Neighborhood Earth Opening at the Visitor Center

International Observe the Moon Night at the Goddard Visitor Cent

Delta II Rocket at KSC Visitor Complex

The last United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket joined the lineup of historic launch vehicles in the Rocket Garden at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, on March 3, 2021. The first segment was placed in its display area. The Delta II rocket was a workhorse for NASA and civilian scientists, the U.S. military, and commercial clients throughout its almost 30 years of service. Since its first launch in 1989, the Delta II has launched 154 successful missions. NASA’s Launch Services Program launched the ICESat-2 spacecraft on the final Delta II launch on Sept. 15, 2018, from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

Delta II Rocket at KSC Visitor Complex

The last United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket joined the lineup of historic launch vehicles in the Rocket Garden at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, on March 3, 2021. Workers use a crane to stack the segments of the Delta II in its display area. The Delta II rocket was a workhorse for NASA and civilian scientists, the U.S. military, and commercial clients throughout its almost 30 years of service. Since its first launch in 1989, the Delta II has launched 154 successful missions. NASA’s Launch Services Program launched the ICESat-2 spacecraft on the final Delta II launch on Sept. 15, 2018, from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

Delta II Rocket at KSC Visitor Complex

The last United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket joined the lineup of historic launch vehicles in the Rocket Garden at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, on March 3, 2021. Workers use a crane to stack the segments of the Delta II in its display area. The Delta II rocket was a workhorse for NASA and civilian scientists, the U.S. military, and commercial clients throughout its almost 30 years of service. Since its first launch in 1989, the Delta II has launched 154 successful missions. NASA’s Launch Services Program launched the ICESat-2 spacecraft on the final Delta II launch on Sept. 15, 2018, from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

Delta II Rocket at KSC Visitor Complex

The last United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket joined the lineup of historic launch vehicles in the Rocket Garden at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, on March 3, 2021. Workers use a crane to lift a segment of the Delta II for stacking in its display area. The Delta II rocket was a workhorse for NASA and civilian scientists, the U.S. military, and commercial clients throughout its almost 30 years of service. Since its first launch in 1989, the Delta II has launched 154 successful missions. NASA’s Launch Services Program launched the ICESat-2 spacecraft on the final Delta II launch on Sept. 15, 2018, from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

This visitor from deep space, seen here by NASA Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, is comet Hartley 2, the destination for NASA EPOXI mission. The comet tail is seen here as a fuzzy streak to the right of the comet.

Icy Visitor from Beyond

OSIRIS-REx Launch Event at Goddard Visitor Center. NASA's first

Zero Robotics at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Darth Vader and other Star Wars characters from the 501st Legion address students and sponsors in the Center for Space Education at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Teams from across the state of Florida were gathered at Kennedy for the finals of the Zero Robotics Middle School Summer Program national championship. The five-week program allows rising sixth- through ninth-graders to write programs for small satellites called SPHERES (Synchronized, Position, Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites). Finalists saw their code tested aboard the International Space Station.

Zero Robotics at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

NASA Kennedy Space Center's Trent Smith conducts a quantum levitation demonstration, using liquid nitrogen, metal and a magnetic track, for students and their sponsors in the Center for Space Education at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Teams from across the state of Florida were gathered at Kennedy for the finals of the Zero Robotics Middle School Summer Program national championship. The five-week program allows rising sixth- through ninth-graders to write programs for small satellites called SPHERES (Synchronized, Position, Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites). Finalists saw their code tested aboard the International Space Station.

Zero Robotics at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

A trio of programmable off-the-shelf Sphero robots are shown at the Center for Space Education at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Spheros were available for students to practice their programming skills during "loss of signal" times when the connection to the International Space Station was temporarily unavailable. Teams from across the state of Florida were gathered at Kennedy for the finals of the Zero Robotics Middle School Summer Program national championship. The five-week program allows rising sixth- through ninth-graders to write programs for small satellites called SPHERES (Synchronized, Position, Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites). Finalists saw their code tested aboard the orbiting laboratory.

Zero Robotics at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

NASA Kennedy Space Center's Trent Smith conducts a quantum levitation demonstration, using liquid nitrogen, metal and a magnetic track, for students and their sponsors in the Center for Space Education at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Teams from across the state of Florida were gathered at Kennedy for the finals of the Zero Robotics Middle School Summer Program national championship. The five-week program allows rising sixth- through ninth-graders to write programs for small satellites called SPHERES (Synchronized, Position, Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites). Finalists saw their code tested aboard the International Space Station.

Zero Robotics at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

A programmable off-the-shelf Sphero robot is shown on a Mars mat at the Center for Space Education at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Spheros were available for students to practice their programming skills by navigating the robots around a challenge course on the mat. Students used the mat and Sphero robots during "loss of signal" times when the connection to the International Space Station was temporarily unavailable. Teams from across the state of Florida were gathered at Kennedy for the finals of the Zero Robotics Middle School Summer Program national championship. The five-week program allows rising sixth- through ninth-graders to write programs for small satellites called SPHERES (Synchronized, Position, Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites). Finalists saw their code tested aboard the orbiting laboratory.

Zero Robotics at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Students and their sponsors gather for a commemorative photo in the Center for Space Education at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida after participating in the finals of the Zero Robotics Middle School Summer Program national championship. The five-week program allows rising sixth- through ninth-graders to write programs for small satellites called SPHERES (Synchronized, Position, Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites). Finalists saw their code tested aboard the International Space Station.

Zero Robotics at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Students and sponsors hear from astronauts aboard the International Space Station on a big screen in the Center for Space Education at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Teams from across the state of Florida were gathered at Kennedy for the finals of the Zero Robotics Middle School Summer Program national championship. The five-week program allows rising sixth- through ninth-graders to write programs for small satellites called SPHERES (Synchronized, Position, Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites). Finalists saw their code tested aboard the orbiting laboratory.

Zero Robotics at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

A middle-school student high-fives a Star Wars character from the 501st Legion in the Center for Space Education at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Teams from across the state of Florida were gathered at Kennedy for the finals of the Zero Robotics Middle School Summer Program national championship. The five-week program allows rising sixth- through ninth-graders to write programs for small satellites called SPHERES (Synchronized, Position, Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites). Finalists saw their code tested aboard the International Space Station.

Zero Robotics at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

NASA Kennedy Space Center Associate Director Kelvin Manning speaks to students and sponsors in the spaceport’s Center for Space Education. Teams from across the state of Florida were gathered at Kennedy for the finals of the Zero Robotics Middle School Summer Program national championship. The five-week program allows rising sixth- through ninth-graders to write programs for small satellites called SPHERES (Synchronized, Position, Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites). Finalists saw their code tested aboard the International Space Station.

Zero Robotics at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

NASA Kennedy Space Center's Trent Smith conducts a quantum levitation demonstration, using liquid nitrogen, metal and a magnetic track, for students and their sponsors in the Center for Space Education at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Teams from across the state of Florida were gathered at Kennedy for the finals of the Zero Robotics Middle School Summer Program national championship. The five-week program allows rising sixth- through ninth-graders to write programs for small satellites called SPHERES (Synchronized, Position, Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites). Finalists saw their code tested aboard the International Space Station.

KSC Honor Awards Ceremony

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden introduces former NASA astronaut Scott Kelly during an event at the United States Capitol Visitor Center, Wednesday, May 25, 2016, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Scott Kelly Post-Flight Visit to Washington

Former NASA astronaut Scott Kelly speaks during an event at the United States Capitol Visitor Center, Wednesday, May 25, 2016, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Scott Kelly Post-Flight Visit to Washington

OSIRIS-REx Launch Event at Goddard Visitor Center. NASA's first

Mike Collins Wreath Laying Ceremony

A wreath-laying ceremony honoring the memory of former Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins is held outside of the Heroes and Legends exhibit at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on April 30, 2021. Kennedy Director Bob Cabana and Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of Delaware North at the visitor complex, provided remarks during the ceremony. Collins served as pilot on the three-day Gemini X mission in 1966, and he was the command module pilot for the historic Apollo 11 mission in 1969, where he remained in lunar orbit while Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin become the first people to walk on the Moon. Collins passed away on April 28, 2021, at the age of 90.

Hidden Figures Tour Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

In the IMAX Theater of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Cast and crew members of the upcoming motion picture "Hidden Figures" participate in a question and answer session. From the left are Pharrell Williams, musician and producer of “Hidden Figures," and Janelle Monáe, who portrays Mary Jackson in the film. The movie chronicles the lives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, three African-American women who worked for NASA as human "computers.” Their mathematical calculations were crucial to the success of Project Mercury missions including John Glenn’s orbital flight aboard Friendship 7 in 1962. The film is due in theaters in January 2017.

Hidden Figures Tour Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

In the IMAX Theater of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Cast and crew members of the upcoming motion picture "Hidden Figures" participate in a question and answer session. From the left are Ted Melfi, writer and director of “Hidden Figures,” and Octavia Spencer, who portrays Dorothy Vaughan in the film. The movie is based on the book of the same title, by Margot Lee Shetterly. It chronicles the lives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, three African-American women who worked for NASA as human "computers.” Their mathematical calculations were crucial to the success of Project Mercury missions including John Glenn’s orbital flight aboard Friendship 7 in 1962. The film is due in theaters in January 2017.

Hidden Figures Tour Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

In the IMAX Theater of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Cast and crew members of the upcoming motion picture "Hidden Figures" participate in a question and answer session. From the left are Taraji P. Henson, who portrays Katherine Johnson in the film, Pharrell Williams, musician and producer of “Hidden Figures," and Janelle Monáe, who portrays Mary Jackson. The movie chronicles the lives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, three African-American women who worked for NASA as human "computers.” Their mathematical calculations were crucial to the success of Project Mercury missions including John Glenn’s orbital flight aboard Friendship 7 in 1962. The film is due in theaters in January 2017.

Hidden Figures Tour Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

In the IMAX Theater of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Cast and crew members of the upcoming motion picture "Hidden Figures" participate in a question and answer session. The movie is based on the book of the same title, by Margot Lee Shetterly. It chronicles the lives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, three African-American women who worked for NASA as human "computers.” Their mathematical calculations were crucial to the success of Project Mercury missions including John Glenn’s orbital flight aboard Friendship 7 in 1962. The film is due in theaters in January 2017.

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.

2017 Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

In the Space Shuttle Atlantis facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, space shuttle astronauts Michael Foale left, and, Ellen Ochoa, pose with their plaques after being inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.

2017 Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Mike Collins Wreath Laying Ceremony

Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana provides remarks during a wreath-laying ceremony in Florida, honoring the memory of former Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins on April 30, 2021. Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of Delaware North at Kennedy’s visitor complex, also spoke during the ceremony, held just outside of the Heroes and Legends exhibit at the visitor complex. Collins served as pilot on the three-day Gemini X mission in 1966, and he was the command module pilot for the historic Apollo 11 mission in 1969, where he remained in lunar orbit while Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin become the first people to walk on the Moon. Collins passed away on April 28, 2021, at the age of 90.

Mike Collins Wreath Laying Ceremony

Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana provides remarks during a wreath-laying ceremony in Florida, honoring the memory of former Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins on April 30, 2021. Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of Delaware North at Kennedy’s visitor complex, also spoke during the ceremony, held just outside of the Heroes and Legends exhibit at the visitor complex. Collins served as pilot on the three-day Gemini X mission in 1966, and he was the command module pilot for the historic Apollo 11 mission in 1969, where he remained in lunar orbit while Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin become the first people to walk on the Moon. Collins passed away on April 28, 2021, at the age of 90.

Mike Collins Wreath Laying Ceremony

Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of Delaware North at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, provides remarks during a wreath-laying ceremony honoring the memory of former Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins on April 30, 2021. Kennedy Director Bob Cabana also spoke during the ceremony, held just outside of the Heroes and Legends exhibit at the Florida spaceport’s visitor complex. Collins served as pilot on the three-day Gemini X mission in 1966, and he was the command module pilot for the historic Apollo 11 mission in 1969, where he remained in lunar orbit while Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin become the first people to walk on the Moon. Collins passed away on April 28, 2021, at the age of 90.

Mike Collins Wreath Laying Ceremony

Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana provides remarks during a wreath-laying ceremony in Florida, honoring the memory of former Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins on April 30, 2021. Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of Delaware North at Kennedy’s visitor complex, also spoke during the ceremony, held just outside of the Heroes and Legends exhibit at the visitor complex. Collins served as pilot on the three-day Gemini X mission in 1966, and he was the command module pilot for the historic Apollo 11 mission in 1969, where he remained in lunar orbit while Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin become the first people to walk on the Moon. Collins passed away on April 28, 2021, at the age of 90.

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex kicked off its "Summer of Mars" promotion with a ceremony which included former NASA astronaut Jon McBride, who serves as director of Astronaut Education Programs for the visitor complex. The "Summer of Mars" promotion is designed to provide guests with a better understanding of NASA's studies of the Red Planet.

Mars Rover Concept Vehicle

Heroes and Legends Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

During the grand opening of the Heroes and Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, the national anthem was performed by Carmen Harrell. Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of the visitor complex is seen on the right. The new facility includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and looks back to the pioneering efforts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It sets the stage by providing the background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered the nation's journey into space.

Heroes and Legends Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, speaks to guests during the opening of the Heroes and Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The new facility includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and looks back to the pioneering efforts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It sets the stage by providing the background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered the nation's journey into space.

Hidden Figures Tour Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Cast and crew members of the upcoming motion picture "Hidden Figures" participate in a question and answer session at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. From the left are Pharrell Williams, musician and producer of “Hidden Figures," Taraji P. Henson, who portrays Katherine Johnson in the film, Janelle Monáe, who portrays Mary Jackson, and Octavia Spencer, who portrays Dorothy Vaughan. They are seated in front of the original consoles of the Mercury Mission Control room with the world map that was used to follow the path of capsules between tracking stations. The movie is based on the book of the same title, by Margot Lee Shetterly. It chronicles the lives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, three African-American women who worked for NASA as human "computers.” Their mathematical calculations were crucial to the success of Project Mercury missions including John Glenn’s orbital flight aboard Friendship 7 in 1962. The film is due in theaters in January 2017.

Hidden Figures Tour Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

In the IMAX Theater of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Cast and crew members of the upcoming motion picture "Hidden Figures" participate in a question and answer session. From the left are Octavia Spencer, who portrays Dorothy Vaughan in the film, Taraji P. Henson, who portrays Katherine Johnson, Janelle Monáe, who portrays Mary Jackson, Pharrell Williams, musician and producer of “Hidden Figures," Ted Melfi, writer and director of “Hidden Figures,” center director Bob Cabana, and Janet Petro, deputy center director. The movie is based on the book of the same title, by Margot Lee Shetterly. It chronicles the lives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, three African-American women who worked for NASA as human "computers.” Their mathematical calculations were crucial to the success of Project Mercury missions including John Glenn’s orbital flight aboard Friendship 7 in 1962. The film is due in theaters in January 2017.

Hidden Figures Tour Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

In the IMAX Theater of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Cast and crew members of the upcoming motion picture "Hidden Figures" participate in a question and answer session. From the left are Ted Melfi, writer and director of “Hidden Figures,” Octavia Spencer, who portrays Dorothy Vaughan in the film, Taraji P. Henson, who portrays Katherine Johnson, Pharrell Williams, musician and producer of “Hidden Figures," and Janelle Monáe, who portrays Mary Jackson. The movie is based on the book of the same title, by Margot Lee Shetterly. It chronicles the lives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, three African-American women who worked for NASA as human "computers.” Their mathematical calculations were crucial to the success of Project Mercury missions including John Glenn’s orbital flight aboard Friendship 7 in 1962. The film is due in theaters in January 2017.

N-233 Visitor Information Center (VIC): Aeronautics Exhibit

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N-233 Visitor Information Center (VIC): 6x6ft W.T. exhibit

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Space Shuttle display @ Ames Visitors Center N-233 VIC

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Visitors to StenniSphere, the visitor center at NASA's Stennis Space Center, learn about the crew of Space Shuttle Discovery who will fly aboard NASA's Return to Flight mission, designated STS-114.

Visitors learn about Return to Flight at StenniSphere

Space Day 2002; Directors Breakfast @ NASA Ames Visitors Center for student Winners of Santa Clara Valley Science & Engineering Fair and San Francisco Bay Aera Science Fair

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the space shuttle Atlantis pauses at Space Florida's Exploration Park during its 10-mile journey to the Kennedy Visitor Complex. The stop also provided a viewing opportunity for Visitor Complex guests before completing the trip at its new home. 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/ Jim Grossmann

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.

2017 Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

A Swarmie robot finds a "resource" cube marked with an AprilTag, similar to a barcode. In the Swarmathon competition at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, students were asked to develop computer code for the small robots, programming them to look for "resources" in the form of cubes with AprilTags.

Swarmathon 2017

A cube identified with an AprilTag, similar to a barcode, is delivered to a "home" square in the middle of a competition arena during the Swarmathon competition. At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, student teams developed search algorithms for the Swarmies to operate autonomously, communicating and interacting as a collective swarm similar to ants foraging for food.

Swarmathon 2017

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.

2017 Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

NASA's Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, also a member of the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, honored Ellen Ochoa and Michael Foale during ceremonies on May 19, 2017. The activity took place in the Space Shuttle Atlantis facility at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida.

2017 Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Swarmathon 2017

Major Robert Lawrence Memorial Tribute

Following an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence, guests gathered at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kenendy Space Center Visitor Compelx. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory Program, Lawrence was the first African-American astronaut. He lost his life in a training accident 50 years ago. The ceremony took place in the Center for Space Education at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Major Robert Lawrence Memorial Tribute

Following an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence, guests listen to speakers at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kenendy Space Center Visitor Compelx. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory Program, Lawrence was the first African-American astronaut. He lost his life in a training accident 50 years ago. The ceremony took place in the Center for Space Education at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Major Robert Lawrence Memorial Tribute

During an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence, his sister, Barbara Lawrence, Ph.D., far right, places a flower at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory Program, Lawrence was the first African-American astronaut. He lost his life in a training accident 50 years ago. The ceremony took place in the Center for Space Education at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Major Robert Lawrence Memorial Tribute

At the Kennedy Space Center's Visitor Complex, the name of U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence is one of those included on the Space Mirror Memorial which honors those lost in efforts to explore space. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory Program, Lawrence was the first African-American astronaut. He lost his life in a training accident 50 years ago. The ceremony took place in the Center for Space Education at the Kennedy visitor complex.

Major Robert Lawrence Memorial Tribute

During an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence, guests walk to the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center's Visitor Complex. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory Program, Lawrence was the first African-American astronaut. He lost his life in a training accident 50 years ago. The ceremony took place in the Center for Space Education at the Kennedy visitor complex.

Major Robert Lawrence Memorial Tribute

Following an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence, a wreath was place at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kenendy Space Center Visitor Compelx. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory Program, Lawrence was the first African-American astronaut. He lost his life in a training accident 50 years ago. The ceremony took place in the Center for Space Education at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Major Robert Lawrence Memorial Tribute

Following an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence, guests place flowers at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory Program, Lawrence was the first African-American astronaut. He lost his life in a training accident 50 years ago. The ceremony took place in the Center for Space Education at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

N-233 Visitor Information Center (VIC): Galileo Exhibit

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Astronaut Training Experience Grand Opening

Officials at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex prepare to push a ceremonial button to "launch" the facility's new Astronaut Training Experience (ATX). Participating, from the left, are: Dee Maynard, private education program manager for the Kennedy visitor complex, Rick Abramson, chief customer officer for Delaware North, Kennedy Director Bob Cabana, Lisa Callahan vice president and general manager of Commercial Civil Space at Lockheed Martin Space, Jim Houser, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Delaware North, and Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of the Kennedy visitor complex. The ATX uses three-dimensional computer display simulation technology to "transport" participants to Mars, training them to live and work in the environment of the Red Planet. The educational experience also teaches what it’s like to travel there. The facility uses NASA science to address engineering challenges in space travel. Lockheed Martin is the title sponsor for the Astronaut Training Experience.

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida sixth-grade students use a computer simulation to practice docking a spacecraft to the International Space Station. Between Nov. 26 and Dec. 7, 2012, about 5,300 sixth-graders in Brevard County, Florida were bused to Kennedy's Visitor Complex for Brevard Space Week, an educational program designed to encourage interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics STEM careers. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the space shuttle Atlantis is transported on a 10-mile journey to the Kennedy Visitor Complex where it will be put on public display. 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

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida sixth-grade students listen to a presentation by former NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence. Between Nov. 26 and Dec. 7, 2012, about 5,300 sixth-graders in Brevard County, Florida were bused to Kennedy's Visitor Complex for Brevard Space Week, an educational program designed to encourage interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics STEM careers. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the space shuttle Atlantis is transported on a 10-mile journey to the Kennedy Visitor Complex where it will be put on public display. 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

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida sixth-grade students use a computer simulation to practice landing a spacecraft on the moon. Between Nov. 26 and Dec. 7, 2012, about 5,300 sixth-graders in Brevard County, Florida were bused to Kennedy's Visitor Complex for Brevard Space Week, an educational program designed to encourage interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics STEM careers. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Tim Macy, director of Project Development for the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, speaks during a ceremony marking the placement of a steel beam at the highest point of a new exhibit facility under construction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The 90,000-square-foot facility will house space shuttle Atlantis and 62 shuttle program exhibits. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the space shuttle Atlantis is transported on a 10-mile journey to the Kennedy Visitor Complex where it will be put on public display. 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

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An aerial view of the Kennedy Space Center visitor complex, including the facility where the space shuttle Atlantis will be put on public display. 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

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An aerial view of the Kennedy Space Center visitor complex, including the facility where the space shuttle Atlantis will be put on public display. 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

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida sixth-grade students listen to a science presentation on NASA programs. Between Nov. 26 and Dec. 7, 2012, about 5,300 sixth-graders in Brevard County, Florida were bused to Kennedy's Visitor Complex for Brevard Space Week, an educational program designed to encourage interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics STEM careers. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida sixth-grade students view a mock-up of a robotic device that could one day be sent to a distant planet. Between Nov. 26 and Dec. 7, 2012, about 5,300 sixth-graders in Brevard County, Florida were bused to Kennedy's Visitor Complex for Brevard Space Week, an educational program designed to encourage interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics STEM careers. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs