
UP Aerospace SpaceLoft rocket launched into space Sept 12, 2018 from Spaceport America in New Mexico carrying three NASA technologies onboard to test in microgravity.

UP Aerospace SpaceLoft rocket launched into space Sept 12, 2018 from Spaceport America in New Mexico carrying three NASA technologies onboard to test in microgravity.

UP Aerospace SpaceLoft rocket launched into space Sept 12, 2018 from Spaceport America in New Mexico carrying three NASA technologies onboard to test in microgravity.

UP Aerospace SpaceLoft rocket launched into space Sept 12, 2018 from Spaceport America in New Mexico carrying three NASA technologies onboard to test in microgravity.

UP Aerospace SpaceLoft rocket launched into space Sept 12, 2018 from Spaceport America in New Mexico carrying three NASA technologies onboard to test in microgravity.

The John F. Kennedy Space Center, America spaceport, is located along Florida eastern shore on Cape Canaveral. Established as NASA Launch Operations Center on July 1, 1962, This image was acquired by NASA Terra spacecraft.

NASA's Flight Opportunities funds flight of space technology on UP Aerospace's rocket poised to launch at Spaceport America in New Mexico.

NASA's Flight Opportunities funds flight of space technology on UP Aerospace's rocket poised to launch at Spaceport America in New Mexico.

NASA's Flight Opportunities funds flight of space technology on UP Aerospace's rocket poised to launch at Spaceport America in New Mexico.

NASA’s Flight Opportunities funds flight of space technology on UP Aerospace’s rocket poised to launch at Spaceport America in New Mexico.

NASA’s Flight Opportunities funds flight of space technology on UP Aerospace’s rocket poised to launch at Spaceport America in New Mexico.

NASA's Flight Opportunities funds flight of space technology on UP Aerospace's rocket poised to launch at Spaceport America in New Mexico.

NASA’s Flight Opportunities funds flight of space technology on UP Aerospace’s rocket poised to launch at Spaceport America in New Mexico.

NASA's Flight Opportunities funds flight of space technology on UP Aerospace's rocket poised to launch at Spaceport America in New Mexico.

NASA’s Flight Opportunities funds flight of space technology on UP Aerospace’s rocket poised to launch at Spaceport America in New Mexico.

Shown is remnants of the former headquarters building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on Jan. 11, 2022. Built in 1965, the 439,000-square-foot structure was demolished and replaced at the Florida spaceport by the 200,000-square-foot, seven-story Central Campus Headquarters (CCHQ) Building. The CCHQ is a modernized, energy efficient facility representative of Kennedy’s transformation to America’s premier multi-user spaceport. The area previously occupied by the old headquarters building will be utilized as greenspace.

In the foreground is remnants of the former headquarters building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on Jan. 11, 2022. Built in 1965, the 439,000-square-foot structure was demolished and replaced at the Florida spaceport by the 200,000-square-foot, seven-story Central Campus Headquarters (CCHQ) Building, shown in the background. The CCHQ is a modernized, energy efficient facility representative of Kennedy’s transformation to America’s premier multi-user spaceport. It opened in May 2019. The area previously occupied by the old headquarters building will be utilized as greenspace.

Shown on Jan. 11, 2022, is the area formerly occupied by the headquarters building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Built in 1965, the 439,000-square-foot-structure was demolished and replaced at the Florida spaceport by the 200,000-square-foot, seven-story Central Campus Headquarters (CCHQ) Building. The CCHQ is a modernized, energy efficient facility representative of Kennedy’s transformation to America’s premier multi-user spaceport. It opened in May 2019. The area previously occupied by the old headquarters building will be utilized as greenspace.

Kennedy Space Center Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson speaks during a ceremony renaming the Florida spaceport’s launch control center to the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center on Feb. 22, 2022. Petrone was instrumental in America’s first voyages to the Moon and headed the Apollo program. He died in 2006 at the age of 80.

Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Kelvin Manning speaks during a ceremony renaming the Florida spaceport’s launch control center to the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center on Feb. 22, 2022. Petrone was instrumental in America’s first voyages to the Moon and headed the Apollo program. He died in 2006 at the age of 80.

Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro speaks during a ceremony renaming the Florida spaceport’s launch control center to the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center on Feb. 22, 2022. Petrone was instrumental in America’s first voyages to the Moon and headed the Apollo program. He died in 2006 at the age of 80.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, social media participants were given an opportunity to go inside the spaceport's Vehicle Assembly Building. After serving through the Apollo and Space Shuttle Programs, the structure now is undergoing renovations to accommodate future launch vehicles and to continue as a major part of America's efforts to explore space. The social media participants gathered at the Florida spaceport for the launch of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, or TDRS-L spacecraft. Their visit included tours of key facilities and participating in presentations by key NASA leaders who updated the space agency's current efforts. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

Supervisory employees from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center participated in the Supervisor Cohort “Action Day” hosted by Leadership for the Future at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on Friday, June 7, 2024. NASA Kennedy’s Leadership for the Future supervisor cohort initiative focuses on creating a space for supervisors to engage in providing solutions for important topics on center, as well as supporting the development of the supervisory community. The Leadership for the Future Champions hosted the Action Day to share expectations, form the teams, scope the projects, and launch. Leadership for the Future Champions, comprising several of the spaceport’s senior leaders, select the supervisor cohorts with the goal of advancing the spaceport, the agency, and America’s leadership in space.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, social media participants were given an opportunity to go inside the spaceport's Vehicle Assembly Building. After serving through the Apollo and Space Shuttle Programs, the structure now is undergoing renovations to accommodate future launch vehicles and to continue as a major part of America's efforts to explore space. The social media participants gathered at the Florida spaceport for the launch of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, or TDRS-L spacecraft. Their visit included tours of key facilities and participating in presentations by key NASA leaders who updated the space agency's current efforts. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, social media participants were given an opportunity to go inside the spaceport's Vehicle Assembly Building. After serving through the Apollo and Space Shuttle Programs, the structure now is undergoing renovations to accommodate future launch vehicles and to continue as a major part of America's efforts to explore space. The social media participants gathered at the Florida spaceport for the launch of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, or TDRS-L spacecraft. Their visit included tours of key facilities and participating in presentations by key NASA leaders who updated the space agency's current efforts. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

Arthur Muir, a retired Chicago attorney and America’s oldest Mt. Everest summiteer, addresses the audience during the inaugural Cross-Program Connection event at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Space Station Processing Facility on March 8, 2023. Muir, 75, was the speaker at the Florida spaceport function titled “Explorers Doing the Impossible.” He toured Kennedy before sharing his experiences in overcoming incredible challenges during his journey to the top of Earth’s highest mountain.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – From left, Robert Novak, Jacob Walls and Felix Gamez of Qinetiq North America work on the installation of new antennas in the antenna field for NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Doppler radar wind profiler. Located near the spaceport’s Shuttle Landing Facility runway, the profiler is being upgraded to a new, state-of-the-art version that will help forecasters and launch teams characterize upper-level winds in the area. This profiler will help in the detection of wind-shear conditions during launch. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky

The United States Naval Academy Glee Club performs for Kennedy Space Center employees at the Florida spaceport on March 10, 2020. As part of the celebration, Kennedy Director Bob Cabana discussed the deep historical ties between NASA and the U.S. Navy. The highly acclaimed Glee Club has achieved prominence as one of America’s premier choral ensembles, performing throughout the nation each year.

The United States Naval Academy Glee Club performs for Kennedy Space Center employees at the Florida spaceport on March 10, 2020. As part of the celebration, Kennedy Director Bob Cabana discussed the deep historical ties between NASA and the U.S. Navy. The highly acclaimed Glee Club has achieved prominence as one of America’s premier choral ensembles, performing throughout the nation each year.

Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro addresses friends, colleagues, and family following her acceptance of the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award on June 24, 2022, during a ceremony held at the Florida spaceport’s visitor complex. The National Space Club Florida Committee presented Petro with the prestigious award for her contributions to America’s aerospace efforts within the state of Florida. The award – originating in 1990 – is named after Kennedy’s first director.

Shown is a display honoring former Kennedy Space Center launch director Rocco Petrone at the Florida spaceport on Feb. 22, 2022. During a ceremony held at Kennedy, the launch control center was officially renamed to the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center. Petrone was instrumental in America’s first voyages to the Moon and headed the Apollo program. He died in 2006 at the age of 80.

A display dedicated to former Kennedy Space Center launch director Rocco Petrone is viewed at Kennedy Space Center on Feb. 22, 2022. During a ceremony held at the Florida spaceport, Kennedy’s launch control center was officially renamed to the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center. Petrone was instrumental in America’s first voyages to the Moon and headed the Apollo program. He died in 2006 at the age of 80.

A look at some of the items that were dropped off by Kennedy Space Center employees at the Florida spaceport’s “America Recycles Day” event in the Vehicle Assembly Building parking lot on Nov. 13, 2019. Kennedy partnered with Goodwill Industries and several other organizations to put on the annual two-day event. A second collection day took place near the Kennedy Learning Institute. This year, employees accounted for 211 drop-offs, totaling approximately 5,500 pounds.

From left, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-FL, Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, and Sen. Rick Scott, R-FL, pause for a photo during the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship field hearing on July 19, 2019, in the Astronaut Memorial Foundation facility at the Florida spaceport’s visitor complex. The topic of the field hearing was “Moon Landings to Mars Exploration: The Role of Small Business Innovation in America’s Space Program.”

Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, left, shakes hands with Captain Ben Shupp, commanding officer, Naval Ordnance Test Unit, at the Florida spaceport on March 10, 2020. The United States Naval Academy Glee Club performed for Kennedy employees during a special celebration, which included Cabana discussing the deep historical ties between NASA and the U.S. Navy. The highly acclaimed Glee Club has achieved prominence as one of America’s premier choral ensembles, performing throughout the nation each year.

Household items are dropped off in the Vehicle Assembly Building parking lot at Kennedy Space Center on Nov. 13, 2019, as part of America Recycles Day. The Florida spaceport partnered with Goodwill Industries and several other organizations to put on the annual two-day event. A second collection day took place near the Kennedy Learning Institute. This year, employees accounted for 211 drop-offs, totaling approximately 5,500 pounds.

National Space Club Florida Chapter Chair Tara Miller presents Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro with the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award during a ceremony held at the Florida spaceport’s visitor complex on June 24, 2022. The committee presented Petro with the prestigious award for her contributions to America’s aerospace efforts within the state of Florida. The award – originating in 1990 – is named after Kennedy’s first director.

Sandhill cranes pose in front of the Central Campus Headquarters (CCHQ) Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Jan. 11, 2022. The CCHQ is a modernized, energy efficient facility representative of Kennedy’s transformation to America’s premier multi-user spaceport. It opened in May 2019. Built in 1965, the former headquarters building was recently demolished. The area previously occupied by the 439,000 square-foot-facility will be utilized as greenspace.

Scott Henderson, vice president of Test and Operations at Blue Origin, speaks at a ceremony honoring Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro with the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award on June 24, 2022, at the Florida spaceport’s visitor complex. The National Space Club Florida Committee presented Petro with the prestigious award for her contributions to America’s aerospace efforts within the state of Florida. The award – originating in 1990 – is named after Kennedy’s first director.

A sign points the way to Kennedy Space Center’s “America Recycles Day” event in the Vehicle Assembly Building parking lot on Nov. 13, 2019. The Florida spaceport partnered with Goodwill Industries and several other organizations to put on the annual two-day event. A second collection day took place near the Kennedy Learning Institute. This year, employees accounted for 211 drop-offs, totaling approximately 5,500 pounds.

Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro addresses friends, colleagues, and family following her acceptance of the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award on June 24, 2022, during a ceremony held at the Florida spaceport’s visitor complex. The National Space Club Florida Committee presented Petro with the prestigious award for her contributions to America’s aerospace efforts within the state of Florida. The award – originating in 1990 – is named after Kennedy’s first director.

Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro is photographed in the audience during an award ceremony held in her honor on June 24, 2022, at the Florida spaceport’s visitor complex. The National Space Club Florida Committee presented Petro with the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award for her contributions to America’s aerospace efforts within the state of Florida. The award – originating in 1990 – is named after Kennedy’s first director.

NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Deputy Director Janet Petro welcomes guests and introduces KSC Director, Robert Cabana, Thursday, July 6, 2017, at the Vehicle Assembly Building at KSC in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Vice President Mike Pence is also scheduled to speak at the event to highlight innovations made in America and tour some of the public/private partnership work that is helping to transform the center into a multi-user spaceport. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – From left, Jacob Walls and Felix Gamez of Qinetiq North America work on the installation of new antennas in the antenna field for NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Doppler radar wind profiler. Located near the spaceport’s Shuttle Landing Facility runway, the profiler is being upgraded to a new, state-of-the-art version that will help forecasters and launch teams characterize upper-level winds in the area. This profiler will help in the detection of wind-shear conditions during launch. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky

Acting NASA Director, Robert Lightfoot, welcomes guests and introduces Vice President Mike Pence, Thursday, July 6, 2017, at the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Vice President Mike Pence is also scheduled to speak at the event to highlight innovations made in America and tour some of the public/private partnership work that is helping to transform the center into a multi-user spaceport. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Sandhill cranes dig in the ground in front of the Central Campus Headquarters (CCHQ) Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Jan. 11, 2022. The CCHQ is a modernized, energy efficient facility representative of Kennedy’s transformation to America’s premier multi-user spaceport. It opened in May 2019. Built in 1965, the former headquarters building was recently demolished. The area previously occupied by the 439,000 square-foot-facility will be utilized as greenspace.

NASA Associate Administrator, Jen Rae Wang welcomes guests and introduces Deputy Director, Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Janet Petro, Thursday, July 6, 2017, at the Vehicle Assembly Building at KSC in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Vice President Mike Pence is also scheduled to speak at the event to highlight innovations made in America and tour some of the public/private partnership work that is helping to transform the center into a multi-user spaceport. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Vice President Mike Pence greets Acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot after arriving at the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) to highlight innovations made in America and tour some of the public/private partnership work that is helping to transform Kennedy Space Center (KSC) into a multi-user spaceport on Thursday, July 6, 2017 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

At center, from left to right, Captain Ben Shupp, commanding officer, Naval Ordnance Test Unit; Bob Cabana, Kennedy Space Center director; and Dr. Aaron Smith, director and chairman, Musical Activities Department, United States Naval Academy; pose with the U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club with the Florida spaceport’s Vehicle Assembly Building in the background on March 10, 2020. The highly acclaimed Glee Club, which performed for Kennedy employees, has achieved prominence as one of America’s premier choral ensembles.

Arthur Muir, a retired Chicago attorney and America’s oldest Mt. Everest summiteer, addresses the audience during the inaugural Cross-Program Connection event at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Space Station Processing Facility on March 8, 2023. Muir, 75, was the speaker at the Florida spaceport function titled “Explorers Doing the Impossible.” He toured Kennedy before sharing his experiences in overcoming incredible challenges during his journey to the top of Earth’s highest mountain.

Vice President Mike Pence greets Acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot, second from right, and Director, Kennedy Space Center, Robert Cabana, left, after arriving at the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) to highlight innovations made in America and tour some of the public/private partnership work that is helping to transform Kennedy Space Center (KSC) into a multi-user spaceport on Thursday, July 6, 2017 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Arthur Muir, a retired Chicago attorney and America’s oldest Mt. Everest summiteer, delivers his presentation during the inaugural Cross-Program Connection event at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Space Station Processing Facility on March 8, 2023. Muir, 75, was the speaker at the Florida spaceport function titled “Explorers Doing the Impossible.” He toured Kennedy before sharing his experiences in overcoming incredible challenges during his journey to the top of Earth’s highest mountain.

Vice President Mike Pence waves next to Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., after they arrived on Air Force Two at the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) to highlight innovations made in America and tour some of the public/private partnership work that is helping to transform Kennedy Space Center (KSC) into a multi-user spaceport on Thursday, July 6, 2017 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, left, and Captain Ben Shupp, commanding officer, Naval Ordnance Test Unit, stand with the U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club at the Florida spaceport on March 10, 2020. As part of the special celebration, Cabana discussed the deep historical ties between NASA and the U.S. Navy. The highly acclaimed Glee Club has achieved prominence as one of America’s premier choral ensembles, performing throughout the nation each year.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Felix Gamez and Jacob Walls, right, of Qinetiq North America take measurements as they prepare to install an antenna in the antenna field for NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Doppler radar wind profiler. Located near the spaceport’s Shuttle Landing Facility runway, the profiler is being upgraded to a new, state-of-the-art version that will help forecasters and launch teams characterize upper-level winds in the area. This profiler will help in the detection of wind-shear conditions during launch. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky

Household items are sorted in the Vehicle Assembly Building parking lot at Kennedy Space Center on Nov. 13, 2019, as part of America Recycles Day. The Florida spaceport partnered with Goodwill Industries and several other organizations to put on the annual two-day event. A second collection day took place near the Kennedy Learning Institute. This year, employees accounted for 211 drop-offs, totaling approximately 5,500 pounds.

Vice President Mike Pence arrives in Air Force Two as NASA Leadership looks on, at the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) to highlight innovations made in America and tour some of the public/private partnership work that is helping to transform Kennedy Space Center (KSC) into a multi-user spaceport on Thursday, July 6, 2017 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Following a ceremony at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the Florida spaceport’s launch control center was officially renamed the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center. The facility serves as a nerve center where engineers and the launch director will monitor their flight consoles and give the “go” for the upcoming launch of Artemis I and later missions that will establish a sustainable presence on the Moon to prepare for missions to Mars. Petrone, who was instrumental in America’s first voyages to the Moon and headed the Apollo program, died in 2006 at the age of 80.

Dr. Aaron Smith, director and chairman, Musical Activities Department, United States Naval Academy, stands in front of the U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club during a performance for Kennedy Space Center employees at the Florida spaceport on March 10, 2020. As part of the celebration, Kennedy Director Bob Cabana discussed the deep historical ties between NASA and the U.S. Navy. The highly acclaimed Glee Club has achieved prominence as one of America’s premier choral ensembles, performing throughout the nation each year.

From left, Rep. Mike Waltz, R-FL, and Sens. Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, R-FL, participate in the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship field hearing on July 19, 2019, in the Astronaut Memorial Foundation facility at the Florida spaceport’s visitor complex. The topic of the field hearing was “Moon Landings to Mars Exploration: The Role of Small Business Innovation in America’s Space Program.”

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – From left, Felix Gamez, Robert Novak and Jacob Walls of Qinetiq North America prepare to install an antenna in the antenna field for NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Doppler radar wind profiler. Located near the spaceport’s Shuttle Landing Facility runway, the profiler is being upgraded to a new, state-of-the-art version that will help forecasters and launch teams characterize upper-level winds in the area. This profiler will help in the detection of wind-shear conditions during launch. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky

The United States Naval Academy Glee Club performs for Kennedy Space Center employees at the Florida spaceport on March 10, 2020. As part of the celebration, Kennedy Director Bob Cabana discussed the deep historical ties between NASA and the U.S. Navy. The highly acclaimed Glee Club has achieved prominence as one of America’s premier choral ensembles, performing throughout the nation each year.

Following a ceremony at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the Florida spaceport’s launch control center was officially renamed the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center. The facility serves as a nerve center where engineers and the launch director will monitor their flight consoles and give the “go” for the upcoming launch of Artemis I and later missions that will establish a sustainable presence on the Moon to prepare for missions to Mars. Petrone, who was instrumental in America’s first voyages to the Moon and headed the Apollo program, died in 2006 at the age of 80.

NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Director Robert D. Cabana welcomes guests and introduces Acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot, Thursday, July 6, 2017, at the Vehicle Assembly Building at KSC in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Vice President Mike Pence is also scheduled to speak at the event to highlight innovations made in America and tour some of the public/private partnership work that is helping to transform the center into a multi-user spaceport. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

An audience member asks a question during the inaugural Cross-Program Connection event at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Space Station Processing Facility on March 8, 2023. Arthur Muir, a retired Chicago attorney and America’s oldest Mt. Everest summiteer, was the speaker at the Florida spaceport function titled “Explorers Doing the Impossible.” He toured Kennedy before sharing his experiences in overcoming incredible challenges during his journey to the top of Earth’s highest mountain.

A display dedicated to former Kennedy Space Center launch director Rocco Petrone is viewed at Kennedy Space Center on Feb. 22, 2022. During a ceremony held at the Florida spaceport, Kennedy’s launch control center was officially renamed to the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center. Petrone was instrumental in America’s first voyages to the Moon and headed the Apollo program. He died in 2006 at the age of 80.

Scott Henderson, vice president of Test and Operations at Blue Origin, speaks at a ceremony honoring Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro with the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award on June 24, 2022, at the Florida spaceport’s visitor complex. The National Space Club Florida Committee presented Petro with the prestigious award for her contributions to America’s aerospace efforts within the state of Florida. The award – originating in 1990 – is named after Kennedy’s first director.

The United States Naval Academy Glee Club performs for Kennedy Space Center employees at the Florida spaceport on March 10, 2020. As part of the celebration, Kennedy Director Bob Cabana discussed the deep historical ties between NASA and the U.S. Navy. The highly acclaimed Glee Club has achieved prominence as one of America’s premier choral ensembles, performing throughout the nation each year.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A new antenna is secured into place by Felix Gamez, left, Robert Novak and Jacob Walls of Qinetiq North America. The new antenna is part of NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Doppler radar wind profiler. Located near the spaceport’s Shuttle Landing Facility runway, the profiler is being upgraded to a new, state-of-the-art version that will help forecasters and launch teams characterize upper-level winds in the area. This profiler will help in the detection of wind-shear conditions during launch. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky

Vice President Mike Pence signs a NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) guest book while Acting NASA Administrator, Robert Lightfoot, left, and KSC's director, Robert D. Cabana, center, look on, Thursday, July 6, 2017, in the green room at KSC in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Vice President Mike Pence is scheduled to speak at the event to highlight innovations made in America and tour some of the public/private partnership work that is helping to transform the center into a multi-user spaceport. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Acting NASA Director, Robert Lightfoot, welcomes guests and introduces Vice President Mike Pence, Thursday, July 6, 2017, at the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Vice President Mike Pence is also scheduled to speak at the event to highlight innovations made in America and tour some of the public/private partnership work that is helping to transform the center into a multi-user spaceport. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Following a ceremony at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the Florida spaceport’s launch control center was officially renamed the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center. The facility serves as a nerve center where engineers and the launch director will monitor their flight consoles and give the “go” for the upcoming launch of Artemis I and later missions that will establish a sustainable presence on the Moon to prepare for missions to Mars. Petrone, who was instrumental in America’s first voyages to the Moon and headed the Apollo program, died in 2006 at the age of 80.

Following a ceremony at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the Florida spaceport’s launch control center was officially renamed the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center. The facility serves as a nerve center where engineers and the launch director will monitor their flight consoles and give the “go” for the upcoming launch of Artemis I and later missions that will establish a sustainable presence on the Moon to prepare for missions to Mars. Petrone, who was instrumental in America’s first voyages to the Moon and headed the Apollo program, died in 2006 at the age of 80.

Shown is a view of the seven-story, 200,000-square-foot Central Campus Headquarters (CCHQ) Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Jan. 11, 2022. The CCHQ is a modernized, energy efficient facility representative of Kennedy’s transformation to America’s premier multi-user spaceport. It opened in May 2019. Built in 1965, the former headquarters building was recently demolished. The area previously occupied by the 439,000 square-foot-facility will be utilized as greenspace.

A display dedicated to former Kennedy Space Center director Rocco Petrone is viewed at Kennedy Space Center on Feb. 22, 2022. During a ceremony held at the Florida spaceport, Kennedy’s launch control center was officially renamed to the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center. Petrone was instrumental in America’s first voyages to the Moon and headed the Apollo program. He died in 2006 at the age of 80.

Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana is presented with a flag that was flown over the United States Naval Academy in his honor during a special event at the Florida spaceport on March 10, 2020. The event included a performance by the U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club and a presentation by Cabana, who discussed the deep historical ties between NASA and the U.S. Navy. The highly acclaimed Glee Club has achieved prominence as one of America’s premier choral ensembles, performing throughout the nation each year.

Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, left, and Captain Ben Shupp, commanding officer, Naval Ordnance Test Unit, enjoy a performance by the U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club at the Florida spaceport on March 10, 2020. As part of the special celebration, Cabana discussed the deep historical ties between NASA and the U.S. Navy. The highly acclaimed Glee Club has achieved prominence as one of America’s premier choral ensembles, performing throughout the nation each year.

Brigadier General Stephen Purdy, commander of Space Launch Delta 45, speaks at a ceremony honoring Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro with the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award on June 24, 2022, at the Florida spaceport’s visitor complex. The National Space Club Florida Committee presented Petro with the prestigious award for her contributions to America’s aerospace efforts within the state of Florida. The award – originating in 1990 – is named after Kennedy’s first director.

Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana stands with members of the United States Naval Academy Glee Club at the Florida spaceport on March 10, 2020. The highly acclaimed Glee Club, which performed for Kennedy employees, has achieved prominence as one of America’s premier choral ensembles. As part of the special celebration, Cabana also discussed the deep historical ties between NASA and the U.S. Navy.

The United States Naval Academy Glee Club performs for Kennedy Space Center employees at the Florida spaceport on March 10, 2020. As part of the celebration, Kennedy Director Bob Cabana discussed the deep historical ties between NASA and the U.S. Navy. The highly acclaimed Glee Club has achieved prominence as one of America’s premier choral ensembles, performing throughout the nation each year.

Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro addresses friends, colleagues, and family following her acceptance of the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award on June 24, 2022, during a ceremony held at the Florida spaceport’s visitor complex. The National Space Club Florida Committee presented Petro with the prestigious award for her contributions to America’s aerospace efforts within the state of Florida. The award – originating in 1990 – is named after Kennedy’s first director.

Budding flowers adorn the forefront of the Central Campus Headquarters (CCHQ) Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Jan. 11, 2022. The CCHQ is a modernized, energy efficient facility representative of Kennedy’s transformation to America’s premier multi-user spaceport. It opened in May 2019. Built in 1965, the former headquarters building was recently demolished. The area previously occupied by the 439,000 square-foot-facility will be utilized as greenspace.

From left, Sens. Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, R-FL, and Rep. Mike Waltz, R-FL, speak with Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana during the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship field hearing on July 19, 2019, in the Astronaut Memorial Foundation facility at the Florida spaceport’s visitor complex. The topic of the field hearing was “Moon Landings to Mars Exploration: The Role of Small Business Innovation in America’s Space Program.”

Vice President Mike Pence, left, greets Acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot, right, and Director, Kennedy Space Center, Robert Cabana, second from left, with U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, center, after arriving at the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) to highlight innovations made in America and tour some of the public/private partnership work that is helping to transform Kennedy Space Center (KSC) into a multi-user spaceport on Thursday, July 6, 2017 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

A look at some of the items that were dropped off by Kennedy Space Center employees at the Florida spaceport’s “America Recycles Day” event in the Vehicle Assembly Building parking lot on Nov. 13, 2019. Kennedy partnered with Goodwill Industries and several other organizations to put on the annual two-day event. A second collection day took place near the Kennedy Learning Institute. This year, employees accounted for 211 drop-offs, totaling approximately 5,500 pounds.

A display dedicated to former Kennedy Space Center launch director Rocco Petrone is unveiled at Kennedy Space Center on Feb. 22, 2022. During a ceremony held at the Florida spaceport, Kennedy’s launch control center was officially renamed to the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center. Petrone was instrumental in America’s first voyages to the Moon and headed the Apollo program. He died in 2006 at the age of 80.

Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana shares a laugh with Captain Ben Shupp, commanding officer, Naval Ordnance Test Unit, at the Florida spaceport on March 10, 2020. The United States Naval Academy Glee Club performed for Kennedy employees as part of a special celebration. Cabana also discussed the deep historical ties between NASA and the U.S. Navy. The highly acclaimed Glee Club has achieved prominence as one of America’s premier choral ensembles, performing throughout the nation each year.

Following a ceremony at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the Florida spaceport’s launch control center was officially renamed the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center. The facility serves as a nerve center where engineers and the launch director will monitor their flight consoles and give the “go” for the upcoming launch of Artemis I and later missions that will establish a sustainable presence on the Moon to prepare for missions to Mars. Petrone, who was instrumental in America’s first voyages to the Moon and headed the Apollo program, died in 2006 at the age of 80.

The United States Naval Academy Glee Club performs for Kennedy Space Center employees at the Florida spaceport on March 10, 2020. As part of the celebration, Kennedy Director Bob Cabana discussed the deep historical ties between NASA and the U.S. Navy. The highly acclaimed Glee Club has achieved prominence as one of America’s premier choral ensembles, performing throughout the nation each year.

