink from the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

NASA astronaut Nicole Mann, Expedition 68 Flight Engineer, is seen from onboard the International Space Station (ISS) during a briefing with members of the House of Representatives, the Indian Affairs Committee, and the Senate Native American Affairs Committee, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Mann answered questions from members of the committees during a live downlink from the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

NASA astronaut Nicole Mann, Expedition 68 Flight Engineer, is seen from onboard the International Space Station (ISS) during a briefing with members of the House of Representatives, the Indian Affairs Committee, and the Senate Native American Affairs Committee, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Mann answered questions from members of the committees during a live downlink from the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

NASA astronaut Nicole Mann, Expedition 68 Flight Engineer, is seen from onboard the International Space Station (ISS) during a briefing with members of the House of Representatives, the Indian Affairs Committee, and the Senate Native American Affairs Committee, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Mann answered questions from members of the committees during a live downlink from the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

NASA astronaut Nicole Mann, Expedition 68 Flight Engineer, is seen from onboard the International Space Station (ISS) during a briefing with members of the House of Representatives, the Indian Affairs Committee, and the Senate Native American Affairs Committee, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Mann answered questions from members of the committees during a live downlink from the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- TheTDRS-J satellite (left) and part of the fairing (right) are on display for the media before encapsulation. The satellite is scheduled to be launched aboard a Lockheed Martin Atlas IIA-Centaur rocket from Launch Complex 36-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., on Dec. 4. The third in a series of telemetry satellites, TDRS-J will help replenish the current constellation of geosynchronous TDRS satellites. The TDRS System is the primary source of space-to-ground voice, data and telemetry for the Space Shuttle. It also provides communications with the International Space Station and scientific spacecraft in low-Earth orbit such as the Hubble Space Telescope. This new advanced series of satellites will extend the availability of TDRS communications services until about 2017.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The fairing (left) is moved toward the TDRS-J satellite (right) for encapsulation. The satellite is scheduled to be launched aboard a Lockheed Martin Atlas IIA-Centaur rocket from Launch Complex 36-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., on Dec. 4. The third in a series of telemetry satellites, TDRS-J will help replenish the current constellation of geosynchronous TDRS satellites. The TDRS System is the primary source of space-to-ground voice, data and telemetry for the Space Shuttle. It also provides communications with the International Space Station and scientific spacecraft in low-Earth orbit such as the Hubble Space Telescope. This new advanced series of satellites will extend the availability of TDRS communications services until about 2017.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The TDRS-J satellite rests inside the first half of the fairing during encapsulation. The satellite is scheduled to be launched aboard a Lockheed Martin Atlas IIA-Centaur rocket from Launch Complex 36-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., on Dec. 4. The third in a series of telemetry satellites, TDRS-J will help replenish the current constellation of geosynchronous TDRS satellites. The TDRS System is the primary source of space-to-ground voice, data and telemetry for the Space Shuttle. It also provides communications with the International Space Station and scientific spacecraft in low-Earth orbit such as the Hubble Space Telescope. This new advanced series of satellites will extend the availability of TDRS communications services until about 2017.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers keep check on the TDRS-J satellite (foreground) as the fairing (background) moves toward it for encapsulation. The satellite is scheduled to be launched aboard a Lockheed Martin Atlas IIA-Centaur rocket from Launch Complex 36-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., on Dec. 4. The third in a series of telemetry satellites, TDRS-J will help replenish the current constellation of geosynchronous TDRS satellites. The TDRS System is the primary source of space-to-ground voice, data and telemetry for the Space Shuttle. It also provides communications with the International Space Station and scientific spacecraft in low-Earth orbit such as the Hubble Space Telescope. This new advanced series of satellites will extend the availability of TDRS communications services until about 2017.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The TDRS-J satellite rests inside the first half of the fairing during encapsulation. The satellite is scheduled to be launched aboard a Lockheed Martin Atlas IIA-Centaur rocket from Launch Complex 36-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., on Dec. 4. The third in a series of telemetry satellites, TDRS-J will help replenish the current constellation of geosynchronous TDRS satellites. The TDRS System is the primary source of space-to-ground voice, data and telemetry for the Space Shuttle. It also provides communications with the International Space Station and scientific spacecraft in low-Earth orbit such as the Hubble Space Telescope. This new advanced series of satellites will extend the availability of TDRS communications services until about 2017.

