CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center Director and former astronaut Bob Cabana answers media questions during a Day of Remembrance wreath laying ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The ceremony honors members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. The memorial displays the names of 24 United States astronauts, including the crew members of space shuttles Columbia and Challenger, Apollo 1, and those who died in training and commercial airplane accidents. The memorial is a project of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation and was paid for by Florida residents who purchased special Challenger mission automobile license plates. 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the loss of Challenger, which broke apart over the Atlantic Ocean 73 seconds into flight on Jan. 28, 1986. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A wreath is displayed at the foot of the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida during a Day of Remembrance ceremony to honor members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. The memorial honors 24 United States astronauts, including the crew members of space shuttles Columbia and Challenger, Apollo 1, and those who died in training and commercial airplane accidents. The memorial is a project of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation and was paid for by Florida residents who purchased special Challenger mission automobile license plates. 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the loss of Challenger, which broke apart over the Atlantic Ocean 73 seconds into flight on Jan. 28, 1986. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A flag flies at half-staff near the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida during a Day of Remembrance wreath laying ceremony to honor members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. The large mirror made of black granite was designated as a national memorial by Congress and President George Bush in 1991. It honors 24 United States astronauts, including the crew members of space shuttles Columbia and Challenger, Apollo 1, and those who died in training and commercial airplane accidents. The memorial is a project of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation and was paid for by Florida residents who purchased special Challenger mission automobile license plates. 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the loss of Challenger, which broke apart over the Atlantic Ocean 73 seconds into flight on Jan. 28, 1986. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Flowers lay at the foot of the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida before a Day of Remembrance wreath laying ceremony to honor members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. The floral arrangement is dedicated to the Apollo 1 crew members Virgil "Gus" Grissom, Roger B. Chaffee and Edward H. White II. The memorial honors 24 United States astronauts, including the crew members of space shuttles Columbia and Challenger, Apollo 1, and those who died in training and commercial airplane accidents. The memorial is a project of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation and was paid for by Florida residents who purchased special Challenger mission automobile license plates. 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the loss of Challenger, which broke apart over the Atlantic Ocean 73 seconds into flight on Jan. 28, 1986. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Flowers lay at the foot of the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida before a Day of Remembrance wreath laying ceremony to honor members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. The memorial honors 24 United States astronauts, including the crew members of space shuttles Columbia and Challenger, Apollo 1, and those who died in training and commercial airplane accidents. The memorial is a project of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation and was paid for by Florida residents who purchased special Challenger mission automobile license plates. 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the loss of Challenger, which broke apart over the Atlantic Ocean 73 seconds into flight on Jan. 28, 1986. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center Director and former astronaut Bob Cabana, left, United Space Alliance's Associate Program Manager for Solid Rocket Boosters Roger Elliott and Center Deputy Director Janet Petro participate in a Day of Remembrance wreath laying ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The ceremony honors members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. The memorial displays the names of 24 United States astronauts, including the crew members of space shuttles Columbia and Challenger, Apollo 1, and those who died in training and commercial airplane accidents. The memorial is a project of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation and was paid for by Florida residents who purchased special Challenger mission automobile license plates. 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the loss of Challenger, which broke apart over the Atlantic Ocean 73 seconds into flight on Jan. 28, 1986. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- United Space Alliance's Associate Program Manager for Solid Rocket Boosters Roger Elliott, back, Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Janet Petro, and Center Director and former astronaut Bob Cabana, participate in a Day of Remembrance wreath laying ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The ceremony honors members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. The memorial displays the names of 24 United States astronauts, including the crew members of space shuttles Columbia and Challenger, Apollo 1, and those who died in training and commercial airplane accidents. The memorial is a project of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation and was paid for by Florida residents who purchased special Challenger mission automobile license plates. 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the loss of Challenger, which broke apart over the Atlantic Ocean 73 seconds into flight on Jan. 28, 1986. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- United Space Alliance's Associate Program Manager for Solid Rocket Boosters Roger Elliott, left, Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Janet Petro, and Center Director and former astronaut Bob Cabana, participate in a Day of Remembrance wreath laying ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The ceremony honors members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. The memorial displays the names of 24 United States astronauts, including the crew members of space shuttles Columbia and Challenger, Apollo 1, and those who died in training and commercial airplane accidents. The memorial is a project of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation and was paid for by Florida residents who purchased special Challenger mission automobile license plates. 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the loss of Challenger, which broke apart over the Atlantic Ocean 73 seconds into flight on Jan. 28, 1986. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Astronauts Memorial Foundation president and CEO Thad Altman addresses the audience during the NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 30, 2020. Behind Altman, from left to right, are Kelvin Manning, Kennedy associate director, technical; and Burt Summerfield, associate director, management. The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, were honored at the annual event.

Astronauts Memorial Foundation CEO Thad Altman addresses the audience during the NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 30, 2020. Behind Altman, from left to right, are Kelvin Manning, Kennedy associate director, technical; and Burt Summerfield, associate director, management. The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, were honored at the annual event.

Kathie Scobee Fulgham, Astronauts Memorial Foundation chair and daughter of Challenger astronaut Francis “Dick” Scobee, delivers remarks honoring fallen astronauts who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery during NASA’s annual Day of Remembrance on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, at the Space Mirror Memorial at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Those remembered include the crews of Apollo 1, Challenger STS-51L, and Columbia STS-107.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Pictured near the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida are the members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. The memorial honors 24 United States astronauts, including the crew members of space shuttles Columbia and Challenger, Apollo 1, and those who died in training and commercial airplane accidents. The memorial is a project of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation and was paid for by Florida residents who purchased special Challenger mission automobile license plates. 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the loss of Challenger, which broke apart over the Atlantic Ocean 73 seconds into flight on Jan. 28, 1986. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Astronauts Memorial Foundation board member Karen Bassett Stevenson and daughter of Charles Bassett II, delivers remarks honoring fallen astronauts who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery during NASA’s annual Day of Remembrance on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, at the Space Mirror Memorial at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Those remembered include the crews of Apollo 1, Challenger STS-51L, and Columbia STS-107.

Burt Summerfield, associate director, management, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and Kathie Scobee Fugham, chairman of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation and daughter of Commander Francis “Dick” Scobee, honor astronauts and astronaut candidates who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery during the annual Day of Remembrance ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, held at the Space Mirror Memorial at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Family members of fallen astronauts hold roses remembering their loved ones, while guests hold carnations to pay their respects.

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.

Astronauts Memorial Foundation Board Chair Eileen Collins, a former space shuttle commander, speaks during this year's Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Each year spaceport employees and guests join others throughout NASA honoring the contributions of astronauts who have perished in the conquest of space.

State Sen. Thad Altman, president and CEO of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, speaks during this year's Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Each year spaceport employees and guests join others throughout NASA honoring the contributions of astronauts who have perished in the conquest of space.

Astronauts Memorial Foundation Board Chair Eileen Collins, a former space shuttle commander, speaks during this year's Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Each year spaceport employees and guests join others throughout NASA honoring the contributions of astronauts who have perished in the conquest of space.

Astronauts Memorial Foundation President and CEO Thad Altman speaks during NASA’s Day of Remembrance ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial. The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, were honored by Kennedy employees and guests at the annual memorial event.

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.

A memorial wreath inside the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida commemorates NASA’s Day of Remembrance on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. 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 workers and guests place flowers at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida during the Day of Remembrance 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.

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.