Captain Ben Shupp, commanding officer, Naval Ordnance Test Unit, addresses the crowd during a special performance by the United States Naval Academy Glee Club at the Florida spaceport on March 10, 2020. As part of the celebration, Kennedy Director Bob Cabana discussed the deep historical ties between NASA and the U.S. Navy. The highly acclaimed Glee Club has achieved prominence as one of America’s premier choral ensembles, performing throughout the nation each year.

A spectator takes a photo of a display dedicated to former Kennedy Space Center director Rocco Petrone on Feb. 22, 2022. During a ceremony held at the Florida spaceport, Kennedy’s launch control center was officially renamed to the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center. Petrone was instrumental in America’s first voyages to the Moon and headed the Apollo program. He died in 2006 at the age of 80.

Members of the United States Naval Academy Glee Club address the crowd during a special performance for Kennedy Space Center employees at the Florida spaceport on March 10, 2020. As part of the celebration, Kennedy Director Bob Cabana discussed the deep historical ties between NASA and the U.S. Navy. The highly acclaimed Glee Club has achieved prominence as one of America’s premier choral ensembles, performing throughout the nation each year.

Arthur Muir, a retired Chicago attorney and America’s oldest Mt. Everest summiteer, attends the inaugural Cross-Program Connection event at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Space Station Processing Facility on March 8, 2023. Muir, 75, was the speaker at the Florida spaceport function titled “Explorers Doing the Impossible.” He toured Kennedy before sharing his experiences in overcoming incredible challenges during his journey to the top of Earth’s highest mountain.

Acting NASA Director, Robert Lightfoot, welcomes guests and introduces Vice President Mike Pence, Thursday, July 6, 2017, at the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Vice President Mike Pence is also scheduled to speak at the event to highlight innovations made in America and tour some of the public/private partnership work that is helping to transform the center into a multi-user spaceport. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Household items are collected in the Vehicle Assembly Building parking lot at Kennedy Space Center on Nov. 13, 2019, as part of America Recycles Day. The Florida spaceport partnered with Goodwill Industries and several other organizations to put on the annual two-day event. A second collection day took place near the Kennedy Learning Institute. This year, employees accounted for 211 drop-offs, totaling approximately 5,500 pounds.

Following a ceremony at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the Florida spaceport’s launch control center was officially renamed the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center. The facility serves as a nerve center where engineers and the launch director will monitor their flight consoles and give the “go” for the upcoming launch of Artemis I and later missions that will establish a sustainable presence on the Moon to prepare for missions to Mars. Petrone, who was instrumental in America’s first voyages to the Moon and headed the Apollo program, died in 2006 at the age of 80.

Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, left, and Captain Ben Shupp, commanding officer, Naval Ordnance Test Unit, stand with the U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club at the Florida spaceport on March 10, 2020. As part of the special celebration, Cabana discussed the deep historical ties between NASA and the U.S. Navy. The highly acclaimed Glee Club has achieved prominence as one of America’s premier choral ensembles, performing throughout the nation each year.

The United States Naval Academy Glee Club performs for Kennedy Space Center employees at the Florida spaceport on March 10, 2020. As part of the celebration, Kennedy Director Bob Cabana discussed the deep historical ties between NASA and the U.S. Navy. The highly acclaimed Glee Club has achieved prominence as one of America’s premier choral ensembles, performing throughout the nation each year.

Following a ceremony at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the Florida spaceport’s launch control center was officially renamed the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center. The facility serves as a nerve center where engineers and the launch director will monitor their flight consoles and give the “go” for the upcoming launch of Artemis I and later missions that will establish a sustainable presence on the Moon to prepare for missions to Mars. Petrone, who was instrumental in America’s first voyages to the Moon and headed the Apollo program, died in 2006 at the age of 80.

Household items are dropped off in the Vehicle Assembly Building parking lot at Kennedy Space Center on Nov. 13, 2019, as part of America Recycles Day. The Florida spaceport partnered with Goodwill Industries and several other organizations to put on the annual two-day event. A second collection day took place near the Kennedy Learning Institute. This year, employees accounted for 211 drop-offs, totaling approximately 5,500 pounds.