Portrait of Ronnie Adams in front of Kennedy’s Vehicle Assembly Building for Native American History month.

iss069e085276 (Aug. 31, 2023) --- Navajo Nation, a Native American reservation in northeastern Arizona, is pictured from the International Space Station as it orbited 261 miles above the Grand Canyon State.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-113 crew pause after a meal for a group photo. From left are Mission Specialists Michael Lopez-Alegria and John Herrington, Pilot Paul Lockhart and Commander James Wetherbee; plus the Expedition 6 crew, Nikolai Budarin, Commander Ken Bowersox and Donald Pettit. On mission STS-113, the astronauts will deliver the Port 1 (P1) Integrated Truss Structure to the International Space Station. During the seven days Endeavour will be docked to the Station, three spacewalks will be performed dedicated to connecting the P1 truss to the port side of the S0 truss, already in place on the Station. This mission marks the 16th Shuttle flight to the International Space Station and the fifth Shuttle mission this year. Mission STS-113 is the 19th flight of the orbiter Endeavour and the 112th flight overall in NASA's Space Shuttle program.

Michelle Amos, mistress of ceremonies for the kick-off of African-American History Month, works with the audience to assist them in the pronunciation of a few token words in native Swahili. The theme for this year’s observation is "Heritage and Horizons: The African-American Legacy and the Challenges of the 21st Century." February is designated each year as a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of African Americans to Kennedy Space Center, NASA and the nation

Michelle Amos, mistress of ceremonies for the kick-off of African-American History Month, works with the audience to assist them in the pronunciation of a few token words in native Swahili. The theme for this year’s observation is "Heritage and Horizons: The African-American Legacy and the Challenges of the 21st Century." February is designated each year as a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of African Americans to Kennedy Space Center, NASA and the nation

An American bald eagle soars through the air with its prey at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The center shares a border with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. More than 330 native and migratory bird species, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles call Kennedy and the wildlife refuge home.

Two American bald eagles are perched in a nest atop a pole at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The center shares a border with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. More than 330 native and migratory bird species, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles call Kennedy and the wildlife refuge home.

iss073e0886930 (Oct. 1, 2025) --- Arizona's Wupatki National Monument—rich in Native American archaeology, shaped by desert landscapes and ancient volcanic activity—is pictured from the International Space Station as it orbited 262 miles above the southwestern edge of the Colorado Plateau.

An American bald eagle eats its prey on a wooden dock at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The center shares a border with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. More than 330 native and migratory bird species, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles call Kennedy and the wildlife refuge home.

An American Bald Eagle perches majestically in a tree at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Jan. 18, 2022. The center shares a border with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. More than 330 native and migratory bird species call Kennedy and the wildlife refuge home.

An American bald eagle soars through the air above NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The center shares a border with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. More than 330 native and migratory bird species, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles call Kennedy and the wildlife refuge home.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Friends, co-workers and families gather at the Space Memorial Mirror for KSC’s special service remembering and honoring the crew of Columbia. Feb. 1 is the one-year anniversary of the loss of the crew and orbiter Columbia in a tragic accident as the ship returned to Earth following mission STS-107. The public was invited to the memorial service held at the KSC Visitor Complex. Participants included Center Director Jim Kennedy, Deputy Director Woodrow Whitlow Jr., Executive Director of Florida Space Authority Winston Scott, Dr. Stephen Feldman, president of the Astronaut Memorial Foundation, and dancers from the Shoshone-Bannock Native American community in Fort Hall, Idaho.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Friends, co-workers and families gather at the Space Memorial Mirror for KSC’s special service remembering and honoring the crew of Columbia. Feb. 1 is the one-year anniversary of the loss of the crew and orbiter Columbia in a tragic accident as the ship returned to Earth following mission STS-107. The public was invited to the memorial service held at the KSC Visitor Complex. Participants included Center Director Jim Kennedy, Deputy Director Woodrow Whitlow Jr., Executive Director of Florida Space Authority Winston Scott, Dr. Stephen Feldman, president of the Astronaut Memorial Foundation, and dancers from the Shoshone-Bannock Native American community in Fort Hall, Idaho.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Friends, co-workers and families gather at the Space Memorial Mirror for KSC’s special service remembering and honoring the crew of Columbia. Feb. 1 is the one-year anniversary of the loss of the crew and orbiter Columbia in a tragic accident as the ship returned to Earth following mission STS-107. The public was invited to the memorial service held at the KSC Visitor Complex. Participants included Center Director Jim Kennedy, Deputy Director Woodrow Whitlow Jr., Executive Director of Florida Space Authority Winston Scott, Dr. Stephen Feldman, president of the Astronaut Memorial Foundation, and dancers from the Shoshone-Bannock Native American community in Fort Hall, Idaho.

