President John F. Kennedy (left) visits Mercury's Flight Control Area a few days after John Glenn's flight in February 1962. To Kennedy's right are Glenn and astronaut Alan Shepard.
Dr. Robert R. Gilruth (left), director of what is now NASA’s Johnson Space Center, and President John F. Kennedy look at a small model of the Apollo Command Module on September 1, 1962.
S64-14855 (23 Feb. 1962) --- Astronaut John Glenn, Jr. is honored by President John F. Kennedy after his historical first manned orbital flight, Mercury-Atlas 6. The ceremony was held at the NASA facility in Florida. Photo credit: NASA
S62-05217(September 1962) --- The figure of President John F. Kennedy can be easily recognized in this image photographed at the staging area of a 1962 parade featuring the Chief Executive in Houston.
S62-03987 (1962) --- Astronaut John H. Glenn Jr., gives United States President John F. Kennedy a quick run-down on the display of survival gear. The Chief Executive took a quick tour of a dozen NASA displays set up for him after the classified briefing. Photo credit: NASA
S62-03991 (11 September 1962) --- Just before the arrival of President John F. Kennedy at the J. P. Cornelius grade school, on Westover, turned out for a look at the Chief Executive in person. Wearing sun hats they made themselves, 700 children lined the roadway opposite the side entrance to the Rich Building.
John F. Kennedy, parade downtown, tour. B&W
President John F. Kennedy: President John F. Kennedy visited Cape Canaveral on three separate occasions, twice in 1962 and November 16, 1963. He presided over a Project Mercury ceremony to award John Glenn the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, toured the Launch Operations Center complexes and rode in a helicopter over the Merritt Island Launch Area, which was under construction to support the Apollo Program. On November 29, 1963, President Lyndon B. Johnson renamed the Launch Operations Center the John F. Kennedy Space Center. Poster designed by Kennedy Space Center Graphics Department/Greg Lee. Credit: NASA
President John F. Kennedy is photographed with others during a visit to MSFC in Houston.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- President John F. Kennedy tours the Cape Canaveral facilities.
Speech at Rice Stadium, President Kennedy standing at lectern. HOUSTON, TX CN
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Dr. Werner Von Braun explains the Saturn system to President John F. Kennedy at Complex 37 while President Kennedy is on tour at the Cape Canaveral Missile Test Annex.
President John F. Kennedy receives a briefing from Rocco Petrone during a tour of Cape Canaveral facilities.
CAPE CANAVERAL, FLA. -- President John F. Kennedy arrives to tour Complex 37, Cape Canaveral Missile Test Annex.
S70-18218 (25 May 1961) --- View of President John F. Kennedy, with Vice-President Lyndon B. Johnson. and Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn behind him, addressing the Joint House of Congress,
Caroline Kennedy speaks at an event recognizing the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of John F. Kennedy as President of the United States, Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011 in the rotunda at the U.S. Capitol. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Caroline Kennedy speaks at an event recognizing the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of John F. Kennedy as President of the United States, Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011 in the rotunda at the U.S. Capitol. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Dr. Werner Von Braun explains the Saturn system to President John F. Kennedy at Complex 37 who was on tour at the Cape Canaveral Missile Test Annex (CCMTA).
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- President John F. Kennedy, accompanied by NASA Administrator James T. Webb, arrive at the Skid Strip, CCMTA, for a tour of the Launch Operations Center.
Caroline Kennedy is welcomed the podium by U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and other dignitaries before speaking at an event recognizing the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of John F. Kennedy as President of the United States, Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011 in the rotunda at the U.S. Capitol. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
President John F. Kennedy, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson and Marshall Space Flight Center Director Dr. Wernher von Braun at the Redstone Arsenal Airfield, September 11, 1962. Kennedy and Johnson visited the Marshall Center to tour national space facilities.
