Aerospace Communications Facility, ACF Groundbreaking Ceremony

Aerospace Communications Facility, ACF Groundbreaking Ceremony

Aerospace Communications Facility, ACF Groundbreaking Ceremony

Aerospace Communications Facility, ACF Groundbreaking Ceremony

Aerospace Communications Facility, ACF Groundbreaking Ceremony

Aerospace Communications Facility, ACF Groundbreaking Ceremony

Aerospace Communications Facility, ACF Groundbreaking Ceremony

NASA officials and government leaders participated in a groundbreaking event for a new rocket engine test stand at NASA's Stennis Space Center, Miss. Pictured (left to right) are Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration Systems Doug Cooke, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne President Jim Maser, Stennis Space Center Director Richard Gilbrech, NASA Associate Administrator for Exploration Systems Scott Horowitz, NASA Deputy Administrator Shana Dale, Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, Sen. Thad Cochran, Sen. Trent Lott, Rep. Gene Taylor, SSC's Deputy Director Gene Goldman, and SSC's A-3 Project Manager Lonnie Dutreix. Stennis' A-3 Test Stand will provide altitude testing for NASA's developing J-2X engine. That engine will power the upper stages of NASA's Ares I and Ares V rockets. A-3 is the first large test stand to be built at SSC since the site's inception in the 1960s.

Local politicians and National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) officials were on hand for the January 23, 1941 groundbreaking for the NACA’s Aircraft Engine Research Laboratory (AERL). The NACA was established in 1915 to coordinate the nation’s aeronautical research. The committee opened a research laboratory at Langley Field in 1920. By the late 1930s, however, European nations, Germany in particular, were building faster and higher flying aircraft. The NACA decided to expand with a new Ames Aeronautical Laboratory dedicated to high-speed flight and the AERL to handle engine-related research. The NACA examined a number of Midwest locations for its new engine lab before deciding on Cleveland. At the time, Cleveland possessed the nation’s most advanced airport, several key aircraft manufacturing companies, and was home to the National Air Races. Local officials were also able to broker a deal with the power company to discount its electricity rates if the large wind tunnels were operated overnight. The decision was made in October 1940, and the groundbreaking alongside the airport took place on January 23, 1941. From left to right: William Hopkins, John Berry, Ray Sharp, Frederick Crawford, George Brett, Edward Warner, Sydney Kraus, Edward Blythin, and George Lewis

NASA Glenn Research Center Director and Senior Management at the Aerospace Communications Facility, ACF Groundbreaking Ceremony

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Groundbreaking for the new Central Campus will take place in the Industrial Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Nancy Bray, director of Kennedy's Center Operations Directorate, is interviewed by members of the media during the groundbreaking ceremony. Kennedy is transforming into a multi-user, 21st century spaceport supporting both commercial and government users and operations. Central Campus Phase I includes construction of a new Headquarters Building as one of the major components of the strategy. The new Headquarters Building will be a seven-story, 200,000-square-foot facility that will house about 500 NASA civil service and contractor employees. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Groundbreaking for the new Central Campus took place in the Industrial Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Members of the media and guests gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony. Kennedy is transforming into a multi-user, 21st century spaceport supporting both commercial and government users and operations. Central Campus Phase I includes construction of a new Headquarters Building as one of the major components of the strategy. The new Headquarters Building will be a seven-story, 200,000-square-foot facility that will house about 500 NASA civil service and contractor employees. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Groundbreaking for the new Central Campus took place in the Industrial Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Kennedy's Center Director Bob Cabana speaks to members of the media after the groundbreaking ceremony. Kennedy is transforming into a multi-user, 21st century spaceport supporting both commercial and government users and operations. Central Campus Phase I includes construction of a new Headquarters Building as one of the major components of the strategy. The new Headquarters Building will be a seven-story, 200,000-square-foot facility that will house about 500 NASA civil service and contractor employees. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Groundbreaking for the new Central Campus took place in the Industrial Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Steve Belflower, vice president of HuntonBrady Architects of Orlando, points to a scale model of the Central Campus building on display during the groundbreaking ceremony. Kennedy is transforming into a multi-user, 21st century spaceport supporting both commercial and government users and operations. Central Campus Phase I includes construction of a new Headquarters Building as one of the major components of the strategy. The new Headquarters Building will be a seven-story, 200,000-square-foot facility that will house about 500 NASA civil service and contractor employees. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Groundbreaking for the new Central Campus took place in the Industrial Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Members of the media and guests gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony. Kennedy is transforming into a multi-user, 21st century spaceport supporting both commercial and government users and operations. Central Campus Phase I includes construction of a new Headquarters Building as one of the major components of the strategy. The new Headquarters Building will be a seven-story, 200,000-square-foot facility that will house about 500 NASA civil service and contractor employees.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Groundbreaking for the new Central Campus took place in the Industrial Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Digging in with shovels during the groundbreaking ceremony, are Dan Tweed, associate director for Facilities at Kennedy Steve Belflower, vice president of HuntonBrady Architects of Orlando Nancy Bray, director of Kennedy's Center Operations Directorate Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana Kirk Hazen, southeast district manager and vice president of Hensel Phelps, the construction contractor and Kelvin Manning, Kennedy's associate director. Kennedy is transforming into a multi-user, 21st century spaceport supporting both commercial and government users and operations. Central Campus Phase I includes construction of a new Headquarters Building as one of the major components of the strategy. The new Headquarters Building will be a seven-story, 200,000-square-foot facility that will house about 500 NASA civil service and contractor employees. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Groundbreaking for the new Central Campus took place in the Industrial Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Kirk Hazen, southeast district manager and vice president of Hensel Phelps, the construction contractor, speaks to members of the media and guests during the groundbreaking ceremony. Behind him is Nancy Bray, director of Kennedy's Center Operations Directorate. To his right is Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana. To his left is Steve Belflower, vice president of HuntonBrady Architects of Orlando. Kennedy is transforming into a multi-user, 21st century spaceport supporting both commercial and government users and operations. Central Campus Phase I includes construction of a new Headquarters Building as one of the major components of the strategy. The new Headquarters Building will be a seven-story, 200,000-square-foot facility that will house about 500 NASA civil service and contractor employees. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Groundbreaking for the new Central Campus took place in the Industrial Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Digging in with shovels during the groundbreaking ceremony, are Dan Tweed, associate director for Facilities at Kennedy Steve Belflower, vice president of HuntonBrady Architects of Orlando Nancy Bray, director of Kennedy's Center Operations Directorate Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana Kirk Hazen, southeast district manager and vice president of Hensel Phelps, the construction contractor and Kelvin Manning, Kennedy's associate director. Kennedy is transforming into a multi-user, 21st century spaceport supporting both commercial and government users and operations. Central Campus Phase I includes construction of a new Headquarters Building as one of the major components of the strategy. The new Headquarters Building will be a seven-story, 200,000-square-foot facility that will house about 500 NASA civil service and contractor employees. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Groundbreaking for the new Central Campus took place in the Industrial Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana speaks to members of the media and guests during the groundbreaking ceremony. To his right is Nancy Bray, director of Kennedy's Center Operations Directorate. From far left, are Steve Belflower, vice president of HuntonBrady Architects of Orlando, and Kirk Hazen, southeast district manager and vice president of Hensel Phelps, the construction contractor. Kennedy is transforming into a multi-user, 21st century spaceport supporting both commercial and government users and operations. Central Campus Phase I includes construction of a new Headquarters Building as one of the major components of the strategy. The new Headquarters Building will be a seven-story, 200,000-square-foot facility that will house about 500 NASA civil service and contractor employees. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Groundbreaking for the new Central Campus will take place in the Industrial Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Nancy Bray, director of Kennedy's Center Operations Directorate, is interviewed by members of the media during the groundbreaking ceremony. Kennedy is transforming into a multi-user, 21st century spaceport supporting both commercial and government users and operations. Central Campus Phase I includes construction of a new Headquarters Building as one of the major components of the strategy. The new Headquarters Building will be a seven-story, 200,000-square-foot facility that will house about 500 NASA civil service and contractor employees.

Groundbreaking for the new Central Campus took place in the Industrial Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Steve Belflower, vice president of HuntonBrady Architects of Orlando, points to a scale model of the Central Campus building on display during the groundbreaking ceremony. Kennedy is transforming into a multi-user, 21st century spaceport supporting both commercial and government users and operations. Central Campus Phase I includes construction of a new Headquarters Building as one of the major components of the strategy. The new Headquarters Building will be a seven-story, 200,000-square-foot facility that will house about 500 NASA civil service and contractor employees.

Groundbreaking for the new Central Campus took place in the Industrial Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Kennedy's Center Director Bob Cabana speaks to members of the media after the groundbreaking ceremony. Kennedy is transforming into a multi-user, 21st century spaceport supporting both commercial and government users and operations. Central Campus Phase I includes construction of a new Headquarters Building as one of the major components of the strategy. The new Headquarters Building will be a seven-story, 200,000-square-foot facility that will house about 500 NASA civil service and contractor employees.

Groundbreaking for the new Central Campus took place in the Industrial Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Digging in with shovels during the groundbreaking ceremony, are Dan Tweed, associate director for Facilities at Kennedy Steve Belflower, vice president of HuntonBrady Architects of Orlando Nancy Bray, director of Kennedy's Center Operations Directorate Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana Kirk Hazen, southeast district manager and vice president of Hensel Phelps, the construction contractor and Kelvin Manning, Kennedy's associate director. Kennedy is transforming into a multi-user, 21st century spaceport supporting both commercial and government users and operations. Central Campus Phase I includes construction of a new Headquarters Building as one of the major components of the strategy. The new Headquarters Building will be a seven-story, 200,000-square-foot facility that will house about 500 NASA civil service and contractor employees.

Groundbreaking for the new Central Campus took place in the Industrial Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Steve Belflower, vice president of HuntonBrady Architects of Orlando, speaks to members of the media and guests during the groundbreaking ceremony. Behind him is Nancy Bray, director of Kennedy's Center Operations Directorate. To his right is Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana. To his left is Kirk Hazen, southeast district manager and vice president of Hensel Phelps, the construction contractor. Kennedy is transforming into a multi-user, 21st century spaceport supporting both commercial and government users and operations. Central Campus Phase I includes construction of a new Headquarters Building as one of the major components of the strategy. The new Headquarters Building will be a seven-story, 200,000-square-foot facility that will house about 500 NASA civil service and contractor employees.

Groundbreaking for the new Central Campus took place in the Industrial Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Kirk Hazen, southeast district manager and vice president of Hensel Phelps, the construction contractor, speaks to members of the media and guests during the groundbreaking ceremony. Behind him is Nancy Bray, director of Kennedy's Center Operations Directorate. To his right is Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana. To his left is Steve Belflower, vice president of HuntonBrady Architects of Orlando. Kennedy is transforming into a multi-user, 21st century spaceport supporting both commercial and government users and operations. Central Campus Phase I includes construction of a new Headquarters Building as one of the major components of the strategy. The new Headquarters Building will be a seven-story, 200,000-square-foot facility that will house about 500 NASA civil service and contractor employees.

Groundbreaking for the new Central Campus took place in the Industrial Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana speaks to members of the media and guests during the groundbreaking ceremony. To his right is Nancy Bray, director of Kennedy's Center Operations Directorate. From far left, are Steve Belflower, vice president of HuntonBrady Architects of Orlando, and Kirk Hazen, southeast district manager and vice president of Hensel Phelps, the construction contractor. Kennedy is transforming into a multi-user, 21st century spaceport supporting both commercial and government users and operations. Central Campus Phase I includes construction of a new Headquarters Building as one of the major components of the strategy. The new Headquarters Building will be a seven-story, 200,000-square-foot facility that will house about 500 NASA civil service and contractor employees.

Groundbreaking for the new Central Campus took place in the Industrial Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Digging in with shovels during the groundbreaking ceremony, are Dan Tweed, associate director for Facilities at Kennedy Steve Belflower, vice president of HuntonBrady Architects of Orlando Nancy Bray, director of Kennedy's Center Operations Directorate Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana Kirk Hazen, southeast district manager and vice president of Hensel Phelps, the construction contractor and Kelvin Manning, Kennedy's associate director. Kennedy is transforming into a multi-user, 21st century spaceport supporting both commercial and government users and operations. Central Campus Phase I includes construction of a new Headquarters Building as one of the major components of the strategy. The new Headquarters Building will be a seven-story, 200,000-square-foot facility that will house about 500 NASA civil service and contractor employees.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Groundbreaking for the new Central Campus will take place in the Industrial Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A scale model of the new facility and landscaping is on display for the ceremony. Kennedy is transforming into a multi-user, 21st century spaceport supporting both commercial and government users and operations. Central Campus Phase I includes construction of a new Headquarters Building as one of the major components of the strategy. The new Headquarters Building will be a seven-story, 200,000-square-foot facility that will house about 500 NASA civil service and contractor employees. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Groundbreaking for the new Central Campus will take place in the Industrial Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA banners and an artist rendering of the new facility have been set up for the ceremony. Kennedy is transforming into a multi-user, 21st century spaceport supporting both commercial and government users and operations. Central Campus Phase I includes construction of a new Headquarters Building as one of the major components of the strategy. The new Headquarters Building will be a seven-story, 200,000-square-foot facility that will house about 500 NASA civil service and contractor employees. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Groundbreaking for the new Central Campus will take place in the Industrial Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A scale model of the new facility and landscaping is on display for the ceremony. Kennedy is transforming into a multi-user, 21st century spaceport supporting both commercial and government users and operations. Central Campus Phase I includes construction of a new Headquarters Building as one of the major components of the strategy. The new Headquarters Building will be a seven-story, 200,000-square-foot facility that will house about 500 NASA civil service and contractor employees. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Groundbreaking for the new Central Campus will take place in the Industrial Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A scale model of the new facility and landscaping is on display for the ceremony. Kennedy is transforming into a multi-user, 21st century spaceport supporting both commercial and government users and operations. Central Campus Phase I includes construction of a new Headquarters Building as one of the major components of the strategy. The new Headquarters Building will be a seven-story, 200,000-square-foot facility that will house about 500 NASA civil service and contractor employees.

Groundbreaking for the new Central Campus will take place in the Industrial Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A scale model of the new facility and landscaping is on display for the ceremony. Kennedy is transforming into a multi-user, 21st century spaceport supporting both commercial and government users and operations. Central Campus Phase I includes construction of a new Headquarters Building as one of the major components of the strategy. The new Headquarters Building will be a seven-story, 200,000-square-foot facility that will house about 500 NASA civil service and contractor employees.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Groundbreaking for the new Central Campus took place in the Industrial Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana speaks to members of the media and guests during the ceremony. Behind Cabana is Nancy Bray, director of Kennedy's Center Operations Directorate. From far left, are Steve Belflower, vice president of HuntonBrady Architects of Orlando, and Kirk Hazen, southeast district manager and vice president of Hensel Phelps, the construction contractor. Kennedy is transforming into a multi-user, 21st century spaceport supporting both commercial and government users and operations. Central Campus Phase I includes construction of a new Headquarters Building as one of the major components of the strategy. The new Headquarters Building will be a seven-story, 200,000-square-foot facility that will house about 500 NASA civil service and contractor employees. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Groundbreaking for the new Central Campus took place in the Industrial Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Nancy Bray, director of Kennedy's Center Operations Directorate, speaks to members of the media and guests during the ceremony. To her right is Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana. From far left, are Steve Belflower, vice president of HuntonBrady Architects of Orlando, and Kirk Hazen, southeast district manager and vice president of Hensel Phelps, the construction contractor. Kennedy is transforming into a multi-user, 21st century spaceport supporting both commercial and government users and operations. Central Campus Phase I includes construction of a new Headquarters Building as one of the major components of the strategy. The new Headquarters Building will be a seven-story, 200,000-square-foot facility that will house about 500 NASA civil service and contractor employees. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Groundbreaking for the new Central Campus will take place in the Industrial Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana welcomes members of the media and guests to the ceremony. To his right is Nancy Bray, director of Kennedy's Center Operations Directorate. To his left is Kirk Hazen, southeast district manager and vice president of Hensel Phelps, the construction contractor. Kennedy is transforming into a multi-user, 21st century spaceport supporting both commercial and government users and operations. Central Campus Phase I includes construction of a new Headquarters Building as one of the major components of the strategy. The new Headquarters Building will be a seven-story, 200,000-square-foot facility that will house about 500 NASA civil service and contractor employees. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

NASA officials and elected leaders were on hand for the groundbreaking ceremony of the NASA Shared Services Center Feb. 24, 2006, on the grounds of Stennis Space Center. The NSSC provides agency centralized administrative processing, human resources, procurement and financial services. From left, Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Mike Olivier, Stennis Space Center Director Rick Gilbrech, Computer Sciences Corp. President Michael Laphen, NASA Deputy Administrator Shana Dale, Rep. Gene Taylor, Sen. Trent Lott, Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, NASA Administrator Mike Griffin and Shared Services Center Executive Director Arbuthnot use golden shovels to break ground at the site.

Groundbreaking for the new Central Campus will take place in the Industrial Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA banners and an artist rendering of the new facility have been set up for the ceremony. Kennedy is transforming into a multi-user, 21st century spaceport supporting both commercial and government users and operations. Central Campus Phase I includes construction of a new Headquarters Building as one of the major components of the strategy. The new Headquarters Building will be a seven-story, 200,000-square-foot facility that will house about 500 NASA civil service and contractor employees.

On Dec. 19, 2018, Jennifer Kunz, deputy program manager for Exploration Ground Systems, speaks during a groundbreaking ceremony for a new liquid hydrogen tank for Launch Complex 39B at the agency's Kennedy Space Center. The storage facility will hold 1.25 million gallons of the propellant for NASA's Space Launch System rocket designed to boost the agency's Orion spacecraft, sending humans to distant destinations such as the Moon and Mars.

On Dec. 19, 2018, NASA and contractor managers gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony for a new liquid hydrogen tank for Launch Complex 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The storage facility will hold 1.25 million gallons of the propellant for NASA's Space Launch System rocket designed to boost the agency's Orion spacecraft, sending humans to distant destinations such as the Moon and Mars.

On Dec. 19, 2018, NASA Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson speaks during a groundbreaking ceremony for a new liquid hydrogen tank for Launch Complex 39B at the agency's Kennedy Space Center. The storage facility will hold 1.25 million gallons of the propellant for NASA's Space Launch System rocket designed to boost the agency's Orion spacecraft, sending humans to distant destinations such as the Moon and Mars.

On Dec. 19, 2018, Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana speaks during a groundbreaking ceremony for a new liquid hydrogen tank for Launch Complex 39B at the space center. The storage facility will hold 1.25 million gallons of the propellant for NASA's Space Launch System rocket designed to boost the agency's Orion spacecraft, sending humans to distant destinations such as the Moon and Mars.

On Dec. 19, 2018, Bill Hill, deputy associate administrator for Exploration Systems Development at NASA Headquarters in Washington, speaks during a groundbreaking ceremony for a new liquid hydrogen tank for Launch Complex 39B at the agency's Kennedy Space Center. The storage facility will hold 1.25 million gallons of the propellant for NASA's Space Launch System rocket designed to boost the agency's Orion spacecraft, sending humans to distant destinations such as the Moon and Mars.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Near the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a groundbreaking ceremony was held to mark the location of the Ground Operations Demonstration Unit Liquid Hydrogen, or GODU LH2, test site. From left, are Johnny Nguyen, Fluids Test and Technology Development branch chief Emily Watkins, engineering intern Jeff Walls, Engineering Services Contract, or ESC, Cryogenics Test Lab engineer Kelly Currin, systems engineer Stephen Huff and Rudy Werlink partially hidden, cryogenics engineers Angela Krenn, systems engineer Doug Hammond, command and control engineer in the electrical division William Notardonato, GODU LH2 project manager and Kevin Jumper, ESC Cryogenics Test Lab manager. The GODU LH2 test site is one of the projects in NASA’s Advanced Exploration Systems Program. The site will be used to demonstrate advanced liquid hydrogen systems that are cost and energy efficient ways to store and transfer liquid hydrogen during process, loading, launch and spaceflight. The main components of the site will be a storage tank and a cryogenic refrigerator. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Near the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a groundbreaking ceremony was held to mark the location of the Ground Operations Demonstration Unit Liquid Hydrogen, or GODU LH2, test site. From left, are Johnny Nguyen, Fluids Test and Technology Development branch chief Emily Watkins, engineering intern Jeff Walls, Engineering Services Contract, or ESC, Cryogenics Test Lab engineer Kelly Currin, systems engineer Stephen Huff and Rudy Werlink partially hidden, cryogenics engineers Angela Krenn, systems engineer Doug Hammond, command and control engineer in the electrical division William Notardonato, GODU LH2 project manager and Kevin Jumper, ESC Cryogenics Test Lab manager. The GODU LH2 test site is one of the projects in NASA’s Advanced Exploration Systems Program. The site will be used to demonstrate advanced liquid hydrogen systems that are cost and energy efficient ways to store and transfer liquid hydrogen during process, loading, launch and spaceflight. The main components of the site will be a storage tank and a cryogenic refrigerator. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

Groundbreaking for the new Central Campus will take place in the Industrial Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana welcomes members of the media and guests to the ceremony. To his right is Nancy Bray, director of Kennedy's Center Operations Directorate. To his left is Kirk Hazen, southeast district manager and vice president of Hensel Phelps, the construction contractor. Kennedy is transforming into a multi-user, 21st century spaceport supporting both commercial and government users and operations. Central Campus Phase I includes construction of a new Headquarters Building as one of the major components of the strategy. The new Headquarters Building will be a seven-story, 200,000-square-foot facility that will house about 500 NASA civil service and contractor employees.

Groundbreaking for the new Central Campus took place in the Industrial Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana speaks to members of the media and guests during the ceremony. Behind Cabana is Nancy Bray, director of Kennedy's Center Operations Directorate. From far left, are Steve Belflower, vice president of HuntonBrady Architects of Orlando, and Kirk Hazen, southeast district manager and vice president of Hensel Phelps, the construction contractor. Kennedy is transforming into a multi-user, 21st century spaceport supporting both commercial and government users and operations. Central Campus Phase I includes construction of a new Headquarters Building as one of the major components of the strategy. The new Headquarters Building will be a seven-story, 200,000-square-foot facility that will house about 500 NASA civil service and contractor employees.

Groundbreaking for the new Central Campus took place in the Industrial Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Nancy Bray, director of Kennedy's Center Operations Directorate, speaks to members of the media and guests during the ceremony. To her right is Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana. From far left, are Steve Belflower, vice president of HuntonBrady Architects of Orlando, and Kirk Hazen, southeast district manager and vice president of Hensel Phelps, the construction contractor. Kennedy is transforming into a multi-user, 21st century spaceport supporting both commercial and government users and operations. Central Campus Phase I includes construction of a new Headquarters Building as one of the major components of the strategy. The new Headquarters Building will be a seven-story, 200,000-square-foot facility that will house about 500 NASA civil service and contractor employees.

The NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station, had initially been subordinate to the Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory near Hampton, Virginia, but as the flight research in the Mojave Desert increasingly proved its worth after 1946, it made sense to make the Flight Research Station a separate entity reporting directly to the headquarters of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics. But an autonomous center required all the trappings of a major research facility, including good quarters. With the adoption of the Edwards “Master Plan,” the Air Force had committed itself to moving from its old South Base to a new location midway between the South and North Bases. The NACA would have to move also--so why not take advantage of the situation and move into a full-blown research facility. The Air Force issued a lease to NACA for a location on the northwestern shore of the Roger Dry Lake. Construction started on the NACA station in early February 1953. On a windy day, January 27, 1953, at a groundbreaking ceremony stood left to right: Gerald Truszynski, Head of Instrumentation Division; Joseph Vensel, Head of the Operations Branch; Walter Williams, Head of the Station, scooping the first shovel full of dirt; Marion Kent, Head of Personnel; and California state official Arthur Samet.

The twin rovers of NASAa Mars Exploration Rover Mission pose with their groundbreaking predecessor, the flight spare of the Sojourner rover from NASA 1997 Pathfinder mission.

Addison Rothrock, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics’s (NACA) Assistant Director of Research, speaks at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Lewis Flight Propulsion Laboratory’s new test reactor at Plum Brook Station. This dedication event was held almost exactly one year after the NACA announced that it would build its $4.5 million nuclear reactor on 500 acres of the army’s 9000-acre Plum Brook Ordnance Works. The site was located in Sandusky, Ohio, approximately 60 miles west of the NACA Lewis laboratory in Cleveland. Lewis Director Raymond Sharp is seated to the left of Rothrock, Congressman Albert Baumhart and NACA Secretary John Victory are to the right. Many government and local officials were on hand for the press conference and ensuing luncheon. In the wake of World War II the military, the Atomic Energy Commission, and the NACA became interested in the use of atomic energy for propulsion and power. A Nuclear Division was established at NACA Lewis in the early 1950s. The division’s request for a 60-megawatt research reactor was approved in 1955. The semi-remote Plum Brook location was selected over 17 other possible sites. Construction of the Plum Brook Reactor Facility lasted five years. By the time of its first trial runs in 1961 the aircraft nuclear propulsion program had been cancelled. The space age had arrived, however, and the reactor would be used to study materials for a nuclear powered rocket.

January 23, 1941 groundbreaking ceremony at the NACA Aircraft Engine Research Laboratory: left to right (does not include two individuals obscured from view behind Maj. Brett and Dr. Lewis): • William R. Hopkins – Cleveland City Manager from 1924-1930, was personally responsible for planning and acquiring the land for the Cleveland Airport. The airport’s huge capacity for handling aircraft was one factor in selecting Cleveland for the site of the research center. The Cleveland Airport was renamed Cleveland Hopkins airport in his honor in 1951.
 • Major John Berry – Cleveland Airport Manager • Edward R. Sharp – GRC’s first director, serving from 1942 to his retirement in 1961. He came to Cleveland in 1941 as the construction manager for the new facility.
 • Frederick C. Crawford – President of Thompson Products, which became the Thompson-Ramo-Woolridge Corporation (TRW) in 1958. Crawford was, at the time, also president of the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce. He began in 1939 to campaign for Cleveland as the location for the new NACA facility.
 • Major George H. Brett – A Cleveland native, Brett served in WWI and was commanding officer at Wright Field in Dayton, Ohio before becoming chief of the Army Air Corps.
 • Dr. Edward P. Warner – Acting chairman of the NACA.
 • Captain Sydney M. Kraus – Officer in charge of Navy procurement
 • Edward Blythin – Mayor of Cleveland
 • Dr. George Lewis – Director of Aeronautical Research for the NACA from 1924-1947, Lewis devoted his life to building a scientific basis for aeronautical engineering. The Cleveland laboratory was renamed the Lewis Flight Propulsion Laboratory in his honor in 1948. A description of the event, based on newspaper accounts and later NASA publications is as follows: On January 23, 1941, a brief groundbreaking ceremony at the site marked the start of construction. Dr. George W. Lewis, director of research for the NACA, loosened the soil with a

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Janet Petro speaks during the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the future home of space shuttle Atlantis. Delaware North Parks & Resorts, in partnership with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, broke ground for the 65,000 square-foot exhibit that will house Atlantis at the visitor complex. For more information, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – During a ceremony in the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, state and local dignitaries break ground for the future home of space shuttle Atlantis. From left, are KSCVC Chief Operating Officer Bill Moore; Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Janet Petro; Lt. Governor of Florida Jennifer Carroll; Jeremy Jacobs, chairman and chief executive officer of Delaware North Companies; and STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson. Delaware North Parks & Resorts, in partnership with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, broke ground for the 65,000 square-foot exhibit that will house Atlantis at the visitor complex. For more information, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson speaks during the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the future home of space shuttle Atlantis. Delaware North Parks & Resorts, in partnership with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, broke ground for the 65,000 square-foot exhibit that will house Atlantis at the visitor complex. For more information, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (KSCVC) in Florida, KSCVC Chief Operating Officer Bill Moore speaks during the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the future home of space shuttle Atlantis. Delaware North Parks & Resorts, in partnership with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, broke ground for the 65,000 square-foot exhibit that will house Atlantis at the visitor complex. For more information, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Jeremy Jacobs, chairman and chief executive officer of Delaware North Companies, speaks during the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the future home of space shuttle Atlantis. Delaware North Parks & Resorts, in partnership with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, broke ground for the 65,000 square-foot exhibit that will house Atlantis at the visitor complex. For more information, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (KSCVC) in Florida, Jeremy Jacobs, chairman and chief executive officer of Delaware North Companies, speaks during the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the future home of space shuttle Atlantis. Seated at right, are KSCVC Chief Operating Officer Bill Moore; Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Janet Petro; Lt. Governor of Florida Jennifer Carroll; and STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson. Delaware North Parks & Resorts, in partnership with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, broke ground for the 65,000 square-foot exhibit that will house Atlantis at the visitor complex. For more information, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Chief Operating Officer Bill Moore speaks during a Ground Breaking Ceremony for the future home of space shuttle Atlantis. Seated at right, are Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Janet Petro; Lt. Governor of Florida Jennifer Carroll; Jeremy Jacobs, chairman and chief executive officer of Delaware North Companies; and STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson. Delaware North Parks & Resorts, in partnership with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, broke ground for the 65,000 square-foot exhibit that will house Atlantis at the visitor complex. For more information, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (KSCVC) in Florida, STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson speaks during the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the future home of space shuttle Atlantis. Seated at right, are KSCVC Chief Operating Officer Bill Moore; Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Janet Petro; Lt. Governor of Florida Jennifer Carroll; and Jeremy Jacobs, chairman and chief executive officer of Delaware North Companies. Delaware North Parks & Resorts, in partnership with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, broke ground for the 65,000 square-foot exhibit that will house Atlantis at the visitor complex. For more information, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Lt. Governor of Florida Jennifer Carroll speaks during the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the future home of space shuttle Atlantis. Delaware North Parks & Resorts, in partnership with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, broke ground for the 65,000 square-foot exhibit that will house Atlantis at the visitor complex. For more information, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (KSCVC) in Florida, Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll speaks during the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the future home of space shuttle Atlantis. Seated at right, are KSCVC Chief Operating Officer Bill Moore; Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Janet Petro; Jeremy Jacobs, chairman and chief executive officer of Delaware North Companies; and STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson. Delaware North Parks & Resorts, in partnership with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, broke ground for the 65,000 square-foot exhibit that will house Atlantis at the visitor complex. For more information, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – During a ceremony in the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (KSCVC) in Florida, state and local dignitaries break ground for the future home of space shuttle Atlantis. From left, are KSCVC Chief Operating Officer Bill Moore; Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Janet Petro; Lt. Governor of Florida Jennifer Carroll; Jeremy Jacobs, chairman and chief executive officer of Delaware North Companies; and STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson. Delaware North Parks & Resorts, in partnership with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, broke ground for the 65,000 square-foot exhibit that will house Atlantis at the visitor complex. For more information, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (KSCVC) in Florida, state and local dignitaries participate in a Ground Breaking Ceremony for the future home of space shuttle Atlantis. From left, are KSCVC Chief Operating Officer Bill Moore; Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Janet Petro; Lt. Governor of Florida Jennifer Carroll; Jeremy Jacobs, chairman and chief executive officer of Delaware North Companies; and STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson. Delaware North Parks & Resorts, in partnership with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, broke ground for the 65,000 square-foot exhibit that will house Atlantis at the visitor complex. For more information, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, state and local dignitaries speak during the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the future home of space shuttle Atlantis. Delaware North Parks & Resorts, in partnership with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, broke ground for the 65,000 square-foot exhibit that will house Atlantis at the visitor complex. For more information, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, state and local dignitaries participate in a Ground Breaking Ceremony for the future home of space shuttle Atlantis. The group includes KSCVC Chief Operating Officer Bill Moore; Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Janet Petro; Lt. Governor of Florida Jennifer Carroll; Jeremy Jacobs, chairman and chief executive officer of Delaware North Companies; and STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson. Delaware North Parks & Resorts, in partnership with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, broke ground for the 65,000 square-foot exhibit that will house Atlantis at the visitor complex. For more information, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, members of the Titusville High School marching band play music before the start of a Ground Breaking Ceremony for the future home of space shuttle Atlantis. Delaware North Parks & Resorts, in partnership with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, broke ground for the 65,000 square-foot exhibit that will house Atlantis at the visitor complex. For more information, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (KSCVC) in Florida, Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Janet Petro speaks during the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the future home of space shuttle Atlantis. Seated at right, are KSCVC Chief Operating Officer Bill Moore; Lt. Governor of Florida Jennifer Carroll; Jeremy Jacobs, chairman and chief executive officer of Delaware North Companies; and STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson. Delaware North Parks & Resorts, in partnership with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, broke ground for the 65,000 square-foot exhibit that will house Atlantis at the visitor complex. For more information, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (KSCVC) in Florida, dignitaries wait to speak during the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the future home of space shuttle Atlantis. From left, are KSCVC Chief Operating Officer Bill Moore; Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Janet Petro; Lt. Governor of Florida Jennifer Carroll; Jeremy Jacobs, chairman and chief executive officer of Delaware North Companies; and STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson. Delaware North Parks & Resorts, in partnership with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, broke ground for the 65,000 square-foot exhibit that will house Atlantis at the visitor complex. For more information, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (KSCVC) in Florida, Chief Operating Officer Bill Moore speaks during the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the future home of space shuttle Atlantis. Seated at right, are Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Janet Petro; Lt. Governor of Florida Jennifer Carroll; and Jeremy Jacobs, chairman and chief executive officer of Delaware North Companies. Partially blocked from view is STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson. Delaware North Parks & Resorts, in partnership with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, broke ground for the 65,000 square-foot exhibit that will house Atlantis at the visitor complex. For more information, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

EXPLORATION PARK GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY

EXPLORATION PARK GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY

EXPLORATION PARK GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY

EXPLORATION PARK GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY

EXPLORATION PARK GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY

EXPLORATION PARK GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY

EXPLORATION PARK GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY

EXPLORATION PARK GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY

EXPLORATION PARK GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY

EXPLORATION PARK GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY

EXPLORATION PARK GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY

Groundbreaking for the Centralized Office Building (COB)

Representatives from NASA, Orbital Sciences Corp. and Aerojet participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for construction of a flame deflector trench at Stennis Space Center's E Test Complex. Participants included Orbital CEO J.R. Thompson (center, left) and Stennis Space Center Director Gene Goldman (center, right).

On Feb. 11, 2020, NASA, JPL, military and local officials broke ground in Goldstone, California, for a new antenna in the agency's Deep Space Network, which communicates with all its deep space missions. When completed in 2 ½ years, the new 112-foot-wide (34-meter-wide) antenna dish will include mirrors and a special receiver for optical, or laser, communications from deep space missions. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA23618

Jim Kuzma, COO of Space Florida, speaks during the groundbreaking ceremony at Kennedy's Exploration Park for OneWeb. The company, in partnership with Airbus, is building a 150,000-square-foot factory to manufacture satellites that will connect all areas of the world to the Internet wirelessly. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Brian Holz, CEO of OneWeb Satellites, speaks during the groundbreaking ceremony at Kennedy's Exploration Park for OneWeb. The company, in partnership with Airbus, is building a 150,000-square-foot factory to manufacture satellites that will connect all areas of the world to the Internet wirelessly. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Cissy Procter, executive director of the Florida Department of Economic Activity, speaks during the groundbreaking ceremony at Kennedy's Exploration Park for OneWeb. The company, in partnership with Airbus, is building a 150,000-square-foot factory to manufacture satellites that will connect all areas of the world to the Internet wirelessly. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Florida Governor Rick Scott speaks during the groundbreaking ceremony at Kennedy's Exploration Park for OneWeb. The company, in partnership with Airbus, is building a 150,000-square-foot factory to manufacture satellites that will connect all areas of the world to the Internet wirelessly. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

On Dec. 19, 2018, at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39B, agency and contractor managers break ground for a new liquid hydrogen tank. Participating, from the left, are Todd Gray, president of Precision Mechanical, prime contractor for the project; Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, launch director; Shawn Quinn, director of Engineering; Bob Cabana, center director; Bill Hill, deputy associate administrator for Exploration Systems Development at NASA Headquarters in Washington; Mike Bolger, program manager for Exploration Ground Systems (EGS); Jennifer Kunz, deputy program manager for EGS, Andy Allen, general manager for Jacobs, NASA's Test and Operations Support Contractor; and Regina Spellman, launch pad senior project manager in EGS. The storage facility will hold 1.25 million gallons of the propellant for NASA's Space Launch System rocket designed to boost the agency's Orion spacecraft, sending humans to distant destinations such as the Moon and Mars.

Masters of Ceremony JoAnn H. Morgan, director of External Relations and Business Development at KSC, and Dr. Pamella J. Dana, director of the Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development in Florida, introduce guests at a groundbreaking held outdoors on S.R. 3. The groundbreaking is for a roadway, to be known as Space Commerce Way, that will serve the public by providing a 24-hour access route through KSC from S.R. 3 to the NASA Causeway and KSC Visitor Complex. It is the start of a construction project that includes the Space Experiment Research and Processing Laboratory (SERPL). The project is enabled by a partnership and collaboration between NASA and the State of Florida to create a vital resource for international and commercial space customers. SERPL is considered a magnet facility, and will support the development and processing of life sciences experiments destined for the International Space Station and accommodate NASA, industry and academic researchers performing associated biological research

At a groundbreaking ceremony at KSC, Florida’s Lt. Gov. Frank Brogan expresses his support of the Center’s growth and important role of technology, especially through the International Space Station. The groundbreaking is for a roadway, to be known as Space Commerce Way, that will serve the public by providing a 24-hour access route through KSC from S.R. 3 to the NASA Causeway and KSC Visitor Complex. It is the start of a construction project that includes the Space Experiment Research and Processing Laboratory (SERPL). The project is enabled by a partnership and collaboration between NASA and the State of Florida to create a vital resource for international and commercial space customers. SERPL is considered a magnet facility, and will support the development and processing of life sciences experiments destined for the International Space Station and accommodate NASA, industry and academic researchers performing associated biological research

At a groundbreaking ceremony at KSC, Florida’s Lt. Gov. Frank Brogan expresses his support of the Center’s growth and important role of technology, especially through the International Space Station. The groundbreaking is for a roadway, to be known as Space Commerce Way, that will serve the public by providing a 24-hour access route through KSC from S.R. 3 to the NASA Causeway and KSC Visitor Complex. It is the start of a construction project that includes the Space Experiment Research & Processing Laboratory (SERPL). The project is enabled by a partnership and collaboration between NASA and the State of Florida to create a vital resource for international and commercial space customers. SERPL is considered a magnet facility, and will support the development and processing of life sciences experiments destined for the International Space Station and accommodate NASA, industry and academic researchers performing associated biological research

Center Director Roy Bridges Jr. addresses attendees at a groundbreaking ceremony held on S.R. 3. The groundbreaking is for a roadway, to be known as Space Commerce Way, that will serve the public by providing a 24-hour access route through KSC from S.R. 3 to the NASA Causeway and KSC Visitor Complex. It is the start of a construction project that includes the Space Experiment Research and Processing Laboratory (SERPL). The project is enabled by a partnership and collaboration between NASA and the State of Florida to create a vital resource for international and commercial space customers. Among the participants and guests seated under the tent are (in front row, at right) Florida’s Lt. Gov. Frank Brogan and Congressman Dave Weldon. SERPL is considered a magnet facility, and will support the development and processing of life sciences experiments destined for the International Space Station and accommodate NASA, industry and academic researchers performing associated biological research

Center Director Roy Bridges Jr. addresses attendees at a groundbreaking ceremony held on S.R. 3. The groundbreaking is for a roadway, to be known as Space Commerce Way, that will serve the public by providing a 24-hour access route through KSC from S.R. 3 to the NASA Causeway and KSC Visitor Complex. It is the start of a construction project that includes the Space Experiment Research & Processing Laboratory (SERPL). The project is enabled by a partnership and collaboration between NASA and the State of Florida to create a vital resource for international and commercial space customers. Among the participants and guests seated under the tent are (in front row, at right) Florida’s Lt. Gov. Frank Brogan and Congressman Dave Weldon. SERPL is considered a magnet facility, and will support the development and processing of life sciences experiments destined for the International Space Station and accommodate NASA, industry and academic researchers performing associated biological research

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Center Director Roy Bridges speaks to attendees at the groundbreaking for the Operations Support Building II. The audience included representatives of Governor Jeb Bush and the state of Florida. The new building will replace modular housing constructed more than 20 years ago and house NASA and contractor support staff for shuttle operations. The demolition of the modular buildings has begun and construction will immediately follow. The new structure is projected to be ready in April 2005.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, preparations are under way to open the payload bay doors of space shuttle Atlantis. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of shuttle Atlantis. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis' future home -- a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Public Affairs Officer George Diller digs in behind the current countdown clock during the groundbreaking ceremony for the new countdown clock. The old timepiece was designed by Kennedy engineers and built by Kennedy technicians in 1969. Not including the triangular concrete and aluminum base, the famous landmark is nearly 6 feet 70 inches high, 26 feet 315 inches wide and 3 feet deep. The new display will be similar in size, with the screen being nearly 26 feet wide by 7 feet high.

A model of a OneWeb satellite like those the company will build to will connect all areas of the world to the Internet wirelessly. The company plans to launch 2,000 of the satellites as part of its constellation. The satellites will be built at a new factory at Exploration Park at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The company held a groundbreaking ceremony for the factory. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Director of Shuttle Processing Mike Wetmore speaks to attendees at the groundbreaking for the Operations Support Building II. The audience included representatives of Governor Jeb Bush and the state of Florida. The new building will replace modular housing constructed more than 20 years ago and house NASA and contractor support staff for shuttle operations. The demolition of the modular buildings has begun and construction will immediately follow. The new structure is projected to be ready in April 2005.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A full scale external tank and twin solid rocket booster replicas will stand at the Atlantis exhibit entrance at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, preparing to launch guests deep into the 30-year history of the Space Shuttle Program. A groundbreaking ceremony for the future home of Atlantis was held Jan. 18. For more information on this and other exhibits at the visitor complex, go to http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com. Artist rendering courtesy of PGAV Destinations for Delaware North Parks & Resorts

A portrait of Mary W. Jackson is seen after it was unveiled, Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, at the NASA Headquarters Mary W. Jackson Building in Washington. Mary W. Jackson was a pioneering aerospace engineer and mathematician at NASA’s Langley Research Center. As one of the “Hidden Figures,” she made significant contributions to the space program, particularly in aerodynamics and engineering. Jackson’s groundbreaking work and advocacy for women and minorities helped shape NASA’s success and advance opportunities for future generations in science and technology. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)