Victoria Webb (center) discusses African-American history during a Black History Month program for John C. Stennis Space Center employees on Feb. 16. Webb, a 103-year-old native of Pass Christian, was guest speaker for the program, sponsored by the Stennis Diversity Council and the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command. She was joined in her presentation by Valli Battle (left), a NAVOCEANO employee at Stennis, and friend Jeanell Barnes. Black History Month was first observed in 1976 and is celebrated each February. The 2011 theme was African-Americans and the Civil War.

An adult American bald eagle perches in a nest in a tree along State Road 3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Eagles have built nests in trees at the center for many years. The center shares a border with the 140,000-acre Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. More than 330 native and migratory bird species, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles call Kennedy and the wildlife refuge home.

The American flag on the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida serves as a backdrop for two osprey perched in their nest atop a marshalling area sign on June 7, 2023. The center shares a border with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. More than 330 native and migratory bird species, along with 65 amphibian and reptile species, call Kennedy and the wildlife refuge home.

One American bald eagle sits in its nest, while another eagle perches on a branch in tree at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The center shares a border with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. More than 330 native and migratory bird species, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles call Kennedy and the wildlife refuge home.

An adult American bald eagle perches on a branch in a tree along State Road 3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Eagles have built nests in trees at the center for many years. The center shares a border with the 140,000-acre Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. More than 330 native and migratory bird species, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles call Kennedy and the wildlife refuge home.

An American bald eagle soars from its perch in a tree at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Several eagles call the center home. The center shares a boundary with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is home to more than 65 amphibian and reptile species, along with 330 native and migratory bird species, 25 mammal and 117 fish species.

An adult American bald eagle perches in a nest in a tree along State Road 3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Eagles have built nests in trees at the center for many years. The center shares a border with the 140,000-acre Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. More than 330 native and migratory bird species, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles call Kennedy and the wildlife refuge home.

An adult American bald eagle perches in a nest in a tree along State Road 3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Eagles have built nests in trees at the center for many years. The center shares a border with the 140,000-acre Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. More than 330 native and migratory bird species, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles call Kennedy and the wildlife refuge home.

An American bald eagle perches in a tree at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Several eagles call the center home. The center shares a boundary with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is home to more than 65 amphibian and reptile species, along with 330 native and migratory bird species, 25 mammal and 117 fish species.

An American bald eagle begins to soar from its perch in a tree at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Several eagles call the center home. The center shares a boundary with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is home to more than 65 amphibian and reptile species, along with 330 native and migratory bird species, 25 mammal and 117 fish species.

With wings outstretched, an American bald eagle soars through the air above NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The center shares a border with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The bird is one of more than 330 native and migratory bird species, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles that call Kennedy and the wildlife refuge home.

An American bald eagle soars from its perch in a tree at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Several eagles call the center home. The center shares a boundary with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is home to more than 65 amphibian and reptile species, along with 330 native and migratory bird species, 25 mammal and 117 fish species.

An American bald eagle soars through the air above NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The center shares a border with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The bird is one of more than 330 native and migratory bird species, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles that call Kennedy and the wildlife refuge home.

iss071e516947 (Aug. 18, 2024) --- Oklahoma City, the capital of Oklahoma with a population of over 680,000, is pictured from the International Space Station as it orbited 259 miles above. At lower right, near Lake Stanley Draper is Tinker Air Force Base named in honor of Major General Clarence L. Tinker, the first Native American major general.

The American flag on the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida serves as a backdrop for an osprey as it flies near a wind direction pole on Jun 7, 2023. The center shares a border with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. More than 330 native and migratory bird species, along with 65 amphibian and reptile species, call Kennedy and the wildlife refuge home.

The American flag is in view on the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 7, 2023. Two osprey are perched in their nest atop a marshalling area sign in front of the VAB. The center shares a border with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. More than 330 native and migratory bird species, along with 65 amphibian and reptile species, call Kennedy and the wildlife refuge home.

An adult American bald eagle perches in a nest in a tree along State Road 3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Eagles have built nests in trees at the center for many years. The center shares a border with the 140,000-acre Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. More than 330 native and migratory bird species, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles call Kennedy and the wildlife refuge home.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - KSC Deputy Director Woodrow Whitlow Jr. closes the memorial service held for the crew of Columbia at the Space Memorial Mirror in the KSC Visitor Complex. He is surrounded by dancers of the Shoshone-Bannock Native American community who performed a healing ceremony during the memorial. Feb. 1 is the one-year anniversary of the loss of the crew and orbiter Columbia in a tragic accident as the ship returned to Earth following mission STS-107. Students and staff of the Shoshone-Bannock Nation had an experiment on board Columbia. The public was invited to the memorial service, held in the KSC Visitor Complex, which included comments by Center Director Jim Kennedy and Executive Director of Florida Space Authority Winston Scott. Scott is a former astronaut who flew on Columbia in 1997.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A member of the Shoshone-Bannock Native American community from Fort Hall, Idaho, reads a tribute to the crew of Columbia while another displays a handmade item with the STS-107 logo. Dancers from Shoshone-Bannock Junior-Senior High School performed a healing ceremony during the memorial held at the Space Memorial Mirror, in the KSC Visitor Complex. Feb. 1 is the one-year anniversary of the loss of the crew and orbiter Columbia in a tragic accident as the ship returned to Earth following mission STS-107. Students and staff of the Shoshone-Bannock Nation had an experiment on board Columbia. The public was invited to the memorial service, held in the KSC Visitor Complex, which included comments by Center Director Jim Kennedy and Executive Director of Florida Space Authority Winston Scott. Scott is a former astronaut who flew on Columbia in 1997.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A student from Shoshone-Bannock Junior-Senior High School, Fort Hall, Idaho, holds part of a flag presented by dancers from the Shoshone-Bannock Native American community, Fort Hall, Idaho, commemorating the orbiter Columbia and her crew. The dancers performed a healing ceremony during the memorial service held at the Space Memorial Mirror for the crew of Columbia. Feb. 1 is the one-year anniversary of the loss of the crew and orbiter Columbia in a tragic accident as the ship returned to Earth following mission STS-107. Students and staff of the Shoshone-Bannock Nation had an experiment on board Columbia. The public was invited to the memorial service, held in the KSC Visitor Complex, which included comments by Center Director Jim Kennedy and Executive Director of Florida Space Authority Winston Scott. Scott is a former astronaut who flew on Columbia in 1997.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A member of the Shoshone-Bannock Native American community from Fort Hall, Idaho, displays a handmade item with the STS-107 logo. Dancers from Shoshone-Bannock Junior-Senior High School performed a healing ceremony during the memorial held at the Space Memorial Mirror, in the KSC Visitor Complex. Feb. 1 is the one-year anniversary of the loss of the crew and orbiter Columbia in a tragic accident as the ship returned to Earth following mission STS-107. Students and staff of the Shoshone-Bannock Nation had an experiment on board Columbia. The public was invited to the memorial service, held in the KSC Visitor Complex, which included comments by Center Director Jim Kennedy and Executive Director of Florida Space Authority Winston Scott. Scott is a former astronaut who flew on Columbia in 1997.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Dr. Ed Galindo speaks to the visitors at the memorial service held at the Space Memorial Mirror for the crew of Columbia. Galindo is science educator of Shoshone-Bannock High School and introduced the dancers from the Shoshone-Bannock Native American community in Fort Hall, Idaho. The dancers performed a healing ceremony during the memorial. Students and staff of the Shoshone-Bannock Nation had an experiment on board Columbia. Feb. 1 is the one-year anniversary of the loss of the crew and orbiter Columbia in a tragic accident as the ship returned to Earth following mission STS-107. The public was invited to the memorial service, held in the KSC Visitor Complex, which included comments by Center Director Jim Kennedy and Executive Director of Florida Space Authority Winston Scott. Scott is a former astronaut who flew on Columbia in 1997.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Space Memorial Mirror in the KSC Visitor Complex, visitors gather around dancers from the Shoshone-Bannock Native American community, Fort Hall, Idaho, who are performing a healing ceremony during the memorial service held for the crew of Columbia. Feb. 1 is the one-year anniversary of the loss of the crew and orbiter Columbia in a tragic accident as the ship returned to Earth following mission STS-107. Students and staff of the Shoshone-Bannock Nation had an experiment on board Columbia. The public was invited to the memorial service, held in the KSC Visitor Complex, which included comments by Center Director Jim Kennedy and Executive Director of Florida Space Authority Winston Scott. Scott is a former astronaut who flew on Columbia in 1997.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Astronaut John Herrington speaks to the visitors at the memorial service held at the Space Memorial Mirror for the crew of Columbia. Herrington, who is a Chickasaw from Oklahoma, introduced the Shoshone-Bannock Junior-Senior High School dancers, from the Native American community at Fort Hall, Idaho, who performed a healing ceremony. Students and staff of the Shoshone-Bannock Nation had an experiment on board Columbia. Feb. 1 is the one-year anniversary of the loss of the crew and orbiter Columbia in a tragic accident as the ship returned to Earth following mission STS-107. The public was invited to the memorial service, held in the KSC Visitor Complex, which included comments by Center Director Jim Kennedy and Executive Director of Florida Space Authority Winston Scott. Scott is a former astronaut who flew on Columbia in 1997.

S75-28504 (17 July 1975) --- The American ASTP crewmen search the skies for the Soviet Soyuz spacecraft in this humorous artwork by cosmonaut Aleksey A. Leonov. Astronauts Vance D. Brand, Donald K. Slayton and Thomas P. Stafford (left to right) sit astride the Apollo spacecraft and Docking Module ready to lasso Soyuz. The cartoon humorously depicts the approaching historic event of an American spacecraft rendezvousing and docking in Earth orbit with a USSR spacecraft, scheduled today (July 17, 1975). Aboard Soyuz are Leonov, crew commander, and his fellow cosmonaut, Valeriy N. Kubasov. Stafford is the Apollo crew commander. The U.S. and USSR crewmen will visit each other's spacecraft while the Apollo and Soyuz are docked in Earth orbit for two days. Leonov, an accomplished artist, specializes in paintings on space subjects. He has a number of paintings on public exhibit in his native land.

A pair of American bald eagles occupy a large nest on Kennedy Space Center property in Florida on Sept. 14, 2020. Eagles reuse the same nests each season for several years; once a nest is unusable, the majestic birds will select another tree. The nest shown has been used for approximately 30 years. Kennedy shares boundaries with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which covers approximately 144,000 acres and is home to more than 315 native and migratory bird species, 25 mammal species, and 65 amphibian and reptile species.

A pair of American bald eagles occupy a large nest on Kennedy Space Center property in Florida on Sept. 14, 2020. Eagles reuse the same nests each season for several years; once a nest is unusable, the majestic birds will select another tree. The nest shown has been used for approximately 30 years. Kennedy shares boundaries with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which covers approximately 144,000 acres and is home to more than 315 native and migratory bird species, 25 mammal species, and 65 amphibian and reptile species.

The International Space Station (ISS) Expedition 6 crew patch depicts the station orbiting the Earth on its mission of international cooperation and scientific research. The Earth is placed in the center of the patch to emphasize that work conducted aboard this orbiting laboratory is intended to improve life on our home planet. The shape of the Space Station’s orbit symbolizes the role that experience gained from ISS will have on future exploration of our solar system and beyond. The American and Russian flags encircling the Earth represent the native countries of the Expedition 6 crew members, which are just two of the many participant countries contributing to the ISS and committed to the peaceful exploration of space.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- David Mclaughlin, Prototype Lab technician at Kennedy Space Center, (center) poses with his Native American search team, the Laguna Firefighters from New Mexico, at the Hemphill site. Kennedy Space Center workers are participating in the Columbia Recovery efforts at the Lufkin (Texas) Command Center, four field sites in East Texas, and the Barksdale, La., hangar site. KSC is working with representatives from other NASA Centers and with those from a number of federal, state and local agencies in the recovery effort. KSC provides vehicle technical expertise in the field to identify, collect and return Shuttle hardware to KSC.

Baltimore is the largest city in Maryland and one of the busiest ports in the United States. Its economy focuses on research and development, especially in the areas of aquaculture, pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies and services. Before European settlement, the site of Baltimore was inhabited by Native Americans of the Susquehannock tribe. The town was founded in 1729 and named for the barons Baltimore, the British founders of the Maryland Colony. This ASTER image of Baltimore was acquired on April 4, 2000, covers an area of 17 by 20 km, and is located at 39.3 degrees north latitude and 76.7 degrees west longitude. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA11089