Kennedy Space Center workers and guests placed flowers at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida during the Day of Remembrance 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. -- State Sen. Thad Altman, president and chief executive officer of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, speaks during the Day of Remembrance ceremony. Visible to the right is former NASA astronaut Jon McBride, chairman of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation board of directors. 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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- President and C.E.O. of The Astronauts Memorial Foundation Stephen Feldman displays a single yellow rose near the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida during a Day of Remembrance ceremony to honor members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. The memorial honors 24 United States astronauts, including the crew members of space shuttles Columbia and Challenger, Apollo 1, and those who died in training and commercial airplane accidents. The memorial is a project of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation and was paid for by Florida residents who purchased special Challenger mission automobile license plates. 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the loss of Challenger, which broke apart over the Atlantic Ocean 73 seconds into flight on Jan. 28, 1986. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Following the Kennedy Space Center's NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony, Family members of fallen astronauts placed a wreath at the Space Mirror Memorial. From the left, are Kathie Scobee Flugham, daughter of 51-L Challenger astronaut Dick Scobee, June Scobee Rodgers, Scobee's widow and State Rep. Thad Altman, president and chief executive officer of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation. They are standing in front of the memorial includes the names of the fallen astronauts from Apollo 1, Challenger and Columbia, as well as the astronauts who perished in training and commercial airplane accidents are emblazoned on the monument's 45-foot-high-by-50-foot-wide polished black granite surface.

During this year’s Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, from left, Kennedy Associate Director Kelvin Manning, former Shuttle Launch Director Michael Leinbach, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation (AMF) Thad Altman, AMF Vice Chair Sheryl Chaffee, Kennedy Deputy Director Janet Petro, and Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana stand in a moment of silence after placing a memorial wreath in front of the Space Mirror Memorial. Each year, Kennedy employees and guests gather with others throughout NASA to honor those astronauts who have fallen in the pursuit of space exploration.

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.

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.

Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro makes remarks during the Day of Remembrance on Jan. 26, 2023, at nearby Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. 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.

Kennedy Space Center workers and guests observe a minute of silence during the Day of Remembrance 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.

Kennedy Space Center workers and guests attend the Day of Remembrance 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.

NASA Associate Administrator Bob Cabana, makes remarks during the Day of Remembrance on Jan. 26, 2023, at nearby Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. 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.

Sheryl Chafee, Astronauts Memorial Foundation (AMF) Board of Directors chairperson, center, accompanied by NASA Associate Administrator Bob Cabana, and Kennedy Space Director Janet Petro, lay a wreath in front of the Space Mirror Memorial during the Day of Remembrance on Jan. 26, 2023, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. 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.

Sheryl Chafee, Astronauts Memorial Foundation (AMF) Board of Directors chairperson, at right, accompanied by NASA Associate Administrator Bob Cabana, and Kennedy Space Director Janet Petro, lay a wreath in front of the Space Mirror Memorial during the Day of Remembrance on Jan. 26, 2023, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. 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.

State Rep. Thad Altman, president and chief executive officer of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, addresses guests at Kennedy Space Center's Day of Remembrance ceremony. Held this year in the Center for Space Education at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, the annual event honors the contributions of all astronauts who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida paid tribute to the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other NASA astronauts who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery, during the agency's Day of Remembrance, Jan. 28. From left, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Astronauts Memorial Foundation Thad Altman, Kennedy Associate Director Kelvin Manning, and Kennedy Deputy Director Janet Petro, participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial located in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Former NASA astronaut Eileen Collins speaks during the Day of Remembrance ceremony. She commanded Discovery on the STS-114 mission that returned the shuttle program to flight following STS-107. Visible to the right is former NASA astronaut Jon McBride, chairman of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation board of directors. 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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center director Bob Cabana, a former space shuttle commander, speaks during the Day of Remembrance ceremony. Visible to the right is former NASA astronaut Jon McBride, chairman of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation board of directors. 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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Associate Administrator for Human Exploration and Operations William Gerstenmaier speaks during the Day of Remembrance ceremony. Visible to the right is former NASA astronaut Jon McBride, chairman of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation board of directors. 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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Evelyn Husband-Thompson, widow of STS-107 commander Rick Husband, speaks during the Day of Remembrance ceremony. Visible to the right is former NASA astronaut Jon McBride, chairman of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation board of directors. 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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Former NASA astronaut Jon McBride, chairman of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation board of directors, speaks during the Day of Remembrance ceremony. Partially visible to the right is Evelyn Husband-Thompson, widow of STS-107 commander Rick Husband. 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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA Associate Administrator Robert Lightfoot speaks during the Day of Remembrance ceremony. Visible to the right is former NASA astronaut Jon McBride, chairman of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation board of directors. 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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- State Sen. Thad Altman, president and chief executive officer of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation speaks during the Day of Remembrance ceremony. Seated to the right are, from the left, former NASA astronaut Jon McBride, chairman of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation board of directors Evelyn Husband-Thompson, widow of STS-107 commander Rick Husband Eileen Collins, commander of Discovery on the STS-114 mission that returned the shuttle program to flight following STS-107 Kennedy Space Center director Bob Cabana Associate Administrator for Human Exploration and Operations William Gerstenmaier NASA Associate Administrator Robert Lightfoot and Mick Ukleja, chairman of the AMF board of trustees. 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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center Employees and guests placed wreaths and flowers at the Space Mirror Memorial at the spaceport's Visitor Complex during NASA's Day of Remembrance. The annual event took place on the 10th anniversary of the loss of the space shuttle Columbia and its crew and was hosted by the Astronauts Memorial Foundation. The ceremony also honored the astronauts of Apollo 1, who perished in 1967, and the shuttle Challenger, lost in 1986, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. Dedicated in 1991, the names of fallen astronauts are emblazoned the monument'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. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center Employees and guests placed wreaths and flowers at the Space Mirror Memorial at the spaceport's Visitor Complex during NASA's Day of Remembrance. The annual event took place on the 10th anniversary of the loss of the space shuttle Columbia and its crew and was hosted by the Astronauts Memorial Foundation. The ceremony also honored the astronauts of Apollo 1, who perished in 1967, and the shuttle Challenger, lost in 1986, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. Dedicated in 1991, the names of fallen astronauts are emblazoned the monument'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. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center Employees and guests placed wreaths and flowers at the Space Mirror Memorial at the spaceport's Visitor Complex during NASA's Day of Remembrance. The annual event took place on the 10th anniversary of the loss of the space shuttle Columbia and its crew and was hosted by the Astronauts Memorial Foundation. The ceremony also honored the astronauts of Apollo 1, who perished in 1967, and the shuttle Challenger, lost in 1986, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. Dedicated in 1991, the names of fallen astronauts are emblazoned the monument'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. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center Employees and guests placed wreaths and flowers at the Space Mirror Memorial at the spaceport's Visitor Complex during NASA's Day of Remembrance. The annual event took place on the 10th anniversary of the loss of the space shuttle Columbia and its crew and was hosted by the Astronauts Memorial Foundation. The ceremony also honored the astronauts of Apollo 1, who perished in 1967, and the shuttle Challenger, lost in 1986, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. Dedicated in 1991, the names of fallen astronauts are emblazoned the monument'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. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center Employees and guests placed wreaths and flowers at the Space Mirror Memorial at the spaceport's Visitor Complex during NASA's Day of Remembrance. The annual event took place on the 10th anniversary of the loss of the space shuttle Columbia and its crew and was hosted by the Astronauts Memorial Foundation. The ceremony also honored the astronauts of Apollo 1, who perished in 1967, and the shuttle Challenger, lost in 1986, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. Dedicated in 1991, the names of fallen astronauts are emblazoned the monument'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. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center Employees and guests placed wreaths and flowers at the Space Mirror Memorial at the spaceport's Visitor Complex during NASA's Day of Remembrance. The annual event took place on the 10th anniversary of the loss of the space shuttle Columbia and its crew and was hosted by the Astronauts Memorial Foundation. The ceremony also honored the astronauts of Apollo 1, who perished in 1967, and the shuttle Challenger, lost in 1986, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. Dedicated in 1991, the names of fallen astronauts are emblazoned the monument'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. Photo credit: NASA_Tim Jacobs

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center Employees and guests placed wreaths and flowers at the Space Mirror Memorial at the spaceport's Visitor Complex during NASA's Day of Remembrance. The annual event took place on the 10th anniversary of the loss of the space shuttle Columbia and its crew and was hosted by the Astronauts Memorial Foundation. The ceremony also honored the astronauts of Apollo 1, who perished in 1967, and the shuttle Challenger, lost in 1986, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. Dedicated in 1991, the names of fallen astronauts are emblazoned the monument'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. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann

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.

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.

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.

Sheryl Chafee, second from right, Astronauts Memorial Foundation (AMF) Board of Directors chairperson, accompanied by NASA Associate Administrator Bob Cabana, and Kennedy Space Director Janet Petro, lay a wreath in front of the Space Mirror Memorial during the Day of Remembrance on Jan. 26, 2023, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. At far right is Thad Altman, AMF president and CEO. 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.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In a special commemorative service held at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to honor NASA's fallen heroes, Kennedy Center Director Bill Parsons speaks to guests gathered in front of the Space Mirror Memorial. Other participants seated on the dais are (from left) NASA Administrator Michael Griffin; Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization G. Madhavan Nair; the 2007 Alan Shepard Technology in Education Award winner Luther Richardson; Shuttle Commander and former NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Readdy; NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier; Shuttle Commander Eileen Collins of the Return to Flight mission, STS-114; Evelyn Husband-Thompson, widow of Colonel Rick Husband; and Astronauts Memorial Foundation President Stephen Feldman. Kennedy marked the NASA Day of Remembrance with special ceremonies. This year the crew of Columbia was remembered in a special way on the day that marked the fifth anniversary of the Columbia accident. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Boatswain’s Mate First Class Ronald Stewart rings the bell during the NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 30, 2020. The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, were honored at the annual event.

The audience looks on during the NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 30, 2020. The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, were honored at the annual event.

A wreath is displayed during the NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 30, 2020. The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, were honored at the annual event.

Members of the Palm Bay Magnet High School Marine Corps JROTC participate in the presentation of colors during the NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 30, 2020. The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, were honored at the annual event.

A wreath is displayed during the NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 30, 2020. The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, were honored at the annual event.

A flower and wreath are displayed during the NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 30, 2020. The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, were honored at the annual event.

Attendees of NASA’s Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 30, 2020 insert flowers into the fence in front of the wall. The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, were honored at the annual event.

Members of the Space Coast Voices sing the National Anthem during the NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 30, 2020. The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, were honored at the annual event.

Attendees of NASA’s Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 30, 2020 insert flowers into the fence in front of the wall. The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, were honored at the annual event.

Members of the Palm Bay Magnet High School Marine Corps JROTC participate in the presentation of colors during the NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 30, 2020. The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, were honored at the annual event.

A wreath is on display at the Space Mirror Memorial at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida during the annual Day of Remembrance ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, honoring fallen astronauts who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery including the crews of Apollo 1, Challenger STS-51L, and Columbia STS-107.

Burt Summerfield, associate director, management, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, speaks as part of the agency’s Day of Remembrance on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, at the Space Mirror Memorial at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The annual tradition honors fallen astronauts and astronaut candidates who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery.

Family members of fallen astronauts Kathie Scobee Fulgham, Lowell Grissom, Sheryl Chaffee, and Karen Bassett Stevenson place a wreath at the Space Mirror Memorial at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, during the agency’s Day of Remembrance. The annual tradition pays tribute to fallen astronauts and astronaut candidates who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery, including the crews of Apollo 1, Challenger STS-51L, and Columbia STS-107.