GUESTS WERE TREATED TO A FABULOUS FIREWORKS DISPLAY BESIDE THE DAVIDSON CENTER AT THE END OF THE NIGHT.

MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER DIRECTOR ROBERT LIGHTFOOT ADDRESSES A PACKED CROWD DURING THE SHUTTLE CEREMONY IN SHUTTLE PARK AT THE U.S. SPACE & ROCKET CENTER.

MARSHALL SHUTTLE PROPULSION OFFICE MANAGER STEVE CASH PRESENTS A MISSION PIN PLAQUE TO JOHN SHANNON, MANAGER OF THE SPACE SHUTTLE PROGRAM.

NASA’s "Salute Our Space Shuttle: Foundation for Our Future" celebration takes place at Johnson Space Center in Houston on Aug. 27, 2011. The celebration was held to mark the end of the Space Shuttle program and to say thank you to its thousands of workers. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

NASA’s "Salute Our Space Shuttle: Foundation for Our Future" celebration takes place at Johnson Space Center in Houston on Aug. 27, 2011. The celebration was held to mark the end of the Space Shuttle program and to say thank you to its thousands of workers. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

NASA’s "Salute Our Space Shuttle: Foundation for Our Future" celebration takes place at Johnson Space Center in Houston on Aug. 27, 2011. The celebration was held to mark the end of the Space Shuttle program and to say thank you to its thousands of workers. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

NASA’s "Salute Our Space Shuttle: Foundation for Our Future" celebration takes place at Johnson Space Center in Houston on Aug. 27, 2011. The celebration was held to mark the end of the Space Shuttle program and to say thank you to its thousands of workers. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

NASA’s "Salute Our Space Shuttle: Foundation for Our Future" celebration takes place at Johnson Space Center in Houston on Aug. 27, 2011. The celebration was held to mark the end of the Space Shuttle program and to say thank you to its thousands of workers. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

NASA’s "Salute Our Space Shuttle: Foundation for Our Future" celebration takes place at Johnson Space Center in Houston on Aug. 27, 2011. The celebration was held to mark the end of the Space Shuttle program and to say thank you to its thousands of workers. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

NASA’s "Salute Our Space Shuttle: Foundation for Our Future" celebration takes place at Johnson Space Center in Houston on Aug. 27, 2011. The celebration was held to mark the end of the Space Shuttle program and to say thank you to its thousands of workers. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

NASA’s "Salute Our Space Shuttle: Foundation for Our Future" celebration takes place at Johnson Space Center in Houston on Aug. 27, 2011. The celebration was held to mark the end of the Space Shuttle program and to say thank you to its thousands of workers. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

NASA’s "Salute Our Space Shuttle: Foundation for Our Future" celebration takes place at Johnson Space Center in Houston on Aug. 27, 2011. The celebration was held to mark the end of the Space Shuttle program and to say thank you to its thousands of workers. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

NASA’s "Salute Our Space Shuttle: Foundation for Our Future" celebration takes place at Johnson Space Center in Houston on Aug. 27, 2011. The celebration was held to mark the end of the Space Shuttle program and to say thank you to its thousands of workers. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

NASA’s "Salute Our Space Shuttle: Foundation for Our Future" celebration takes place at Johnson Space Center in Houston on Aug. 27, 2011. The celebration was held to mark the end of the Space Shuttle program and to say thank you to its thousands of workers. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

NASA’s "Salute Our Space Shuttle: Foundation for Our Future" celebration takes place at Johnson Space Center in Houston on Aug. 27, 2011. The celebration was held to mark the end of the Space Shuttle program and to say thank you to its thousands of workers. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

NASA’s "Salute Our Space Shuttle: Foundation for Our Future" celebration takes place at Johnson Space Center in Houston on Aug. 27, 2011. The celebration was held to mark the end of the Space Shuttle program and to say thank you to its thousands of workers. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

NASA’s "Salute Our Space Shuttle: Foundation for Our Future" celebration takes place at Johnson Space Center in Houston on Aug. 27, 2011. The celebration was held to mark the end of the Space Shuttle program and to say thank you to its thousands of workers. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

NASA’s "Salute Our Space Shuttle: Foundation for Our Future" celebration takes place at Johnson Space Center in Houston on Aug. 27, 2011. The celebration was held to mark the end of the Space Shuttle program and to say thank you to its thousands of workers. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

NASA’s "Salute Our Space Shuttle: Foundation for Our Future" celebration takes place at Johnson Space Center in Houston on Aug. 27, 2011. The celebration was held to mark the end of the Space Shuttle program and to say thank you to its thousands of workers. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

NASA’s "Salute Our Space Shuttle: Foundation for Our Future" celebration takes place at Johnson Space Center in Houston on Aug. 27, 2011. The celebration was held to mark the end of the Space Shuttle program and to say thank you to its thousands of workers. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

NASA’s "Salute Our Space Shuttle: Foundation for Our Future" celebration takes place at Johnson Space Center in Houston on Aug. 27, 2011. The celebration was held to mark the end of the Space Shuttle program and to say thank you to its thousands of workers. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

NASA’s "Salute Our Space Shuttle: Foundation for Our Future" celebration takes place at Johnson Space Center in Houston on Aug. 27, 2011. The celebration was held to mark the end of the Space Shuttle program and to say thank you to its thousands of workers. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

NASA’s "Salute Our Space Shuttle: Foundation for Our Future" celebration takes place at Johnson Space Center in Houston on Aug. 27, 2011. The celebration was held to mark the end of the Space Shuttle program and to say thank you to its thousands of workers. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

NASA’s "Salute Our Space Shuttle: Foundation for Our Future" celebration takes place at Johnson Space Center in Houston on Aug. 27, 2011. The celebration was held to mark the end of the Space Shuttle program and to say thank you to its thousands of workers. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

NASA’s "Salute Our Space Shuttle: Foundation for Our Future" celebration takes place at Johnson Space Center in Houston on Aug. 27, 2011. The celebration was held to mark the end of the Space Shuttle program and to say thank you to its thousands of workers. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

NASA’s "Salute Our Space Shuttle: Foundation for Our Future" celebration takes place at Johnson Space Center in Houston on Aug. 27, 2011. The celebration was held to mark the end of the Space Shuttle program and to say thank you to its thousands of workers. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

NASA’s "Salute Our Space Shuttle: Foundation for Our Future" celebration takes place at Johnson Space Center in Houston on Aug. 27, 2011. The celebration was held to mark the end of the Space Shuttle program and to say thank you to its thousands of workers. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

NASA’s "Salute Our Space Shuttle: Foundation for Our Future" celebration takes place at Johnson Space Center in Houston on Aug. 27, 2011. The celebration was held to mark the end of the Space Shuttle program and to say thank you to its thousands of workers. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

NASA’s "Salute Our Space Shuttle: Foundation for Our Future" celebration takes place at Johnson Space Center in Houston on Aug. 27, 2011. The celebration was held to mark the end of the Space Shuttle program and to say thank you to its thousands of workers. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

NASA’s "Salute Our Space Shuttle: Foundation for Our Future" celebration takes place at Johnson Space Center in Houston on Aug. 27, 2011. The celebration was held to mark the end of the Space Shuttle program and to say thank you to its thousands of workers. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Some veteran space shuttle fliers sign autographs and talk with shuttle workers and their families at the “We Made History! Shuttle Program Celebration,” Aug. 13, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Fla. The event was held to honor shuttle workers’ dedication to NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and to celebrate 30 years of space shuttle achievements. The event featured food, music, entertainment, astronaut appearances, educational activities, giveaways, and Starfire Night Skyshow. Photo credit: Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden welcomes current and former space shuttle workers and their families to the “We Made History! Shuttle Program Celebration,” Aug. 13, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Fla. The event was held to honor shuttle workers’ dedication to NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and to celebrate 30 years of space shuttle achievements. The event featured food, music, entertainment, astronaut appearances, educational activities, giveaways, and Starfire Night Skyshow. Photo credit: Gianni Woods

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana welcomes current and former space shuttle workers and their families to the “We Made History! Shuttle Program Celebration,” Aug. 13, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Fla. The event was held to honor shuttle workers’ dedication to NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and to celebrate 30 years of space shuttle achievements. The event featured food, music, entertainment, astronaut appearances, educational activities, giveaways, and Starfire Night Skyshow. Photo credit: Gianni Woods

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Thousands of space shuttle workers and their families gather near the Rocket Garden at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida for the “We Made History! Shuttle Program Celebration” on Aug. 13. The event was held to honor current and former workers’ dedication to NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and to celebrate 30 years of space shuttle achievements. The event featured food, music, entertainment, astronaut appearances, educational activities, giveaways, and Starfire Night Skyshow. Photo credit: Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Thousands of space shuttle workers and their families gather near the "Star Trek" exhibit at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida for the “We Made History! Shuttle Program Celebration” on Aug. 13. The event was held to honor current and former workers’ dedication to NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and to celebrate 30 years of space shuttle achievements. The event featured food, music, entertainment, astronaut appearances, educational activities, giveaways, and Starfire Night Skyshow. Photo credit: Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Panama band entertains thousands of space shuttle workers and their families at the “We Made History! Shuttle Program Celebration,” Aug. 13, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Fla. The event was held to honor current and former workers’ dedication to NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and to celebrate 30 years of space shuttle achievements. The event featured food, music, entertainment, astronaut appearances, educational activities, giveaways, and Starfire Night Skyshow. Photo credit: Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Thousands of space shuttle workers and their families gather near the IMAX Theatre at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida for the “We Made History! Shuttle Program Celebration” on Aug. 13. The event was held to honor current and former workers’ dedication to NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and to celebrate 30 years of space shuttle achievements. The event featured food, music, entertainment, astronaut appearances, educational activities, giveaways, and Starfire Night Skyshow. Photo credit: Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Recording artist Ansel Brown performs on the main stage during NASA Kennedy Space Center’s “We Made History! Shuttle Program Celebration,” Aug. 13, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Fla. The event was held to honor current and former shuttle workers’ dedication to NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and to celebrate 30 years of space shuttle achievements. The event featured food, music, entertainment, astronaut appearances, educational activities, giveaways, and Starfire Night Skyshow. Photo credit: Gianni Woods

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Thousands of space shuttle workers and their families gather near Orbit Cafe at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida for the “We Made History! Shuttle Program Celebration” on Aug. 13. The event was held to honor current and former workers’ dedication to NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and to celebrate 30 years of space shuttle achievements. The event featured food, music, entertainment, astronaut appearances, educational activities, giveaways, and Starfire Night Skyshow. Photo credit: Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Thousands of space shuttle workers and their families gather near Guest Services at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida for the “We Made History! Shuttle Program Celebration” on Aug. 13. The event was held to honor current and former workers’ dedication to NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and to celebrate 30 years of space shuttle achievements. The event featured food, music, entertainment, astronaut appearances, educational activities, giveaways, and Starfire Night Skyshow. Photo credit: Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana visits with space shuttle workers and their families during the “We Made History! Shuttle Program Celebration,” Aug. 13, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Fla. The event was held to honor current and former workers’ dedication to NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and to celebrate 30 years of space shuttle achievements. The event featured food, music, entertainment, astronaut appearances, educational activities, giveaways, and Starfire Night Skyshow. Photo credit: Gianni Woods

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Thousands of space shuttle workers and their families gather near the Rocket Garden at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida for the “We Made History! Shuttle Program Celebration” on Aug. 13. The event was held to honor current and former workers’ dedication to NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and to celebrate 30 years of space shuttle achievements. The event featured food, music, entertainment, astronaut appearances, educational activities, giveaways, and Starfire Night Skyshow. Photo credit: Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Standing in front of a replica of a space shuttle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, NASA Astronaut and STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson speaks to the audience attending a 30th anniversary celebration in honor of the Space Shuttle Program's first shuttle launch. The celebration followed an announcement by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden where the four orbiters will be placed for permanent display after retirement. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Standing in front of a replica of a space shuttle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, NASA Administrator Charles Bolden speaks to the audience attending a 30th anniversary celebration in honor of the Space Shuttle Program's first shuttle launch. The celebration followed an announcement by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden where the four orbiters will be placed for permanent display after retirement. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Standing in front of a replica of a space shuttle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Bill Moore, Visitor Complex chief operating officer, speaks to the audience attending a 30th anniversary celebration in honor of the Space Shuttle Program's first shuttle launch. The celebration followed an announcement by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden where the four orbiters will be placed for permanent display after retirement. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Standing under the insignia designed for the Space Shuttle Program, Patty Stratton, associate program manager for Ground Operations at United Space Alliance, speaks to the audience attending a 30th anniversary celebration in honor of the Space Shuttle Program's first shuttle launch at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The celebration followed an announcement by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden where the four orbiters will be placed for permanent display after retirement. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Standing in front of a replica of a space shuttle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Bob Sieck, former NASA launch director, speaks to the audience attending a 30th anniversary celebration in honor of the Space Shuttle Program's first shuttle launch. The celebration followed an announcement by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden where the four orbiters will be placed for permanent display after retirement. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Standing in front of a replica of a space shuttle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Terry White with United Space Alliance speaks to the audience attending a 30th anniversary celebration in honor of the Space Shuttle Program's first shuttle launch. The celebration followed an announcement by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden where the four orbiters will be placed for permanent display after retirement. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Standing in front of a replica of a space shuttle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana speaks to the audience attending a 30th anniversary celebration in honor of the Space Shuttle Program's first shuttle launch. The celebration followed an announcement by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden where the four orbiters will be placed for permanent display after retirement. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Standing in front of a replica of a space shuttle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Rita Willcoxon, Launch Vehicle Processing director, kicks off the event enthusiastically speaking to an audience attending the 30th anniversary celebration in honor of the Space Shuttle Program's first shuttle launch. The celebration followed an announcement by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden where the four orbiters will be placed for permanent display after retirement. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Three-time space shuttle astronaut Charles D. "Sam" Gemar signs autographs and takes photos with space shuttle workers and their families at the “We Made History! Shuttle Program Celebration,” Aug. 13, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Fla. The event was held to honor shuttle workers’ dedication to NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and to celebrate 30 years of space shuttle achievements. The event featured food, music, entertainment, astronaut appearances, educational activities, giveaways, and Starfire Night Skyshow. Photo credit: Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA’s Space Shuttle Program Launch Integration Manager Mike Moses speaks to current and former space shuttle workers and their families during the “We Made History! Shuttle Program Celebration,” Aug. 13, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Fla. The event was held to honor shuttle workers’ dedication to the agency’s Space Shuttle Program and to celebrate 30 years of space shuttle achievements. The event featured food, music, entertainment, astronaut appearances, educational activities, giveaways, and Starfire Night Skyshow. Photo credit: Gianni Woods

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Thousands of space shuttle workers and their families watch a Starfire Night Skyshow at the “We Made History! Shuttle Program Celebration,” Aug. 13, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Fla. The event was held to honor shuttle workers’ dedication to NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and to celebrate 30 years of space shuttle achievements. The show featured spectacular night aerobatics with special computer-controlled lighting and firework effects on a plane flown by experienced pilot Bill Leff. The event also featured food, music, entertainment, astronaut appearances, educational activities and giveaways. Photo credit: Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- With the Rocket Garden for a backdrop, five shuttle flags hang above the main stage at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s “We Made History! Shuttle Program Celebration,” Aug. 13, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Fla. The event was held to honor current and former shuttle workers’ dedication to NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and to celebrate 30 years of space shuttle achievements. The event featured food, music, entertainment, astronaut appearances, educational activities, giveaways, and Starfire Night Skyshow. Photo credit: Gianni Woods

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Vehicle Processing Director Rita Willcoxon speaks to current and former space shuttle workers and their families during the “We Made History! Shuttle Program Celebration,” Aug. 13, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Fla. The event was held to honor shuttle workers’ dedication to NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and to celebrate 30 years of space shuttle achievements. The event featured food, music, entertainment, astronaut appearances, educational activities, giveaways, and Starfire Night Skyshow. Photo credit: Gianni Woods

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana (at left) and NASA astronauts Rex Walheim, Sandra Magnus and Chris Ferguson talk to current and former space shuttle workers and their families during the “We Made History! Shuttle Program Celebration,” Aug. 13, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Fla. The event was held to honor current and former shuttle workers’ dedication to NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and to celebrate 30 years of space shuttle achievements. The event featured food, music, entertainment, astronaut appearances, educational activities, giveaways, and Starfire Night Skyshow. Photo credit: Gianni Woods

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA Astronaut Kay Hire and former NASA Astronauts Sam Durrance and Bob Springer take a moment to converse on a very warm, sunny Florida afternoon while attending the 30th anniversary celebration in honor of the Space Shuttle Program's first shuttle launch. The event is being held at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The celebration followed an announcement by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden where the four orbiters will be placed for permanent display after retirement. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- An audience of NASA officials, Florida representatives, Kennedy employees and visitors listen intently to a speaker during the 30th anniversary celebration in honor of the Space Shuttle Program's first shuttle launch being held at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The celebration followed an announcement by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden where the four orbiters will be placed for permanent display after retirement. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- An audience of NASA officials, Florida representatives, Kennedy employees and visitors listen intently to a speaker during the 30th anniversary celebration in honor of the Space Shuttle Program's first shuttle launch being held at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The celebration followed an announcement by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden where the four orbiters will be placed for permanent display after retirement. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- An audience of NASA officials, Florida representatives, Kennedy employees and visitors, listen intently to a speaker during the 30th anniversary celebration in honor of the Space Shuttle Program's first shuttle launch. The event is being held at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The celebration followed an announcement by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden where the four orbiters will be placed for permanent display after retirement. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This overhead view shows an audience of NASA officials, Florida representatives, Kennedy employees and visitors as they listen to Terry White with United Space Alliance speak during the 30th anniversary celebration in honor of the Space Shuttle Program's first shuttle launch. The event is being held at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The celebration followed an announcement by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden where the four orbiters will be placed for permanent display after retirement. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A Starfire Night Skyshow takes place above the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida during the “We Made History! Shuttle Program Celebration” on Aug. 13. The event was held to honor shuttle workers’ dedication to NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and to celebrate 30 years of space shuttle achievements. The show featured spectacular night aerobatics with special computer-controlled lighting and firework effects on a plane flown by experienced pilot Bill Leff. The event also featured food, music, entertainment, astronaut appearances, educational activities and giveaways. Photo credit: Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana (at left), Jackie Bolden and her husband, NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden, enjoy the entertainment at the main stage during the “We Made History! Shuttle Program Celebration,” Aug. 13, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Fla. The event was held to honor current and former shuttle workers’ dedication to NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and to celebrate 30 years of space shuttle achievements. The event featured food, music, entertainment, astronaut appearances, educational activities, giveaways, and Starfire Night Skyshow. Photo credit: Gianni Woods

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Attending Kennedy Space Center’s “We Made History! Shuttle Program Celebration,” Aug. 13, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, are from left, NASA astronauts Nicole Stott, Michael Fincke, Greg Johnson, Sandra Magnus, Rex Walheim and Chris Ferguson, and Kennedy Deputy Director Janet Petro. The event was held to honor shuttle workers’ dedication to NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and to celebrate 30 years of space shuttle achievements. The event featured food, music, entertainment, astronaut appearances, educational activities, giveaways, and Starfire Night Skyshow. Photo credit: Gianni Woods

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-135 Mission Specialists Rex Walheim, left, and Sandy Magnus, and STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson address thousands of space shuttle workers and their families at the “We Made History! Shuttle Program Celebration,” Aug. 13, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Fla. The event was held to honor current and former workers’ dedication to NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and to celebrate 30 years of space shuttle achievements. The event featured food, music, entertainment, astronaut appearances, educational activities, giveaways, and Starfire Night Skyshow. Photo credit: Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA astronauts Michael Fincke and Greg H. Johnson create some excitement by helping to draw names for space-themed giveaways during Kennedy Space Center’s “We Made History! Shuttle Program Celebration,” Aug. 13, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Fla. The event was held to honor current and former shuttle workers’ dedication to NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and to celebrate 30 years of space shuttle achievements. The event featured food, music, entertainment, astronaut appearances, educational activities, giveaways, and Starfire Night Skyshow. Photo credit: Gianni Woods

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Standing in front of a replica of a space shuttle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, NASA Administrator Charles Bolden speaks to the audience attending a 30th anniversary celebration in honor of the Space Shuttle Program's first shuttle launch. Alongside Bolden is Rita Willcoxon, Launch Vehicle Processing director and Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana. The celebration followed an announcement by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden where the four orbiters will be placed for permanent display after retirement. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

S127-E-006702 (17 July 2009) --- Astronauts Tom Marshburn (left) and Dave Wolf, both STS-127 mission specialists, celebrate the successful docking of the Space Shuttle Endeavour and the International Space Station.

2010 Yuri's Night celebration held at the NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif. as part of the world wide celebration of the first man in space and the Space Shuttle program that followed 20 years later. Lewis Braxton, III, Deputy Director of Ames Research Center, Deborah Feng, Director, Center Operations and Paul McKimm, Planners Collaborative.

Approximately 13,000 people fill the grounds at NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center for the first-ever evening public engine test of a Space Shuttle Main Engine. The test marked Stennis Space Center's 20th anniversary celebration of the first Space Shuttle mission.

Thousands of people watch the first-ever evening public engine test of a Space Shuttle Main Engine at NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center. The spectacular test marked Stennis Space Center's 20th anniversary celebration of the first Space Shuttle mission.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Buddy Valastro from Carlo's Bakery (Cake Boss) speaks to the guests about his tribute to the workforce and NASA's successful Space Shuttle Program in the form of a space shuttle cake to celebrate the Program's 30th anniversary. Alongside Valastro is, from right, former NASA Astronauts Bob Springer and Sam Durrance; NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana and Rita Willcoxon, Launch Vehicle Processing director. The celebration followed an announcement by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden where the four orbiters will be placed for permanent display after retirement. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Patty Stratton, associate program manager for Ground Operations at United Space Alliance, NASA Astronaut and STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson and NASA Administrator Charles Bolden take a moment to converse on a very warm, sunny Florida afternoon while attending the 30th anniversary celebration in honor of the Space Shuttle Program's first shuttle launch. The event is being held at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The celebration followed an announcement by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden where the four orbiters will be placed for permanent display after retirement. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Buddy Valastro from Carlo's Bakery (Cake Boss) speaks to the crowd about his tribute to the workforce and NASA's successful Space Shuttle Program in the form of a space shuttle cake celebrating the Program's 30th anniversary. Alongside Valastro is Rita Willcoxon, Launch Vehicle Processing director and NASA Astronaut and STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson. The celebration followed an announcement by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden where the four orbiters will be placed for permanent display after retirement. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

From left, Roman Valente, 6, tries his luck docking a toy shuttle while Nicholas Valente, 4, watches. The brothers are the sons of Andrew Valente of NASA.

On the 25th Anniversary of the Apollo-11 space launch, Marshall celebrated with a test firing of the Space Shuttle Main Engine at the Technology Test Bed (SSME-TTB). This drew a large crowd who stood in the fields around the test site and watched as plumes of white smoke verified ignition.

Comprised of students from Cocoa Beach, Rockledge, Viera and Space Coast high schools, the robotics group known as the "Pink Team," chose the phoenix as its mascot for the 2016 season. The group, its mentors and support personnel celebrated a successful season near the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center on April 5.

The Delta rocket on display at the Visitor Center at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. The rocket is illuminated as part of a "Yuri's Night" celebration to commemorate the first flight of cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin (April 12, 1961) and the first orbital flight of a space shuttle (April 12, 1981).

S81-39511 (14 Nov. 1981) --- The successful STS-2 landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California was cause for celebration in the Johnson Space Center?s Mission Control Center shortly before 3:30 p.m. (CST) on Nov. 14, 1981. JSC Director Christopher C. Kraft Jr. (center), not only applauds but enjoys a traditional ?touchdown? cigar, as well. Eugene F. Kranz (left), deputy director of flight operations at JSC, and Thomas L. Moser of the structures and mechanics division join the celebration. The second flight of the space shuttle Columbia lasted two days, six hours, 13 minutes and a few seconds. Photo credit: NASA

2010 Yuri's Night celebration held at the NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif. as part of the world wide celebration of the first man in space and the Space Shuttle program that followed 20 years later. From left to Right, Wizard Lori Garver, Deputy Administrator of NASA, Jack Boyd, Senior Advisor to the Director, Lewis Braxton, III, Deputy Director of Ames Research Center, Klingon S. Pete Worden, Director, Ames Research Center, Karen Bradford, Chief of Staff, Deborah Feng, Director, Center Operations.

S81-39508 (14 Nov. 1981) --- The successful STS-2 landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California was cause for celebration in the Johnson Space Center?s Mission Control Center shortly before 3:30 p.m. (CST) on Nov. 14, 1981. JSC Director Christopher C. Kraft Jr. (center), enjoys a traditional ?touchdown? cigar. He is flanked by retiring lead engineer Maxime Faget (left) and Thomas L. Moser of the structures and mechanics division, who join the celebration. The second flight of the space shuttle Columbia lasted two days, six hours, 13 minutes and a few seconds. Photo credit: NASA

John C. Stennis Space Center is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2011. NASA announced plans to build a rocket engine test facility in Hancock County, Miss., on Oct. 25, 1961. A new anniversary logo highlights the theme of the anniversary year - celebrating Stennis as a unique federal city and its five decades of powering America's space dreams. Stennis is home to more than 30 federal, state, academic and private organizations and several technology-based companies. In addition to testing Apollo Program rocket stages that carried humans to the moon, Stennis tested every main engine used in more than 130 space shuttle flights.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At a luncheon during Space Congress Week, Michael Kostelnik, NASA deputy associate administrator for the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station, speaks to luncheon attendees about the future challenges the Agency faces. Held April 29-May 2, 2003, in Cape Canaveral, Fla., the Space Congress is an international conference that gathers attendees from the scientific community, the space industry workforce, educators and local supporting industries. This year's event commemorated the 40th anniversary of the Kennedy Space Center and the Centennial of Flight. The theme for the Space Congress was "Linking the Past to the Future: A Celebration of Space."

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At a luncheon during Space Congress Week, Michael Kostelnik, NASA deputy associate administrator for the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station, speaks to luncheon attendees about the future challenges the Agency faces. Held April 29-May 2, 2003, in Cape Canaveral, Fla., the Space Congress is an international conference that gathers attendees from the scientific community, the space industry workforce, educators and local supporting industries. This year's event commemorated the 40th anniversary of the Kennedy Space Center and the Centennial of Flight. The theme for the Space Congress was "Linking the Past to the Future: A Celebration of Space."

Stennis Space Center Director Patrick Scheuermann (r) welcomes members of the STS-135 space shuttle crew Aug. 11, marking a 'wheels stop' celebration of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program. The STS-135 mission was the last for the program. During the Aug. 11 visit, mission astronauts reported on their mission and spent time visiting with center employees.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Fireworks celebrate the arrival of the space shuttle Atlantis at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex following a 10-mile journey. As part of transition and retirement of the Space Shuttle Program, Atlantis is to be displayed at Kennedy's visitor complex beginning in the summer of 2013. Over the course of its 26-year career, Atlantis traveled 125,935,769 miles during 307 days in space over 33 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Fireworks celebrate the arrival of the space shuttle Atlantis at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex following a 10-mile journey. As part of transition and retirement of the Space Shuttle Program, Atlantis is to be displayed at Kennedy's visitor complex beginning in the summer of 2013. Over the course of its 26-year career, Atlantis traveled 125,935,769 miles during 307 days in space over 33 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Fireworks celebrate the arrival of the space shuttle Atlantis at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex following a 10-mile journey. As part of transition and retirement of the Space Shuttle Program, Atlantis is to be displayed at Kennedy's visitor complex beginning in the summer of 2013. Over the course of its 26-year career, Atlantis traveled 125,935,769 miles during 307 days in space over 33 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Fireworks celebrate the arrival of the space shuttle Atlantis at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex following a 10-mile journey. As part of transition and retirement of the Space Shuttle Program, Atlantis is to be displayed at Kennedy's visitor complex beginning in the summer of 2013. Over the course of its 26-year career, Atlantis traveled 125,935,769 miles during 307 days in space over 33 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

STS099-318-015 (11-22 February 2000) --- A "star-burst" pose by the STS-99 crew members helps to celebrate a successful Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM) aboard NASA's Space Shuttle Endeavour. Astronaut Janice Voss is at top center. Clockwise, around the circle from her position, are astronauts Dominic L. Gorie, Janet L. Kavandi, Gerhard Thiele, Mamoru Mohri and Kevin R. Kregel. Mohri is with the Japanese Space Agency and Thiele represents the European Space Agency (ESA).

Stennis Space Center Director Patrick Scheuermann (r) welcomes members of the STS-135 space shuttle crew Aug. 11, marking a 'wheels stop' celebration of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program. The STS-135 mission was the last for the program. During the Aug. 11 visit, mission astronauts reported on their mission and spent time visiting with center employees.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, invited guests admire a cake formed in the shape of a space shuttle. The cake was created by Buddy Valastro from Carlo's Bakery (Cake Boss) who was inspired to pay tribute to the workforce and the 30th anniversary of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. The celebration followed an announcement by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden where the four orbiters will be placed for permanent display after retirement. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Fireworks celebrate the arrival of the space shuttle Atlantis at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex following a 10-mile journey. As part of transition and retirement of the Space Shuttle Program, Atlantis is to be displayed at Kennedy's visitor complex beginning in the summer of 2013. Over the course of its 26-year career, Atlantis traveled 125,935,769 miles during 307 days in space over 33 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Fireworks celebrate the arrival of the space shuttle Atlantis at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex following a 10-mile journey. As part of transition and retirement of the Space Shuttle Program, Atlantis is to be displayed at Kennedy's visitor complex beginning in the summer of 2013. Over the course of its 26-year career, Atlantis traveled 125,935,769 miles during 307 days in space over 33 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle workers fill the transfer aisle of the massive Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to celebrate the successful liftoff of shuttle Atlantis on the STS-135 mission, the final flight of the agency's Space Shuttle Program. Atlantis, with its crew of Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley, Mission Specialists Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim, lifted off at 11:29 a.m. EDT on July 8, 2011 to deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts for the International Space Station. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach celebrates in Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida after the successful launch of space shuttle Atlantis on its STS-132 mission to the International Space Station. Launch was on time at 2:20 p.m. EDT. STS-132 is the 132nd shuttle flight, the 32nd for Atlantis and the 34th shuttle mission dedicated to station assembly and maintenance. For more information on the STS-132 mission objectives, payload and crew, visit www.nasa.gov_mission_pages_shuttle_shuttlemissions_sts132_index.html. Photo credit: NASA_Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-1 Space Shuttle Team celebrates a successful liftoff of Columbia form Launch Pad 39A a few seconds past 7 a.m. The orbital mission is scheduled to last for 54 hours, ending with an unpowered landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California. The STS-1 mission, known as a shuttle systems test flight, will seek to demonstrate safe launch into orbit and safe return of the orbiter and crew and verify the combined performance of the entire shuttle vehicle -- orbiter, solid rocket boosters and external tank.

Comprised of students from Cocoa Beach, Rockledge, Viera and Space Coast high schools, the robotics group known as the "Pink Team," its mentors and support personnel celebrated a successful season near the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center on April 5. The Pink Team fared well in the two regionals it competed in this year in West Palm Beach, Florida, and the University of Central Florida in Orlando.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds fly past Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in commemoration of NASA's 50th anniversary. The aircraft had flown earlier to support the Daytona 500, also celebrating its 50th anniversary, and chose to fly over Kennedy on their way to their next assignment. On the pad, space shuttle Endeavour waits to launch on the STS-123 mission. Photo courtesy of USAF/TSgt. Justin D. Pyle

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds fly past Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in commemoration of NASA's 50th anniversary. The aircraft had flown earlier to support the Daytona 500, also celebrating its 50th anniversary, and chose to fly over Kennedy on their way to their next assignment. On the pad, space shuttle Endeavour waits to launch on the STS-123 mission. Photo courtesy of USAF/TSgt. Justin D. Pyle