From left, NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, Rice University Electrical and Engineering Student Max Paul, Former Maryland Lieutenant Governor and niece of President John F. Kennedy, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Apollo 11 Astronauts, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins all pose for a photograph in front of the NASA Ambassador of Exploration Award given posthumously to President John F. Kennedy and accepted on behalf of the Kennedy family by Townsend at the Apollo 40th anniversary celebration held at the National Air and Space Museum, Monday, July 20, 2009 in Washington. The award will be on permanent display at Rice University at the request of the Kennedy family. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
Jean Kennedy Smith, sister of John F. Kennedy, delivers remarks during a program entitled Human Spaceflight: The Kennedy Legacy as Emil de Cou, conductor of the Space Philharmonic, right, looks on, Wednesday, May 25, 2011, in the concert hall at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. The event marked the 50th Anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's Special Message to the Congress on Urgent National Needs in which he stated "landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth". Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Missile Test Annex in Florida, President John F. Kennedy and other officials are briefed on NASA's future plans in the blockhouse of Launch Complex 37. Photo Credit: NASA
Marshall Space Flight Center Director Dr. Wernher von Braun explains a detail from a Saturn IB mockup and engine to President John F. Kennedy, Vice President Lyndon Johnson and other guests, September 11, 1962.
CAPE CANAVERAL, FLA. -- After arrival at Cape Canaveral Missile Test Annex, Skid Strip, President John F. Kennedy left is welcomed by a Color Guard. Dr. Kurt Debus is at right. The President is touring Complex 37, Cape Canaveral Missile Test Annex.
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden speaks during an event recognizing the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of John F. Kennedy as President of the United States, Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011 in the rotunda at the U.S. Capitol. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
S62-05628 (November 1962) --- President John F. Kennedy speaks to a gathering of media and employees at Site 3 during a 1962 visit. Others seen are Vice-President Lyndon B. Johnson; Dr. Robert R. Gilruth; and James E. Webb, NASA Administrator.
Ted Kennedy III guest conducts the Space Philharmonic during a program commemorating Human Spaceflight and the Kennedy Legacy, Wednesday, May 25, 2011, in the concert hall at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. The event marked the 50th Anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's Special Message to the Congress on Urgent National Needs in which he stated "landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth". Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- President John F. Kennedy honors John H. Glenn Jr. at Hangar S, Cape Canaveral, Florida, after his historic three-orbit mission aboard Friendship 7. Photo credit: NASA
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- President John F. Kennedy honors John H. Glenn Jr. at Hangar S, Cape Canaveral, Florida, after his historic three-orbit mission aboard Friendship 7. Photo credit: NASA
Astronaut John Glenn Jr. is honored by President John F. Kennedy after Glenn's historical first manned orbital flight, Mercury-Atlas 6. The ceremony was held in front of Hangar S at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. To Glenn's left are his wife, Annie, daughter, Lyn, and his son, David.
CAPE CANAVERAL Fla. -- Photojournalists crowd in as astronaut John H. Glenn Jr., left, talks to President John F. Kennedy about a console in the Mercury Control Center at the Cape Canaveral Missile Test Annex in Florida. Photo Credit: NASA
S62-00406 (February 1962) --- Following the successful MA-6 mission, astronaut John H. Glenn Jr., seen here with President John F. Kennedy and General Leighton I. Davis, took part in a whirlwind of activities celebrating the event. This appearance was in Cocoa Beach.
