GRC Center Director, Dr. Marla Perez-Davis reacts to a presentation during the Retirement Reception for the Director of Aeronautics, Ruben Del Rosario

NASA Associate Administrator Steve Jurczyk presents retiring Marshall Space Flight Center Todd May with the NASA Distinguished Service Medal at the retirement ceremony for Mr. May.

Harvey Allen at his retirement party held in the Ames Hangar N-211.

Retirement and Departure of the Lockheed S-3B Viking Aircraft

TEREASA WASHINGTON RECEIVES THE NASA DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL FROM JODY SINGER AND AUDREY ROBINSON ON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT.

Retired NASA astronaut Scott Kelly poses a portrait, Monday, July 8, 2019 at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Photograph taken on February 5, 1975. Guests attending a retirement party for Vernon Courtney, of the MSD Communications Section. Mary Jackson standing on left with human computer Christine B. Richie next to her, another from the west computers group mentioned in the book "Hidden Figures" by author Margot Lee Shetterly. Mary Jackson from NASA Langley was NASA' s first African-American female engineer, and subsequent career supporting the hiring and promotion of other deserving female and minority employees.

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-6 astronauts Stephen Bowen and Warren “Woody” Hoburg present a plaque commemorating the agency’s Crew-6 mission to the International Space Station to Kennedy Space Center director Janet Petro during a meet-and-greet at the agency’s Central Campus Headquarters cafeteria at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. Employees and other personnel got the chance to meet with the Crew-6 astronauts and celebrate the recent retirement of Bob Cabana, who was Kennedy’s Center Director for 13 years before retiring in December 2023.

RETIRED ASTRONAUT AND BRIGADIER GENERAL ROBERT STEWART SPEAKS ABOUT SPACE SHUTTLE DESIGN DURING SHARED EXPERIENCES FORUM, 4/28/2016

Former Kennedy Space Center director Bob Cabana speaks to NASA employees and other personnel at the agency’s Central Campus Headquarters cafeteria at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. Cabana retired in December 2023 after serving as the center director for 13 years.

Retired NASA Flight Director and manager Gene Kranz poses for a portrait next to the Apollo 17 Command Module, Thursday, July 11, 2019 at Space Center Houston in Houston, Texas. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Rob Garner (left) and then-Goddard News Chief Ed Campion celebrating the latter's retirement in 2018. Aloha shirt Fridays were a mainstay of Campion's tenure.

Governor Kay Ivey recognized retired NASA Space Flight Center team member, Jeanette Scissum-Mickens on Sept. 27 at the Alabama HBCU Roundtable Discussion: Minority Women in STEM held at the Alabama A&M University. Scissum-Mickens was honored as the “Hidden Figure of Alabama A&M.” She was the first African American mathematician hired by Marshall in 1964. While at Marshall, she was a space scientist and helped improved forecast models of the sunspot cycle and led activities in Marshall’s Atmospheric, Magentospheric, and Plasmas in Space project.

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-6 astronaut Warren “Woody” Hoburg speaks with NASA employees and other personnel during a meet-and-greet at the agency’s Central Campus Headquarters cafeteria at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. The session was a chance to meet with the Crew-6 astronauts and celebrate the recent retirement of former center director Bob Cabana who held the position for 13 years.

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-6 astronauts Stephen Bowen and Warren “Woody” Hoburg speak with current Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro and former center director Bob Cabana at the agency’s Central Campus Headquarters cafeteria at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. The session was a chance for employees and other personnel to meet with the Crew-6 astronauts and celebrate the recent retirement of Cabana who held the position for 13 years.

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-6 astronaut Stephen Bowen talks with former Kennedy Space Center director Bob Cabana and Exploration Ground Systems manager Shawn Quinn at the agency’s Central Campus Headquarters cafeteria at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. Employees met Crew-6 astronauts and celebrated Cabana who retired as the center director in December after serving in the position for 13 years.

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-6 astronauts Warren “Woody” Hoburg and Stephen Bowen speak to NASA employees and other personnel on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at the agency’s Central Campus Headquarters cafeteria at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Not only could employees meet Crew-6 astronauts, but it was also an opportunity celebrate the recent retirement of previous center director Bob Cabana who held the position for 13 years.

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-6 astronauts Warren “Woody” Hoburg and Stephen Bowen speak to NASA employees and other personnel on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at the agency’s Central Campus Headquarters cafeteria at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Attendees met Crew-6 astronauts and celebrated the recent retirement of previous center director Bob Cabana who held the position for 13 years.

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-6 astronauts Warren “Woody” Hoburg and Stephen Bowen talk with former Kennedy Space Center director Bob Cabana at the agency’s Central Campus Headquarters cafeteria at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. Employees met the Crew-6 astronauts and celebrated Cabana who retired as the center director in December after serving in the position for 13 years.

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-6 astronauts Warren “Woody” Hoburg and Stephen Bowen pose for a photo with a NASA employee and former Kennedy Space Center director Bob Cabana during a meet-and-greet at the agency’s Central Campus Headquarters cafeteria at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. The session was a chance for employees and other personnel to meet with the Crew-6 astronauts and celebrate the recent retirement of Bob Cabana who held the position for 13 years.

Former Kennedy Space Center director Bob Cabana speaks with Exploration Ground Systems manager Shawn Quinn at the agency’s Central Campus Headquarters cafeteria at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. Employees and other attendees gathered to celebrate Cabana’s retirement from Kennedy after he served as the center director for 13 years.

The U.S. and NASA flags atop Building 4200 at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, were retired Jan. 21, 2022. These images show center operations employees lowering the flags at Building 4200, which was Marshall’s original central laboratory and office building and served as Marshall’s headquarters since 1963. This building will be demolished later this year. A flag-raising ceremony marking the transfer of Marshall headquarters to Building 4221 was held Jan. 26, 2022. The doors to Building 4221 opened on Earth Day, April 22, 2019.

The U.S. and NASA flags atop Building 4200 at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, were retired Jan. 21, 2022. These images show center operations employees lowering the flags at Building 4200, which was Marshall’s original central laboratory and office building and served as Marshall’s headquarters since 1963. This building will be demolished later this year. A flag-raising ceremony marking the transfer of Marshall headquarters to Building 4221 was held Jan. 26, 2022. The doors to Building 4221 opened on Earth Day, April 22, 2019.

The U.S. and NASA flags atop Building 4200 at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, were retired Jan. 21, 2022. These images show center operations employees lowering the flags at Building 4200, which was Marshall’s original central laboratory and office building and served as Marshall’s headquarters since 1963. This building will be demolished later this year. A flag-raising ceremony marking the transfer of Marshall headquarters to Building 4221 was held Jan. 26, 2022. The doors to Building 4221 opened on Earth Day, April 22, 2019.

The U.S. and NASA flags atop Building 4200 at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, were retired Jan. 21, 2022. These images show center operations employees lowering the flags at Building 4200, which was Marshall’s original central laboratory and office building and served as Marshall’s headquarters since 1963. This building will be demolished later this year. A flag-raising ceremony marking the transfer of Marshall headquarters to Building 4221 was held Jan. 26, 2022. The doors to Building 4221 opened on Earth Day, April 22, 2019.

The U.S. and NASA flags atop Building 4200 at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, were retired Jan. 21, 2022. These images show center operations employees lowering the flags at Building 4200, which was Marshall’s original central laboratory and office building and served as Marshall’s headquarters since 1963. This building will be demolished later this year. A flag-raising ceremony marking the transfer of Marshall headquarters to Building 4221 was held Jan. 26, 2022. The doors to Building 4221 opened on Earth Day, April 22, 2019.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers prepare to remove shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers use a crane to grapple shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod for removal. It then will be transported to the Hypergol Maintenance Facility. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers monitor an overhead crane as it lowers shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod toward a transporter. It then will be moved to the Hypergol Maintenance Facility. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers prepare to remove shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an overhead crane lowered shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod onto a transporter. It then will be moved to the Hypergol Maintenance Facility. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers use a crane to grapple shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod for removal. It then will be transported to the Hypergol Maintenance Facility. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers monitor an overhead crane as it lowers shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod toward a transporter. It then will be moved to the Hypergol Maintenance Facility. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers monitor an overhead crane as it lowers shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod toward a transporter. It then will be moved to the Hypergol Maintenance Facility. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers use a crane to grapple shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod for removal. It then will be transported to the Hypergol Maintenance Facility. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers use a crane to remove shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod. It then will be transported to the Hypergol Maintenance Facility. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an overhead crane removes shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod. It then will be transported to the Hypergol Maintenance Facility. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers use a crane to grapple shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod for removal. It then will be transported to the Hypergol Maintenance Facility. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an overhead crane removes shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod. It then will be transported to the Hypergol Maintenance Facility. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers position shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod onto a transporter. It then will be moved to the Hypergol Maintenance Facility. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers use a crane to grapple shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod for removal. It then will be transported to the Hypergol Maintenance Facility. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers remove shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, this 3-D image shows space shuttle Discovery's main engines before removeal for cleaning and inspection. The work is part of the spacecraft's transition and retirement processing and is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. To view this image, use green and magenta 3-D glasses. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers climb up to the level where a crane is being used to grapple shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod for removal. It then will be transported to the Hypergol Maintenance Facility. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers remove shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers use a crane to grapple shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod for removal. It then will be transported to the Hypergol Maintenance Facility. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers use a crane to grapple shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod for removal. It then will be transported to the Hypergol Maintenance Facility. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers use a crane to grapple shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod for removal. It then will be transported to the Hypergol Maintenance Facility. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers use a crane to grapple shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod for removal. It then will be transported to the Hypergol Maintenance Facility. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This 3-D image was taken in Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, after crews installed the final tire on space shuttle Discovery. This is part of the spacecraft's transition and retirement processing and work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. To view this image, use green and magenta 3-D glasses. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers use a crane to grapple shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod for removal. It then will be transported to the Hypergol Maintenance Facility. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers use a crane to remove shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod. It then will be transported to the Hypergol Maintenance Facility. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers remove shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This is a 3-D image of crews in Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida using a Hyster forklift to lower one of space shuttle Discovery's main engines after removal for cleaning and inspection. This is part of the spacecraft's transition and retirement processing and work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. To view this image, use green and magenta 3-D glasses. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers prepare to remove shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers use a crane to grapple shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod for removal. It then will be transported to the Hypergol Maintenance Facility. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, two launch and entry seats were installed on the space shuttle Endeavour's aft flight deck as part of final preparations for the orbiter's cross-country ferry flight to California. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the remaining space shuttles, Endeavour and Atlantis. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Its ferry flight to California is targeted for mid-September. Endeavour was the last space shuttle added to NASA’s orbiter fleet. Over the course of its 19-year career, Endeavour spent 299 days in space during 25 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technician Joe Walsh, left, and senior aerospace technician Bobby Wright prepare two launch and entry seats to be moved from the space shuttle Endeavour's mid-deck to the flight deck. The orbiter is undergoing final preparations for its cross-country ferry flight to California. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the remaining space shuttles, Endeavour and Atlantis. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Its ferry flight to California is targeted for mid-September. Endeavour was the last space shuttle added to NASA’s orbiter fleet. Over the course of its 19-year career, Endeavour spent 299 days in space during 25 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technician Gary Hamilton installs a launch and entry seat on the space shuttle Endeavour's flight deck. The orbiter is undergoing final preparations for its cross-country ferry flight to California. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the remaining space shuttles, Endeavour and Atlantis. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Its ferry flight to California is targeted for mid-September. Endeavour was the last space shuttle added to NASA’s orbiter fleet. Over the course of its 19-year career, Endeavour spent 299 days in space during 25 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance senior aerospace technician Bobby Wright prepares two launch and entry seats to be moved from the space shuttle Endeavour's mid-deck to the flight deck. The orbiter is undergoing final preparations for its cross-country ferry flight to California. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the remaining space shuttles, Endeavour and Atlantis. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Its ferry flight to California is targeted for mid-September. Endeavour was the last space shuttle added to NASA’s orbiter fleet. Over the course of its 19-year career, Endeavour spent 299 days in space during 25 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, two launch and entry seats were installed on the space shuttle Endeavour's aft flight deck as part of final preparations for the orbiter's cross-country ferry flight to California. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the remaining space shuttles, Endeavour and Atlantis. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Its ferry flight to California is targeted for mid-September. Endeavour was the last space shuttle added to NASA’s orbiter fleet. Over the course of its 19-year career, Endeavour spent 299 days in space during 25 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the space shuttle Endeavour's flight deck has completed final preparations for the orbiter's cross-country ferry flight to California. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the remaining space shuttles, Endeavour and Atlantis. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Its ferry flight to California is targeted for mid-September. Endeavour was the last space shuttle added to NASA’s orbiter fleet. Over the course of its 19-year career, Endeavour spent 299 days in space during 25 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Jim Grossmann

Retired NASA Dryden research pilot Ed Schneider served as master of ceremonies at the retirement ceremony for NASA's B-52B, on Dec. 17, 2004.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians have removed engine No. 2, one of three space shuttle main engines from Endeavour, using a specially designed engine installer, called a Hyster forklift. The removal is part of Endeavour's transition and retirement processing. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Endeavour flew 25 missions, spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles over the course of its 19-year career. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians carefully remove engine No. 2, one of three space shuttle main engines from Endeavour, using a specially designed engine installer, called a Hyster forklift. The removal is part of Endeavour's transition and retirement processing. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Endeavour flew 25 missions, spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles over the course of its 19-year career. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers are disconnecting and dismantling components on shuttle Endeavour's cockpit. The work is part of Endeavour's transition and retirement processing. The spacecraft is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Endeavour flew 25 missions, spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles over the course of its 19-year career. Endeavour's STS-134 and final mission was completed after landing on June 1, 2011. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians carefully remove engine No. 2, one of three space shuttle main engines from Endeavour, using a specially designed engine installer, called a Hyster forklift. The removal is part of Endeavour's transition and retirement processing. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Endeavour flew 25 missions, spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles over the course of its 19-year career. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Engine No. 2, one of three space shuttle main engines, was removed from Endeavour and is being transported from Orbiter Processing Facility-1 to the Space Shuttle Main Engine Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The removal is part of Endeavour's transition and retirement processing. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Endeavour flew 25 missions, spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles over the course of its 19-year career. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers are disconnecting and dismantling components on shuttle Endeavour. Seen here is the view from inside the spacecraft's airlock looking toward the payload bay. The work is part of Endeavour's transition and retirement processing. The spacecraft is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Endeavour flew 25 missions, spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles over the course of its 19-year career. Endeavour's STS-134 and final mission was completed after landing on June 1, 2011. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers are disconnecting and dismantling components on shuttle Endeavour. Seen here is the view from inside the spacecraft's airlock looking toward the payload bay. The work is part of Endeavour's transition and retirement processing. The spacecraft is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Endeavour flew 25 missions, spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles over the course of its 19-year career. Endeavour's STS-134 and final mission was completed after landing on June 1, 2011. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians carefully remove engine No. 2, one of three space shuttle main engines from Endeavour, using a specially designed engine installer, called a Hyster forklift. The removal is part of Endeavour's transition and retirement processing. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Endeavour flew 25 missions, spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles over the course of its 19-year career. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the engine shop at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers are moving engine No. 3, one of three space shuttle main engines from Endeavour, to a work stand for processing. The work is part of Endeavour's transition and retirement processing. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Endeavour flew 25 missions, spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles over the course of its 19-year career. Endeavour's STS-134 and final mission was completed after landing on June 1, 2011. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Engine No. 2, one of three space shuttle main engines, was removed from Endeavour and is being transported from Orbiter Processing Facility-1 to the Space Shuttle Main Engine Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The removal is part of Endeavour's transition and retirement processing. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Endeavour flew 25 missions, spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles over the course of its 19-year career. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Engine No. 2, one of three space shuttle main engines removed from Endeavour in the Orbiter Processing Facility-1, has arrived at the Space Shuttle Main Engine Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The removal is part of Endeavour's transition and retirement processing. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Endeavour flew 25 missions, spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles over the course of its 19-year career. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Engine No. 2, one of three space shuttle main engines removed from Endeavour in the Orbiter Processing Facility-1, has arrived at the Space Shuttle Main Engine Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The removal is part of Endeavour's transition and retirement processing. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Endeavour flew 25 missions, spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles over the course of its 19-year career. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Engine No. 2, one of three space shuttle main engines, was removed from Endeavour and is being transported from Orbiter Processing Facility-1 to the Space Shuttle Main Engine Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The removal is part of Endeavour's transition and retirement processing. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Endeavour flew 25 missions, spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles over the course of its 19-year career. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers are disconnecting and dismantling components on shuttle Endeavour's cockpit. The work is part of Endeavour's transition and retirement processing. The spacecraft is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Endeavour flew 25 missions, spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles over the course of its 19-year career. Endeavour's STS-134 and final mission was completed after landing on June 1, 2011. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians carefully remove engine No. 2, one of three space shuttle main engines from Endeavour, using a specially designed engine installer, called a Hyster forklift. The removal is part of Endeavour's transition and retirement processing. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Endeavour flew 25 missions, spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles over the course of its 19-year career. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Engine No. 2, one of three space shuttle main engines removed from Endeavour in the Orbiter Processing Facility-1, has arrived at the Space Shuttle Main Engine Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The removal is part of Endeavour's transition and retirement processing. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Endeavour flew 25 missions, spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles over the course of its 19-year career. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians carefully remove engine No. 2, one of three space shuttle main engines from Endeavour, using a specially designed engine installer, called a Hyster forklift. The removal is part of Endeavour's transition and retirement processing. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Endeavour flew 25 missions, spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles over the course of its 19-year career. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers are disconnecting and dismantling components on shuttle Endeavour's cockpit. The work is part of Endeavour's transition and retirement processing. The spacecraft is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Endeavour flew 25 missions, spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles over the course of its 19-year career. Endeavour's STS-134 and final mission was completed after landing on June 1, 2011. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers are disconnecting and dismantling components on shuttle Endeavour's mid-deck. The work is part of Endeavour's transition and retirement processing. The spacecraft is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Endeavour flew 25 missions, spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles over the course of its 19-year career. Endeavour's STS-134 and final mission was completed after landing on June 1, 2011. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers are disconnecting and dismantling components on shuttle Endeavour's cockpit. The work is part of Endeavour's transition and retirement processing. The spacecraft is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Endeavour flew 25 missions, spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles over the course of its 19-year career. Endeavour's STS-134 and final mission was completed after landing on June 1, 2011. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians carefully remove engine No. 2, one of three space shuttle main engines from Endeavour, using a specially designed engine installer, called a Hyster forklift. The removal is part of Endeavour's transition and retirement processing. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Endeavour flew 25 missions, spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles over the course of its 19-year career. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the engine shop at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers are moving engine No. 3, one of three space shuttle main engines from Endeavour, to a work stand for processing. The work is part of Endeavour's transition and retirement processing. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Endeavour flew 25 missions, spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles over the course of its 19-year career. Endeavour's STS-134 and final mission was completed after landing on June 1, 2011. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers are disconnecting and dismantling components on shuttle Endeavour. Seen here is the spacecraft's payload bay. The work is part of Endeavour's transition and retirement processing. The spacecraft is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Endeavour flew 25 missions, spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles over the course of its 19-year career. Endeavour's STS-134 and final mission was completed after landing on June 1, 2011. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians carefully remove engine No. 2, one of three space shuttle main engines from Endeavour, using a specially designed engine installer, called a Hyster forklift. The removal is part of Endeavour's transition and retirement processing. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Endeavour flew 25 missions, spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles over the course of its 19-year career. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers are disconnecting and dismantling components on shuttle Endeavour. Seen here is the spacecraft's docking port in the payload bay. The work is part of Endeavour's transition and retirement processing. The spacecraft is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Endeavour flew 25 missions, spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles over the course of its 19-year career. Endeavour's STS-134 and final mission was completed after landing on June 1, 2011. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians carefully remove engine No. 2, one of three space shuttle main engines from Endeavour, using a specially designed engine installer, called a Hyster forklift. The removal is part of Endeavour's transition and retirement processing. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Endeavour flew 25 missions, spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles over the course of its 19-year career. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Engine No. 2, one of three space shuttle main engines, was removed from Endeavour and is being transported from Orbiter Processing Facility-1 to the Space Shuttle Main Engine Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The removal is part of Endeavour's transition and retirement processing. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Endeavour flew 25 missions, spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles over the course of its 19-year career. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers are disconnecting and dismantling components on shuttle Endeavour. Seen here is the spacecraft's docking port in the payload bay. The work is part of Endeavour's transition and retirement processing. The spacecraft is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Endeavour flew 25 missions, spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles over the course of its 19-year career. Endeavour's STS-134 and final mission was completed after landing on June 1, 2011. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians carefully remove engine No. 2, one of three space shuttle main engines from Endeavour, using a specially designed engine installer, called a Hyster forklift. The removal is part of Endeavour's transition and retirement processing. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Endeavour flew 25 missions, spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles over the course of its 19-year career. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers are disconnecting and dismantling components on shuttle Endeavour's cockpit. The work is part of Endeavour's transition and retirement processing. The spacecraft is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Endeavour flew 25 missions, spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles over the course of its 19-year career. Endeavour's STS-134 and final mission was completed after landing on June 1, 2011. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

NASA's venerable B-52B mothership launch aircraft served as the backdrop at its retirement ceremony on Dec. 17, 2004.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the engine shop at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers have moved engine No. 3, one of three space shuttle main engines from Endeavour, to a work stand for processing. Engine No. 2 can be seen on a work stand in the left background already being processed. The work is part of Endeavour's transition and retirement processing. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Endeavour flew 25 missions, spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles over the course of its 19-year career. Endeavour's STS-134 and final mission was completed after landing on June 1, 2011. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

NASA's new SOFIA observatory shared the ramp with its predecessor, the now-retired Kuiper Airborne Observatory, during open house at NASA Ames Research Center.

NASA's now-retired Kuiper Airborne Observatory shared the limelight with its successor, the SOFIA observatory, during an open house at Ames Research Center.

Dryden Center director Kevin Petersen shakes hands with AFFTC commander, Brig. Gen. Curtis Bedke, at the retirement ceremony for NASA's B-52B.

DFRC director Kevin Petersen speaks to an audience of NASA and Air Force visitors, employees and special guests at the retirement ceremony for NASA's B-52B.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians remove engine No. 1, one of three space shuttle main engines from shuttle Endeavour using a specially designed engine installer, called a Hyster forklift. The work is part of Endeavour's transition and retirement processing. The spacecraft is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Endeavour flew 25 missions, spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles over the course of its 19-year career. Endeavour's STS-134 and final mission was completed after landing on June 1, 2011. Photo credit: NASA/Chris Chamberland