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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Hundreds of guests attend a ribbon cutting ceremony officially opening the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame as part of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the induction of four Space Shuttle astronauts into the Hall of Fame including Daniel Brandenstein, Robert "Hoot" Gibson, Story Musgrave, and Sally Ride. Conceived by six of the Mercury Program astronauts, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame opened in 1990 to provide a place where space travelers could be remembered for their participation and accomplishments in the U.S. space program. The four new inductees join 48 previously honored astronauts from the ranks of the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Apollo-Soyuz, and Space Shuttle programs.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (left) accompanies Executive Director of NASDA Koji Yamamoto (third from left) and others visiting the Columbia Debris Hangar. Mr. Yamamoto is at KSC for a welcome ceremony involving the arrival of the newest Space Station module, the Japanese Experiment Module/pressurized module.

View of the audience at the memorial service at JSC for the Crew of STS 51-L. Sultan Salman Abdelazize Al-Saud of Saudi Arabia is seen in the center of the view.

Michael Foale, who flew six missions into space, speaks during the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame ceremony. The ceremony took place in the Space Shuttle Atlantis facility at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida.

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.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the KSC Visitor Complex, actor and Master of Ceremonies Lance Henriksen (at podium) introduces four newly inducted Space Shuttle astronauts to the audience at their induction ceremony into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. From left center, they are Story Musgrave, Sally K. Ride, Daniel Brandenstein, and Robert "Hoot" Gibson. Also standing, left, is former astronaut James A. Lovell. Conceived by six of the Mercury Program astronauts, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame opened in 1990 to provide a place where space travelers could be remembered for their participation and accomplishments in the U.S. space program. The four new inductees join 48 previously honored astronauts from the ranks of the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Apollo-Soyuz, and Space Shuttle programs.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Center Director and former astronaut Roy D. Bridges, Jr., (holding scissors) cuts the ribbon at a ceremony officially opening the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame as part of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Invited guests and dignitaries look on, such as former astronauts Edgar D. Mitchell on Bridges' left and James Lovell (hand up) and Buzz Aldrin on his right. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the induction of four Space Shuttle astronauts into the Hall of Fame including Daniel Brandenstein, Robert "Hoot" Gibson, Story Musgrave, and Sally Ride. Conceived by six of the Mercury Program astronauts, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame opened in 1990 to provide a place where space travelers could be remembered for their participation and accomplishments in the U.S. space program. The four new inductees join 48 previously honored astronauts from the ranks of the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Apollo-Soyuz, and Space Shuttle programs.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Daniel LeBlanc, chief operating officer of Delaware North Companies Parks and Resorts at KSC, makes the opening remarks to hundreds of guests and media representatives attending a ribbon cutting ceremony officially opening the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame as part of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the induction of four Space Shuttle astronauts into the Hall of Fame including Daniel Brandenstein, Robert "Hoot" Gibson, Story Musgrave, and Sally Ride. Conceived by six of the Mercury Program astronauts, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame opened in 1990 to provide a place where space travelers could be remembered for their participation and accomplishments in the U.S. space program. The four new inductees join 48 previously honored astronauts from the ranks of the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Apollo-Soyuz, and Space Shuttle programs.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the KSC Visitor Complex, former astronaut Robert "Hoot" Gibson (at podium) addresses the audience at his induction ceremony into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Also standing is former astronaut James A. Lovell. Seated on the dais, from left, are actor and Master of Ceremonies Lance Henriksen and former astronaut John H. Glenn. Also being inducted with Gibson are Space Shuttle astronauts Daniel Brandenstein, Story Musgrave, and Sally K. Ride. Conceived by six of the Mercury Program astronauts, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame opened in 1990 to provide a place where space travelers could be remembered for their participation and accomplishments in the U.S. space program. The four new inductees join 48 previously honored astronauts from the ranks of the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Apollo-Soyuz, and Space Shuttle programs.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the KSC Visitor Complex, former astronaut John H. Glenn (at podium) presents former astronaut Robert "Hoot" Gibson (standing right) at his induction ceremony into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Also standing is former astronaut James A. Lovell. Seated on the dais, from left, are actor and Master of Ceremonies Lance Henriksen (left), and former astronauts Sally K. Ride and Daniel Brandenstein (right), both inducted into the Hall of Fame today. Also being inducted is Space Shuttle astronaut Story Musgrave. Conceived by six of the Mercury Program astronauts, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame opened in 1990 to provide a place where space travelers could be remembered for their participation and accomplishments in the U.S. space program. The four new inductees join 48 previously honored astronauts from the ranks of the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Apollo-Soyuz, and Space Shuttle programs.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the KSC Visitor Complex, actor and Master of Ceremonies Lance Henriksen (at podium) introduces four newly inducted Space Shuttle astronauts to the audience at their induction ceremony into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. From left center, they are Story Musgrave, Sally K. Ride, Daniel Brandenstein, and Robert "Hoot" Gibson. Also standing, left, is former astronaut James A. Lovell. Conceived by six of the Mercury Program astronauts, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame opened in 1990 to provide a place where space travelers could be remembered for their participation and accomplishments in the U.S. space program. The four new inductees join 48 previously honored astronauts from the ranks of the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Apollo-Soyuz, and Space Shuttle programs.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Former astronaut James Lovell addresses the audience at a ribbon cutting ceremony officially opening the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame as part of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the induction of four Space Shuttle astronauts into the Hall of Fame including Daniel Brandenstein, Robert "Hoot" Gibson, Story Musgrave, and Sally Ride. Conceived by six of the Mercury Program astronauts, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame opened in 1990 to provide a place where space travelers could be remembered for their participation and accomplishments in the U.S. space program. The four new inductees join 48 previously honored astronauts from the ranks of the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Apollo-Soyuz, and Space Shuttle programs.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Center Director and former astronaut Roy D. Bridges, Jr., (holding scissors) cuts the ribbon at a ceremony officially opening the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame as part of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Invited guests and dignitaries look on, such as former astronauts Edgar D. Mitchell on Bridges' left and James Lovell on his right. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the induction of four Space Shuttle astronauts into the Hall of Fame including Daniel Brandenstein, Robert "Hoot" Gibson, Story Musgrave, and Sally Ride. Conceived by six of the Mercury Program astronauts, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame opened in 1990 to provide a place where space travelers could be remembered for their participation and accomplishments in the U.S. space program. The four new inductees join 48 previously honored astronauts from the ranks of the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Apollo-Soyuz, and Space Shuttle programs.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During opening ceremonies for the new 90,000-square-foot "Space Shuttle Atlantis" facility at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden speaks to guests gathered for the ceremony. The new $100 million facility includes interactive exhibits that tell the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlight the future of space exploration. The "Space Shuttle Atlantis" exhibit formally opened to the public on June 29, 2013.Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During opening ceremonies for the new 90,000-square-foot "Space Shuttle Atlantis" facility at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, center director Bob Cabana speaks to guests gathered for the ceremony. The new $100 million facility includes interactive exhibits that tell the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlight the future of space exploration. The "Space Shuttle Atlantis" exhibit formally opened to the public on June 29, 2013.Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Director Jody Singer looks solemnly toward a display honoring the crews of space shuttle Columbia STS-107, space shuttle Challenger STS-51L and Apollo 1 during the center's Day of Remembrance ceremony Feb. 7. Singer, former astronaut Jan Davis, and Marshall Safety and Mission Assurance Directorate Director Rick Burt, spoke at the annual ceremony, which honors those who lost their lives in the quest of space exploration and those who dedicated their lives to space exploration. The ceremony concluded with Singer lighting a candle in memory of the honorees and a moment of silence led by Johnny Stephenson, director of the Office of Strategic Analysis & Communications.

A wreath has been placed in front of the Space Mirror Memorial during the Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on Jan. 26, 2023. The event honored the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives in the pursuit of spaceflight. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Columbia tragedy. This year’s ceremony was hosted by the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, which was founded after the shuttle Challenger accident in 1986 to honor the sacrifices of fallen astronauts each year.

Retired NASA astronaut Eileen Collins speaks during NASA’s Day of Remembrance ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, inside the Center for Space Education at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The annual event honors the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives in the pursuit of spaceflight. This year’s ceremony was hosted by the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, which was founded after the shuttle Challenger accident in 1986 to honor the sacrifices of fallen astronauts each year.

A ceremony dedicated the KSC Press Site auditorium as the John Holliman Auditorium to honor the correspondent for his enthusiastic, dedicated coverage of America's space program. The auditorium was built in 1980 and has been the focal point for news coverage of Space Shuttle launches. The ceremony followed the 94th launch of a Space Shuttle, on mission STS-96, earlier this morning

Former Kennedy Space Center director, Bob Cabana, speaks during NASA’s Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. The annual event commemorates the crews of Apollo 1 and the space shuttles Challenger and Columbia. Marking the 40th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy, NASA Kennedy and the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, which was founded after the shuttle Challenger accident in 1986 to honor the sacrifices of fallen astronauts, hosted this year’s ceremony.

The Space Mirror Memorial is in view before the start of the Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on Jan. 26, 2023. The event honored the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives in the pursuit of spaceflight. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Columbia tragedy. This year’s ceremony was hosted by the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, which was founded after the shuttle Challenger accident in 1986 to honor the sacrifices of fallen astronauts each year.

Members of the Viera High School JROTC Honor Guard present colors during the Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on Jan. 26, 2023. The event honored the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives in the pursuit of spaceflight. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Columbia tragedy. This year’s ceremony was hosted by the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, which was founded after the shuttle Challenger accident in 1986 to honor the sacrifices of fallen astronauts each year.

Astronauts Memorial Foundation President and CEO Thad Altman speaks during NASA’s Day of Remembrance ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, inside the Center for Space Education at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The annual event honors the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives in the pursuit of spaceflight. This year’s ceremony was hosted by the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, which was founded after the shuttle Challenger accident in 1986 to honor the sacrifices of fallen astronauts each year.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the KSC Visitor Complex, former astronaut James Lovell makes the opening remarks at the induction ceremony of four Space Shuttle astronauts into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Being inducted are Daniel Brandenstein, Robert "Hoot" Gibson, Story Musgrave, and Sally Ride. Conceived by six of the Mercury Program astronauts, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame opened in 1990 to provide a place where space travelers could be remembered for their participation and accomplishments in the U.S. space program. The four new inductees join 48 previously honored astronauts from the ranks of the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Apollo-Soyuz, and Space Shuttle programs.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Reporters at the dedication ceremony of a NASA hangar at the San Jose, Costa Rica, airport observe the WB-57f takeoff for its sixth Costa Rican flight. KSC and NASA researchers are testing the Aircraft-based Volcanic Emission Mass Spectrometer (AVEMS) that determines the presence and concentration of various chemicals. It is being tested in flights over the Turrialba volcano in Costa Rica, and in the crater, sampling and analyzing fresh volcanic gases in their natural chemical state. The AVEMS system has been developed for use in the Space Shuttle program, to detect toxic gas leaks and emissions in the Shuttle’s aft compartment and the crew compartment.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (left) explains recovery and reconstruction efforts of Columbia to the Executive Director of NASDA Koji Yamamoto (second from left) and others visiting the Columbia Debris Hangar. Mr. Yamamoto is at KSC for a welcome ceremony involving the arrival of the newest Space Station module, the Japanese Experiment Module/pressurized module.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (right) explains recovery and reconstruction efforts of Columbia to the Executive Director of NASDA Koji Yamamoto (second from left) and others visiting the Columbia Debris Hangar. Mr. Yamamoto is at KSC for a welcome ceremony involving the arrival of the newest Space Station module, the Japanese Experiment Module/pressurized module.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On a KSC visit, Executive Director of NASDA Koji Yamamoto (kneeling, left) reaches out to a piece of Columbia debris in the Columbia Debris Hangar. At right is Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach, who is explaining recovery and reconstruction efforts. Mr. Yamamoto is at KSC for a welcome ceremony involving the arrival of the newest Space Station module, the Japanese Experiment Module/pressurized module.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (right) explains recovery and reconstruction efforts of Columbia to the Executive Director of NASDA Koji Yamamoto (center, foreground) and others visiting the Columbia Debris Hangar. Mr. Yamamoto is at KSC for a welcome ceremony involving the arrival of the newest Space Station module, the Japanese Experiment Module/pressurized module.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (second from left) accompanies Executive Director of NASDA Koji Yamamoto (fourth from left) and others visiting the Columbia Debris Hangar. Mr. Yamamoto is at KSC for a welcome ceremony involving the arrival of the newest Space Station module, the Japanese Experiment Module/pressurized module.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (second from left) explains recovery and reconstruction efforts of Columbia to the Executive Director of NASDA Koji Yamamoto (fourth from left) and others visiting the Columbia Debris Hangar. Mr. Yamamoto is at KSC for a welcome ceremony involving the arrival of the newest Space Station module, the Japanese Experiment Module/pressurized module.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (right) explains recovery and reconstruction efforts of Columbia to the Executive Director of NASDA Koji Yamamoto (third from left) and others visiting the Columbia Debris Hangar. Mr. Yamamoto is at KSC for a welcome ceremony involving the arrival of the newest Space Station module, the Japanese Experiment Module/pressurized module.

Veteran NASA astronauts James Buchli and Janet Kavandi were inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in a public ceremony at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction on April 6, 2019.

Veteran NASA astronauts James Buchli and Janet Kavandi were inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in a public ceremony at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction on April 6, 2019.

Veteran NASA astronauts James Buchli and Janet Kavandi were inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in a public ceremony at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction on April 6, 2019.

Veteran NASA astronauts James Buchli and Janet Kavandi were inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in a public ceremony at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction on April 6, 2019.

Veteran NASA astronauts James Buchli and Janet Kavandi were inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in a public ceremony at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction on April 6, 2019.

Veteran NASA astronauts James Buchli and Janet Kavandi were inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in a public ceremony at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction on April 6, 2019.

Veteran NASA astronauts James Buchli and Janet Kavandi were inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in a public ceremony at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction on April 6, 2019.

Veteran NASA astronauts James Buchli and Janet Kavandi were inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in a public ceremony at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction on April 6, 2019.

Veteran NASA astronauts James Buchli and Janet Kavandi were inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in a public ceremony at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction on April 6, 2019.

Veteran NASA astronauts James Buchli and Janet Kavandi were inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in a public ceremony at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction on April 6, 2019.

Veteran NASA astronauts James Buchli and Janet Kavandi were inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in a public ceremony at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction on April 6, 2019.

Veteran NASA astronauts James Buchli and Janet Kavandi were inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in a public ceremony at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction on April 6, 2019.

Veteran NASA astronauts James Buchli and Janet Kavandi were inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in a public ceremony at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction on April 6, 2019.

Veteran NASA astronauts James Buchli and Janet Kavandi were inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in a public ceremony at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction on April 6, 2019.

Veteran NASA astronauts James Buchli and Janet Kavandi were inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in a public ceremony at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction on April 6, 2019.

Veteran NASA astronauts James Buchli and Janet Kavandi were inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in a public ceremony at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction on April 6, 2019.

Veteran NASA astronauts James Buchli and Janet Kavandi were inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in a public ceremony at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction on April 6, 2019.

Veteran NASA astronauts James Buchli and Janet Kavandi were inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in a public ceremony at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction on April 6, 2019.

Veteran NASA astronauts James Buchli and Janet Kavandi were inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in a public ceremony at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction on April 6, 2019.

Veteran NASA astronauts James Buchli and Janet Kavandi were inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in a public ceremony at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction on April 6, 2019.

Veteran NASA astronauts James Buchli and Janet Kavandi were inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in a public ceremony at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction on April 6, 2019.

Veteran NASA astronauts James Buchli and Janet Kavandi were inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in a public ceremony at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction on April 6, 2019.

Veteran NASA astronauts James Buchli and Janet Kavandi were inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in a public ceremony at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction on April 6, 2019.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –– The three newest inductees into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame proudly join current members after the induction ceremony held at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. In front, from left, are George "Pinky" Nelson, who was one of only six space shuttle astronauts to fly untethered in space using NASA's Manned Maneuvering Unit; William Shepherd, who was commander of the first crew to live aboard the International Space Station; and James Wetherbee, who was commander of the longest-docked shuttle-Mir mission. The ceremony was held at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The ceremony took place May 2. More than 20 hall of fame astronauts attended, including Scott Carpenter, Walt Cunningham, Jim Lovell and Bob Crippen. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

STS-135 pilot Doug Hurley signs a welcome home banner before a welcome home ceremony for the crew of the space shuttle Atlantis, the final mission of the NASA shuttle program, at Ellington Field in Houston on Friday, July 22, 2011. ( NASA Photo / Houston Chronicle, Smiley N. Pool )

A large crowd of supporters welcomes home the crew of STS-135 during a ceremony for the crew of the space shuttle Atlantis, the final mission of the NASA shuttle program, at Ellington Field in Houston on Friday, July 22, 2011. ( NASA Photo / Houston Chronicle, Smiley N. Pool )

A large crowd of supporters welcomes home the crew of STS-135 during a ceremony for the crew of the space shuttle Atlantis, the final mission of the NASA shuttle program, at Ellington Field in Houston on Friday, July 22, 2011. ( NASA Photo / Houston Chronicle, Smiley N. Pool )

In the Space Shuttle Atlantis facility at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, guests sit under the famed spacecraft during the U.S. Hall of Fame activity. During this year's ceremonies, space shuttle astronauts Ellen Ochoa and Michael Foale were enshrined.

Ellen Ochoa, who was a mission specialist on four space shuttle missions, speaks during the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame ceremony. She is now director of NASA's Johnson Space Center. The activity took place in the Space Shuttle Atlantis facility at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida.

Overall view of the audience at the memorial service at JSC for the Crew of STS 51-L.

51L-S-127 (31 Jan. 1986) --- A wide angle lens was used to capture only a portion of the crowd gathered for memorial services for the seven members of the STS-51L Challenger crew at the Johnson Space Center. President Ronald Reagan speaks at the lectern at far left edge of the frame. The photographer for the picture was positioned on a large platform erected to accommodate the many members of the news media on hand for the event. Photo credit: NASA

S86-26436 (31 Jan. 1986) --- The United States flag, in front of the Johnson Space Center’s (JSC) project management building, flies at half-mast in memory of the seven space shuttle Challenger crew members who lost their lives on Jan. 28, 1986. Earlier today, memorial services about 100 yards from the flag drew thousands of JSC employees, friends and family of the STS-51L astronauts and payload specialists. Photo credit: NASA

Family and friends of the STS 51-L crew prepare to be seated at the Memorial service at JSC. In the center of the view appears to be the family of Astronaut Ellison Onizuka.

51L-S-108 (31 Jan. 1986) --- Barbara R. Morgan, 51-L backup payload specialist to Christa McAuliffe, with others on the stage at the Memorial service for the Challenger Seven at JSC. Photo credit: NASA

S86-26428 (31 Jan. 1986) --- Dozens of cameras and thousands of eyes focus on President Ronald Reagan (out of frame at left) during the 51-L memorial services Jan. 31 on the mall at the Johnson Space Center (JSC). The photograph was taken from special bleachers quickly erected to accommodate hundreds of members of the news media. The audience of thousands was largely made up of JSC employees and family and friends of the Challenger crew members who perished four days earlier in the attempted launch of NASA’s 25th STS mission. Photo credit: NASA

51F-S-162 (6 Aug 1985) ---Mission Operations Director George W.S. Abbey, right, shakes hands with Astronaut C. Gordon Fullerton, as the seven-member 51F crew descends from its "home" for eight days. Other Challenger crewmembers egressing the spacecraft are, left to right, F. Story Musgrave, mission specialist; John-David Bartoe, payload specialist; Roy D. Bridges, Jr., Karl J. Henize, mission specialist; Loren W. Acton, payload specialist; and Anthony W. England, mission specicalist. Fullerton, commander, earlier successfully landed Challenger on a Mojave desert dry lake bed. Three years ago, Fullerton was pilot of STS-3, on which the Columbia's scheduled Edwards landing was moved to New Mexico because of weather and runway conditions here.

Overall view of the news media at the memorial service at JSC for the Crew of STS 51-L.

Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana speaks during a wreath-laying ceremony honoring former astronaut Owen Garriott on April 18, 2019. The ceremony was held at the Heroes and Legends exhibit within the Astronaut Hall of Fame at the center’s visitor complex in Florida. Garriott flew aboard the Skylab space station during the Skylab 3 mission and also on space shuttle Columbia for the STS-9/Spacelab-1 mission. He passed away April 15 at the age of 88.

A memorial wreath has been placed in the Heroes and Legends exhibit at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida following a ceremony honoring the memory of former astronaut Owen Garriott. The ceremony was held April 18, 2019. Garriott flew aboard the Skylab space station during the Skylab 3 mission and also on space shuttle Columbia for the STS-9/Spacelab-1 mission. He passed away April 15 at the age of 88.

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

Former NASA astronaut Jon McBride shares a few words during a wreath-laying ceremony honoring astronaut Owen Garriott on April 18, 2019. The ceremony was held at the Heroes and Legends exhibit within the Astronaut Hall of Fame at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Garriott flew aboard the Skylab space station during the Skylab 3 mission and also on space shuttle Columbia for the STS-9/Spacelab-1 mission. He passed away April 15 at the age of 88.

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

Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana is photographed at a wreath-laying ceremony honoring former astronaut Owen Garriott. The ceremony was held April 18, 2019, at the Heroes and Legends exhibit within the Astronaut Hall of Fame at the Florida spaceport’s visitor complex. Garriott flew aboard the Skylab space station during the Skylab 3 mission and also on space shuttle Columbia for the STS-9/Spacelab-1 mission. He passed away April 15 at the age of 88.

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

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

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

Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, is photographed at a wreath-laying ceremony honoring former astronaut Owen Garriott on April 18, 2019. The ceremony was held at the Heroes and Legends exhibit within the Astronaut Hall of Fame at the center’s visitor complex in Florida. Garriott flew aboard the Skylab space station during the Skylab 3 mission and also on space shuttle Columbia for the STS-9/Spacelab-1 mission. He passed away April 15 at the age of 88.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Center Director Bob Cabana takes part in a ceremony paying tribute to the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other NASA colleagues, during NASA's Day of Remembrance observance Jan. 29. The public was invited to the wreath-laying ceremony in front of the Space Mirror Memorial, on which are engraved the names of NASA's heroes who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

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

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

A memorial wreath has been placed in the Heroes and Legends exhibit at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida following a ceremony honoring the memory of former astronaut Owen Garriott. The ceremony was held April 18, 2019. Garriott flew aboard the Skylab space station during the Skylab 3 mission and also on space shuttle Columbia for the STS-9/Spacelab-1 mission. He passed away April 15 at the age of 88.

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –– U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame member Al Worden presents a medal to James Wetherbee as a new inductee into the hall of fame. The ceremony was held at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Wetherbee was commander of the longest-docked shuttle-Mir mission. The ceremony took place May 2. More than 20 hall of fame astronauts attended, including Scott Carpenter, Walt Cunningham, Jim Lovell and Bob Crippen. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

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

In the Heroes and Legends exhibit at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, a memorial wreath was placed following a ceremony honoring the memory of former astronaut Owen Garriott. The ceremony was held April 18, 2019. Garriott flew aboard the Skylab space station during the Skylab 3 mission and also on space shuttle Columbia for the STS-9/Spacelab-1 mission. He passed away April 15 at the age of 88.

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

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

In the Heroes and Legends exhibit at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, a memorial wreath was placed following a ceremony honoring the memory of former astronaut Owen Garriott. The ceremony was held April 18, 2019. Garriott flew aboard the Skylab space station during the Skylab 3 mission and also on space shuttle Columbia for the STS-9/Spacelab-1 mission. He passed away April 15 at the age of 88.

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

A photo of former astronaut Owen Garriott is displayed during a memorial ceremony at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The ceremony was held April 18, 2019, at the Heroes and Legends exhibit within the Astronaut Hall of Fame at the center’s visitor complex. Garriott flew aboard the Skylab space station during the Skylab 3 mission and also on space shuttle Columbia for the STS-9/Spacelab-1 mission. He passed away April 15 at the age of 88.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Patrick Air Force Base honor guard participates in the Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Space center employees and guests gathered at the Space Mirror Memorial at the visitor complex for the annual event which took place on the 10th anniversary of the loss of the space shuttle Columbia and its crew. The ceremony also honored the astronauts of Apollo 1 and the shuttle Challenger. Dedicated in 1991, the names of fallen astronauts are emblazoned the Space Mirror Memorial's 4.5-foot-high-by-50-foot-wide polished black granite surface which reflects the sky and has been designated by Congress as a National Memorial. Image credit: NASA Television

Members of the Viera High School JROTC Honor Guard observe a minute of silence during the Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on Jan. 26, 2023. The event honored the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives in the pursuit of spaceflight. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Columbia tragedy. This year’s ceremony was hosted by the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, which was founded after the shuttle Challenger accident in 1986 to honor the sacrifices of fallen astronauts each year.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Patrick Air Force Base honor guard participates in the Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Space center employees and guests gathered at the Space Mirror Memorial at the spaceport's visitor complex for the annual event which took place on the 10th anniversary of the loss of the space shuttle Columbia and its crew. The ceremony also honored the astronauts of Apollo 1 and the shuttle Challenger. Dedicated in 1991, the names of fallen astronauts are emblazoned the Space Mirror Memorial's 4.5-foot-high-by-50-foot-wide polished black granite surface which reflects the sky and has been designated by Congress as a National Memorial. Image credit: NASA Television

From left, Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Kelvin Manning; Sheryl Chaffee, Astronauts Memorial Foundation (AMF) Board of Directors chairperson; and NASA Associate Administrator Bob Cabana, attend the Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on Jan. 26, 2023. The event honored the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives in the pursuit of spaceflight. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Columbia tragedy. This year’s ceremony was hosted by the AMF, which was founded after the shuttle Challenger accident in 1986 to honor the sacrifices of fallen astronauts each year.

Former Kennedy Space Center director, Bob Cabana (left), speaks to Jane Smith-Wolcott, widow of Challenger pilot Michael Smith, during NASA’s Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. The annual event commemorates the crews of Apollo 1 and the space shuttles Challenger and Columbia. Marking the 40th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy, NASA Kennedy and the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, which was founded after the shuttle Challenger accident in 1986 to honor the sacrifices of fallen astronauts, hosted this year’s ceremony.

A member of the Brevard County Fire Rescue Honor Guard rings the bell during NASA’s Day of Remembrance ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, inside the Center for Space Education at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The annual event honors the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives in the pursuit of spaceflight. This year’s ceremony was hosted by the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, which was founded after the shuttle Challenger accident in 1986 to honor the sacrifices of fallen astronauts each year.

NASA Administrator Daniel S. Goldin hands Mrs. Dianne Holliman a plaque honoring her late husband, John Holliman, a CNN national correspondent. Standing behind Goldin is Center Director Roy Bridges. At right is Tom Johnson, news group chairman of CNN. A ceremony dedicated the KSC Press Site auditorium as the John Holliman Auditorium to honor the correspondent for his enthusiastic, dedicated coverage of America's space program. The auditorium was built in 1980 and has been the focal point for new coverage of Space Shuttle launches. The ceremony followed the 94th launch of a Space Shuttle, on mission STS-96, earlier this morning