Emil de Cou conducts the Space Philharmonic during a program entitled Human Spaceflight: The Kennedy Legacy, Wednesday, May 25, 2011, in the concert hall at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. The event marked the 50th Anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's Special Message to the Congress on Urgent National Needs in which he stated "landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth". Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
Actress June Lockhart livens up the audience after donning a NASA cap during a program entitled Human Spaceflight: The Kennedy Legacy, Wednesday, May 25, 2011, in the concert hall at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. The event marked the 50th Anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's Special Message to the Congress on Urgent National Needs in which he stated "landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth". Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
Musician Herbie Hancock bows to the audience after perfrorming during a program commemorating Human Spaceflight and the Kennedy Legacy, Wednesday, May 25, 2011, in the concert hall at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. The event marked the 50th Anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's Special Message to the Congress on Urgent National Needs in which he stated "landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth". Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
Astronauts Scott Altman, left, and Leland Melvin speak of their fallen comrades during a program commemorating Human Spaceflight and the Kennedy Legacy, Wednesday, May 25, 2011, in the concert hall at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. The event marked the 50th Anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's Special Message to the Congress on Urgent National Needs in which he stated "landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth". Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
Emil de Cou conducts the Space Philharmonic during a program entitled Human Spaceflight: The Kennedy Legacy, Wednesday, May 25, 2011, in the concert hall at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. The event marked the 50th Anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's Special Message to the Congress on Urgent National Needs in which he stated "landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth". Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
Deputy Administrator Lori Garver delivers remarks as Emil de Cou, right, looks on during a program commemorating Human Spaceflight and the Kennedy Legacy, Wednesday, May 25, 2011, in the concert hall at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. The event marked the 50th Anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's Special Message to the Congress on Urgent National Needs in which he stated "landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth". Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
Musician Herbie Hancock plays a piece on the piano during a program commemorating Human Spaceflight and the Kennedy Legacy, Wednesday, May 25, 2011, in the concert hall at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. The event marked the 50th Anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's Special Message to the Congress on Urgent National Needs in which he stated "landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth". Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
Actress June Lockhart speaks at a program entitled Human Spaceflight: The Kennedy Legacy, Wednesday, May 25, 2011, in the concert hall at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. The event marked the 50th Anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's Special Message to the Congress on Urgent National Needs in which he stated "landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth". Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
Astronauts Scott Altman, left, and Leland Melvin speak of their fallen comrades as Emil de Cou, right, looks on during a program commemorating Human Spaceflight and the Kennedy Legacy, Wednesday, May 25, 2011, in the concert hall at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. The event marked the 50th Anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's Special Message to the Congress on Urgent National Needs in which he stated "landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth". Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
Musician Herbie Hancock delivers remarks as members of the Space Philharmonic look on during a program commemorating Human Spaceflight and the Kennedy Legacy, Wednesday, May 25, 2011, in the concert hall at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. The event marked the 50th Anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's Special Message to the Congress on Urgent National Needs in which he stated "landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth". Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
Actress June Lockhart delivers remarks during a program entitled Human Spaceflight: The Kennedy Legacy, Wednesday, May 25, 2011, in the concert hall at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. The event marked the 50th Anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's Special Message to the Congress on Urgent National Needs in which he stated "landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth". Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
Caroline Kennedy, center, is recognized by U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, left, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), second from left, former U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine Chao, and U.S. Senator John Kerry (D-MA), right, at an event recognizing the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of John F. Kennedy as President of the United States, Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011 in the rotunda at the U.S. Capitol. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Actress Nichelle Nichols, best known for her role as communications officer Lieutenant Uhura in the series "Star Trek", bows as Emil de Cou, right, applauds, Wednesday, May 25, 2011, in the concert hall at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. The event marked the 50th Anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's Special Message to the Congress on Urgent National Needs in which he stated "landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth". Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
Actress Nichelle Nichols, best known for her role as communications officer Lieutenant Uhura in the series "Star Trek", sings as she is escorted on stage, Wednesday, May 25, 2011, in the concert hall at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. The event marked the 50th Anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's Special Message to the Congress on Urgent National Needs in which he stated "landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth". Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
Actress Nichelle Nichols, best known for her role as communications officer Lieutenant Uhura in the series "Star Trek", speaks as Emil de Cou, right, looks on, Wednesday, May 25, 2011, in the concert hall at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. The event marked the 50th Anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's Special Message to the Congress on Urgent National Needs in which he stated "landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth". Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
Caroline Kennedy speaks at an event recognizing the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of John F. Kennedy as President of the United States, Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011 in the rotunda at the U.S. Capitol. Also participating in the event, seated from left, Reverend Daniel P. Coughlin, Dr. Barry Black, U.S. Congressman John Lewis (D-GA), U.S. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH), U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), former U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine Chao, and U.S. Senator John Kerry (D-MA). Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- President John F. Kennedy honors John H. Glenn Jr. during welcome back ceremonies at Patrick Air Force Base and Cape Canaveral in Florida after his historic three-orbit mission aboard Friendship 7. Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson looks on, with his back to the camera. Photo credit: NASA
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- President John F. Kennedy honors John H. Glenn Jr. during welcome-back ceremonies at Patrick Air Force Base and Cape Canaveral in Florida after his historic three-orbit mission aboard Friendship 7. Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson also is in attendance, with his back to the camera. Photo credit: NASA
Former Maryland Lieutenant Governor and niece of President John F. Kennedy, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend speaks at the Apollo 40th anniversary celebration held at the National Air and Space Museum, Monday, July 20, 2009 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Caroline Kennedy speaks at an event recognizing the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of John F. Kennedy as President of the United States and where the website jfk50.org was unveiled, Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011 at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Former Maryland Lieutenant Governor and niece of President John F. Kennedy, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend speaks at the Apollo 40th anniversary celebration held at the National Air and Space Museum, Monday, July 20, 2009 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
Former Maryland Lieutenant Governor and niece of President John F. Kennedy, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend speaks As Neil Armstrong, Background, and others approach the stage at the Apollo 40th anniversary celebration held at the National Air and Space Museum, Monday, July 20, 2009 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Former Maryland Lieutenant Governor and niece of President John F. Kennedy, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend speaks at the Apollo 40th anniversary celebration held at the National Air and Space Museum, Monday, July 20, 2009 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
S67-19620 (12 Sept. 1962) --- On Sept. 12, 1962, President John F. Kennedy delivers a speech announcing his goals for the nation?s space effort to land a human being on the moon before a crowd of 35,000 people in the football stadium at Rice University in Houston, Texas. Photo credit: NASA
CAPE CANAVERAL Fla. -- Maj. Gen. L. I. Davis, commander of the U.S. Air Force Missile Test Center, welcomes President John F. Kennedy to the Cape Canaveral Missile Test Annex in Florida. Photo Credit: NASA
CAPE CANAVERAL Fla. -- President John F. Kennedy is escorted by Launch Operations Center Director Dr. Kurt H. Debus, on the right, on a tour of Launch Complex-14 at the Cape Canaveral Missile Test Annex in Florida. Photo Credit: NASA
S63-06268 (8 May 1963) --- Astronaut Alan B. Shepard, Jr., receives his NASA's Distinguished Service Medal from President John F. Kennedy, after his Mercury-Redstone 3 (MR-3) flight, in a Rose Garden ceremony on May 8, 1961 at the White House.
Former Apolo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin, left, Emil de Cou, and Ted Kennedy III, right, bow at the end of a program commemorating Human Spaceflight and the Kennedy Legacy, Wednesday, May 25, 2011, in the concert hall at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. The event marked the 50th Anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's Special Message to the Congress on Urgent National Needs in which he stated "landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth". Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
Former Apolo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin, right, passes the baton to second guest conductor Ted Kennedy III as conductor Emil de Cou looks on while the Space Philharmonic plays on during a program commemorating Human Spaceflight and the Kennedy Legacy, Wednesday, May 25, 2011, in the concert hall at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. The event marked the 50th Anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's Special Message to the Congress on Urgent National Needs in which he stated "landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth". Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
Former Apolo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin guest conducts the Space Philharmonic as Ted Kennedy III, left, looks on during a program commemorating Human Spaceflight and the Kennedy Legacy, Wednesday, May 25, 2011, in the concert hall at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. The event marked the 50th Anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's Special Message to the Congress on Urgent National Needs in which he stated "landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth". Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
Former Apolo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin guest conducts the Space Philharmonic as Ted Kennedy III, left, looks on during a program commemorating Human Spaceflight and the Kennedy Legacy, Wednesday, May 25, 2011, in the concert hall at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. The event marked the 50th Anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's Special Message to the Congress on Urgent National Needs in which he stated "landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth". Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden delivers opening remarks at the beginning of a program entitled Human Spaceflight: The Kennedy Legacy as Emil de Cou, conductor of the Space Philharmonic, right, looks on, Wednesday, May 25, 2011, in the concert hall at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. The event marked the 50th Anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's Special Message to the Congress on Urgent National Needs in which he stated "landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth". Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
Deputy Administrator Lori Garver, right, smiles after introducing musical guest Herbie Hancock, left, as members of the Space Philharmonic look on during a program commemorating Human Spaceflight and the Kennedy Legacy, Wednesday, May 25, 2011, in the concert hall at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. The event marked the 50th Anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's Special Message to the Congress on Urgent National Needs in which he stated "landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth". Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the blockhouse of Launch Complex 34 at the Cape Canaveral Missile Test Annex in Florida, President John F. Kennedy is briefed on NASA's future plans. Seated, from the left, are NASA Administrator James E. Webb, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson, Launch Operations Center Director Kurt H. Debus and Kennedy. Photo Credit: NASA
S62-03984 (12 September 1962) --- Dr. Robert R. Gilruth (left), MSC Director, presented President John F. Kennedy with this mounted model of the Apollo spacecraft at the end of the president's visit. Kennedy said, "We will take this back to the White House as a reminder of most extraordinary efforts being made by the men of NASA here and all across the country."
Actress Nichelle Nichols, best known for her role as communications officer Lieutenant Uhura in the series "Star Trek", sings as Emil de Cou, right, conducts the Space Philharmonic, Wednesday, May 25, 2011, in the concert hall at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. The event marked the 50th Anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's Special Message to the Congress on Urgent National Needs in which he stated "landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth". Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
S88-31387 (8 May 1961) --- President John F. Kennedy (left) congratulates NASA's Distinguished Service Medal Award recipient astronaut Alan B. Shepard Jr. in a Rose Garden ceremony on May 8, 1961, at the White House. Vice-President Lyndon B. Johnson, NASA Administrator James E. Webb and several NASA astronauts are in the background. Three days earlier, Shepard made history with a 15-minute suborbital space mission in the Freedom 7, Mercury-Redstone 3 spacecraft. Photo credit: NASA
CAPE CANAVERAL Fla. -- Astronaut John H. Glenn Jr. gives a double thumbs-up as he and President John F. Kennedy arrive at the Cape Canaveral Missile Test Annex in Florida. Glenn's Mercury Atlas 6 mission lifted off from Launch Complex 14, in the background, on Feb. 20, 1962. Photo Credit: NASA
CAPE CANAVERAL Fla. -- Astronaut John H. Glenn Jr. gives a double thumbs-up as he and President John F. Kennedy arrive at the Cape Canaveral Missile Test Annex in Florida. Glenn's Mercury Atlas 6 mission lifted off from Launch Complex 14, in the background, on Feb. 20, 1962. Photo credit: NASA
S61-02357 (8 May 1961) --- The original seven Mercury astronauts at the State Department Auditorium on May 8, 1961. The astronauts are (left to right) Donald K. Slayton, Walter M. Schirra, Jr., L. Gordon Cooper, Jr., M. Scott Carpenter, Virgil I. Grissom, John H. Glenn, Jr. and Alan B. Shepard, Jr. Earlier President John F. Kennedy had presented astronaut Shepard with the NASA Distinguished Service Medal (note it on his lapel) in the White House Rose Garden.
CAPE CANAVERAL Fla. -- President John F. Kennedy tours the Cape Canaveral Missile Test Annex in Florida. Standing in front of a Gemini spacecraft, from the left, are George M. Low, NASA chief of Manned Space Flight partially visible, Kennedy, astronaut L. Gordon Cooper, astronaut Virgil I. Grissom and G. Merritt Preston, NASA's manager of the Atlantic Missile Range. Photo Credit: NASA
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden announces during a National Tribute to Sally Ride that NASA is recognizing Ride, first American woman in space, by renaming a camera aboard the International Space Station the Sally Ride EarthKAM and that President Obama will award a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom to Dr. Sally Ride at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
S62-04057 (24 May 1962) --- Astronaut M. Scott Carpenter, prime pilot for the Mercury-Atlas 7 (MA-7) mission, talks with President John F. Kennedy via radio-telephone from aboard the carrier USS Intrepid. Carpenter was recovered by a helicopter and taken to the Intrepid after a four-hour and 56-minute mission in space. Photo credit: NASA
S67-19572 (8 May 1961) --- Astronaut Alan B. Shepard Jr. receives the NASA Distinguished Service Award from United States President John F. Kennedy May 8, 1961, days after his history making MR-3 flight. Shepard's wife and mother on left and the other six Mercury astronauts are in background. Photo credit: NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration
At the opening of the Early Space Education and Conference Center, KSC Visitor Complex, the facility is dedicated to Dr.Kurt H. Debus, who served as the first director of the John F. Kennedy Space Center, 1962-1974. Attending the dedication are (left to right) Delaware North President Rick Abramson, Ute Debus, Center Director Roy Bridges and Sigi Debus Northcutt. Ute and Sigi are the daughters of Dr. Debus
At the opening of the Early Space Education and Conference Center, KSC Visitor Complex, the facility is dedicated to Dr.Kurt H. Debus, who served as the first director of the John F. Kennedy Space Center, 1962-1974. Attending the dedication are (left to right) Delaware North President Rick Abramson, Ute Debus, Center Director Roy Bridges and Sigi Debus Northcutt. Ute and Sigi are the daughters of Dr. Debus
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden announces during a National Tribute to Sally Ride that NASA is recognizing Ride, first American woman in space, by renaming a camera aboard the International Space Station the Sally Ride EarthKAM and that President Obama will award a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom to Dr. Sally Ride at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Atlas_Redstone Room of the Debus Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Dr. Edward F. Crawley, Ford professor of engineering at MIT gives his presentation at the 'Expanding our Reach into the Solar System' break-out session, part of the Conference on the American Space Program for the 21st Century. The panel, moderated by John Holdren, assistant to the President for science and technology and director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (center), included Crawley, Scott Hubbard, former director of NASA's Ames Research Center (right) and NASA Astronaut John Grunsfeld. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Atlas_Redstone Room of the Debus Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Dr. Edward F. Crawley, Ford professor of engineering at MIT, speaks to the attendees at the 'Expanding our Reach into the Solar System' break-out session, part of the Conference on the American Space Program for the 21st Century. The panel included Scott Hubbard, former director of NASA's Ames Research Center, John Holdren, assistant to the President for science and technology and director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and NASA, panel moderator; NASA Astronaut John Grunsfeld and Scott Hubbard, former director of NASA's Ames Research Center. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Atlas_Redstone Room of the Debus Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Dr. Edward F. Crawley, Ford professor of engineering at MIT, speaks to the audience at the 'Expanding our Reach into the Solar System' break-out session, part of the Conference on the American Space Program for the 21st Century. The panel includes Scott Hubbard, former director of NASA's Ames Research Center (back to camera); John Holdren, assistant to the President for science and technology and director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, panel moderator, and NASA Astronaut John Grunsfeld (obscured). Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Atlas_Redstone Room of the Debus Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Scott Hubbard, former director of NASA's Ames Research Center, addresses the participants at the 'Expanding our Reach into the Solar System' break-out session, part of the Conference on the American Space Program for the 21st Century. The panel, moderated by John Holdren, assistant to the President for science and technology and director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (right), included Hubbard, Dr. Edward F. Crawley, Ford professor of engineering at MIT and NASA Astronaut John Grunsfeld. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden. 3rd from left, introduces Edward Moore Kennedy III, 4th from left, to NASA Astronaut Leland Melvin, left, and former NASA Astronaut Scott Altman, 2nd from left, as Edward's mother Kiki Kennedy, wife of Edward M Kennedy Jr. and NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver, right, look on at an event recognizing the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of John F. Kennedy as president of the United States, Thursday, Jan. 20, 2001 at the U.S. Capitol rotunda. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Part of the $13 million expansion to KSC's Visitor Complex, the new information center welcomes visitors to the Gateway to the Universe. The five large video walls provide an orientation video, with an introduction to the range of activities and exhibits, and honor the center's namesake, President John F. Kennedy. Other new attractions are an information center, a walk-through Robot Scouts exhibit, a wildlife exhibit, and the film Quest for Life in a new 300-seat theater. The KSC Visitor Complex was inaugurated three decades ago and is now one of the top five tourist attractions in Florida. It is located on S.R. 407, east of I-95, within the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Dr. Michael Griffin (left), the new administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), meets with James W. Kennedy, the director of the John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida, during Griffin's first official visit to the Center. Griffin is the 11th administrator of NASA, a role he assumed on April 14, 2005. Griffin was nominated to the position in March by President George W. Bush while serving as the Space Department head at Johns Hopkins University's Applied Physics Laboratory in Baltimore. A registered professional engineer in Maryland and California, Griffin served as chief engineer at NASA earlier in his career. He holds numerous scientific and technical degrees including a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Maryland.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Part of the $13 million expansion to KSC's Visitor Complex, the new information center welcomes visitors to the Gateway to the Universe. The five large video walls provide an orientation video, shown here with photos of John Glenn in his historic Shuttle mission in October 1998, with an introduction to the range of activities and exhibits, plus honor the center's namesake, President John F. Kennedy. Other new additions include a walk-through Robot Scouts exhibit, a wildlife exhibit, and the film Quest for Life in a new 300-seat theater, plus an International Space Station-themed ticket plaza, featuring a structure of overhanging solar panels and astronauts performing assembly tasks. The KSC Visitor Complex was inaugurated three decades ago and is now one of the top five tourist attractions in Florida. It is located on S.R. 407, east of I-95, within the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Part of the $13 million expansion to KSC's Visitor Complex, the new information center welcomes visitors to the Gateway to the Universe. The five large video walls provide an orientation video, with an introduction to the range of activities and exhibits, and honor the center's namesake, President John F. Kennedy. Other additions include a walk-through Robot Scouts exhibit, a wildlife exhibit, and the film Quest for Life in a new 300-seat theater, plus an International Space Station-themed ticket plaza, featuring a structure of overhanging solar panels and astronauts performing assembly tasks. The KSC Visitor Complex was inaugurated three decades ago and is now one of the top five tourist attractions in Florida. It is located on S.R. 407, east of I-95, within the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Part of the $13 million expansion to KSC's Visitor Complex, the new information center welcomes visitors to the Gateway to the Universe. The five large video walls provide an orientation video, with an introduction to the range of activities and exhibits, and honor the center's namesake, President John F. Kennedy. Other new additions include a walk-through Robot Scouts exhibit, a wildlife exhibit, and the film Quest for Life in a new 300-seat theater, and an International Space Station-themed ticket plaza, featuring a structure of overhanging solar panels and astronauts performing assembly tasks. The KSC Visitor Complex was inaugurated three decades ago and is now one of the top five tourist attractions in Florida. It is located on S.R. 407, east of I-95, within the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Melissa Menta, executive vice president at Peanuts Worldwide, left, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, center, and Jeannie Schulz, widow of Peanuts gang creator Charles M. Schulz, left, holding the Artemis I Snoopy zero gravity indicator, are seen, Wednesday, April 5, 2023, during a visit to the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. Schulz awarded a NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal by Administrator Nelson at an “Our Blue Planet” concert at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Snoopy rode along as the zero gravity indicator on NASA’s Artemis I mission as part of a partnership with the agency and continues to help NASA inspire kids of all ages to follow along with Artemis missions. As part of the visit, Schulz showed the flown Artemis I Snoopy zero gravity indicator before it goes to its final home for display at the Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, California. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)
From left, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) President Lisa Campbell pose for a photograph during Artemis II wet dress rehearsal on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The wet dress rehearsal allows the Artemis II launch team to run through operations to load propellant, conduct a full launch countdown, demonstrate the ability to recycle the countdown clock, and drain the tanks to practice timelines and procedures for launch. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA, around the Moon and back to Earth from Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy.
From left, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) President Lisa Campbell pose for a photograph during Artemis II wet dress rehearsal on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The wet dress rehearsal allows the Artemis II launch team to run through operations to load propellant, conduct a full launch countdown, demonstrate the ability to recycle the countdown clock, and drain the tanks to practice timelines and procedures for launch. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA, around the Moon and back to Earth from Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy.
From left, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) President Lisa Campbell pose for a photograph during Artemis II wet dress rehearsal on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The wet dress rehearsal allows the Artemis II launch team to run through operations to load propellant, conduct a full launch countdown, demonstrate the ability to recycle the countdown clock, and drain the tanks to practice timelines and procedures for launch. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA, around the Moon and back to Earth from Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy.
Leaders from NASA and the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), including NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman (right, center) and CSA President Lisa Campbell (left, center) meet during Artemis II wet dress rehearsal on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The wet dress rehearsal allows the Artemis II launch team to run through operations to load propellant, conduct a full launch countdown, demonstrate the ability to recycle the countdown clock, and drain the tanks to practice timelines and procedures for launch. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA, around the Moon and back to Earth from Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy.