Ancient Heritage

ZENIA GARCIA SPEAKS ON HISPANIC HERITAGE HISTORY

MIKE TINKER SPEAKS ABOUT "LICENSE TO INNOVATE" AT HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH EVENT

ASTRONAUT DR. JOHN "DANNY" OLIVAS ADDRESSES ATTENDEES AT HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH EVENT

ASTRONAUT DR. JOHN "DANNY" OLIVAS ADDRESSES ATTENDEES AT HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH EVENT

ASTRONAUT DR. JOHN "DANNY" OLIVAS ADDRESSES ATTENDEES AT HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH EVENT

ASTRONAUT DR. JOHN "DANNY" OLIVAS ADDRESSES ATTENDEES AT HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH EVENT

Jerry Elliott, a former NASA physicist and one of the first native americans hired at NASA's Johnson Space Center, speaks during Native American Heritage Month event at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center.

Trina Espinoza, Science Communicator, Hispanic Heritage Foundation, moderates a panel at a White House Hispanic Heritage month event titled “Soaring Together: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Leaders” at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Yanidsi Velez-Bonet, senior director of Florida Programs and Policy for the Hispanic Federation, speaks to workers at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Oct. 10, 2019. The event was hosted by the center’s Hispanic Heritage Outreach and Leadership Alliance (HOLA) employee resource group for Hispanic Heritage Month. This year’s theme is “Hispanic Americans: A History of Serving our Nation.” HOLA’s initiatives include education and recruitment, professional networking and development, and community outreach and media support.

Yanidsi Velez-Bonet, senior director of Florida Programs and Policy for the Hispanic Federation, speaks to workers at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Oct. 10, 2019. The event was hosted by the center’s Hispanic Heritage Outreach and Leadership Alliance (HOLA) employee resource group for Hispanic Heritage Month. This year’s theme is “Hispanic Americans: A History of Serving our Nation.” HOLA’s initiatives include education and recruitment, professional networking and development, and community outreach and media support.

Yanidsi Velez-Bonet, senior director of Florida Programs and Policy for the Hispanic Federation, speaks to workers at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Oct. 10, 2019. The event was hosted by the center’s Hispanic Heritage Outreach and Leadership Alliance (HOLA) employee resource group for Hispanic Heritage Month. This year’s theme is “Hispanic Americans: A History of Serving our Nation.” HOLA’s initiatives include education and recruitment, professional networking and development, and community outreach and media support.

Yanidsi Velez-Bonet, senior director of Florida Programs and Policy for the Hispanic Federation, speaks to workers at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Oct. 10, 2019 and takes questions from workers after her presentation. The event was hosted by the center’s Hispanic Heritage Outreach and Leadership Alliance (HOLA) employee resource group for Hispanic Heritage Month. This year’s theme is “Hispanic Americans: A History of Serving our Nation.” HOLA’s initiatives include education and recruitment, professional networking and development, and community outreach and media support.

Kennedy Space Center workers mingle before a Hispanic Heritage Month presentation in the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building Mission Briefing Room on Oct. 10, 2019. Yanidsi Velez-Bonet, senior director of Florida Programs and Policy for the Hispanic Federation was this year’s guest speaker. The event was hosted by the center’s Hispanic Heritage Outreach and Leadership Alliance (HOLA) employee resource group. This year’s theme is “Hispanic Americans: A History of Serving our Nation.” HOLA’s initiatives include education and recruitment, professional networking and development, and community outreach and media support.

NASA Engineer Edsel Sanchez welcomes Kennedy Space Center workers to a Hispanic Heritage Month presentation in the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building Mission Briefing Room on Oct. 10, 2019. Yanidsi Velez-Bonet, senior director of Florida Programs and Policy for the Hispanic Federation was this year’s guest speaker. The event was hosted by the center’s Hispanic Heritage Outreach and Leadership Alliance (HOLA) employee resource group. This year’s theme is “Hispanic Americans: A History of Serving our Nation.” HOLA’s initiatives include education and recruitment, professional networking and development, and community outreach and media support.

Information from the Hispanic Federation is on display in the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building Mission Briefing Room at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, during a Hispanic Heritage Month presentation on Oct. 10, 2019. Yanidsi Velez-Bonet, senior director of Florida Programs and Policy for the Hispanic Federation is this year’s guest speaker. The event, hosted by the center’s Hispanic Heritage Outreach and Leadership Alliance (HOLA) employee resource group, focused on the theme “Hispanic Americans: A History of Serving our Nation.” HOLA’s initiatives include education and recruitment, professional networking and development, and community outreach and media support.

Information from the Hispanic Federation is on display in the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building Mission Briefing Room at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, during a Hispanic Heritage Month presentation on Oct. 10, 2019. Yanidsi Velez-Bonet, senior director of Florida Programs and Policy for the Hispanic Federation is this year’s guest speaker. The event was hosted by the center’s Hispanic Heritage Outreach and Leadership Alliance (HOLA) employee resource group. This year’s theme is “Hispanic Americans: A History of Serving our Nation.” HOLA’s initiatives include education and recruitment, professional networking and development, and community outreach and media support.

NASA Kennedy Space Center workers gather at KARS Park II to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month on Oct. 17, 2019. The event was hosted by the center’s Hispanic Outreach and Leadership Alliance (HOLA) employee resource group for Hispanic Heritage Month. This year’s theme is “Hispanic Americans: A History of Serving our Nation.” HOLA’s initiatives include education and recruitment, professional networking and development, and community outreach and media support.

NASA Kennedy Space Center workers gather at KARS Park II to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month on Oct. 17, 2019. The event was hosted by the center’s Hispanic Outreach and Leadership Alliance (HOLA) employee resource group for Hispanic Heritage Month. This year’s theme is “Hispanic Americans: A History of Serving our Nation.” HOLA’s initiatives include education and recruitment, professional networking and development, and community outreach and media support.

NASA Kennedy Space Center workers enjoy Hispanic food at KARS Park II during an event to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month on Oct. 17, 2019. The event was hosted by the center’s Hispanic Outreach and Leadership Alliance (HOLA) employee resource group for Hispanic Heritage Month. This year’s theme is “Hispanic Americans: A History of Serving our Nation.” HOLA’s initiatives include education and recruitment, professional networking and development, and community outreach and media support.

NASA Kennedy Space Center workers enjoy Hispanic food at KARS Park II during an event to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month on Oct. 17, 2019. The event was hosted by the center’s Hispanic Outreach and Leadership Alliance (HOLA) employee resource group for Hispanic Heritage Month. This year’s theme is “Hispanic Americans: A History of Serving our Nation.” HOLA’s initiatives include education and recruitment, professional networking and development, and community outreach and media support.

A NASA Kennedy Space Center workers enjoys a treat during a gathering at KARS Park II to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month on Oct. 17, 2019. The event was hosted by the center’s Hispanic Outreach and Leadership Alliance (HOLA) employee resource group for Hispanic Heritage Month. This year’s theme is “Hispanic Americans: A History of Serving our Nation.” HOLA’s initiatives include education and recruitment, professional networking and development, and community outreach and media support.

NASA Astronaut Frank Rubio answers a question at a staff engagement event that took place during a White House Hispanic Heritage month event titled “Soaring Together: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Leaders” at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Jose Hernandez, retired NASA Astronaut, provides remarks at a White House Hispanic Heritage month event titled “Soaring Together: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Leaders” at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA Astronaut Frank Rubio answers a question at a staff engagement event that took place during a White House Hispanic Heritage month event titled “Soaring Together: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Leaders” at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Diana Trujillo, NASA Human Spaceflight Director, speaks on a panel at a White House Hispanic Heritage month event titled “Soaring Together: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Leaders” at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Frank Rubio, NASA Astronaut provides closing remarks at a White House Hispanic Heritage month event titled “Soaring Together: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Leaders” at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Frank Rubio, NASA Astronaut, speaks at a White House Hispanic Heritage month event titled “Soaring Together: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Leaders” at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA Astronaut Frank Rubio speaks at a staff engagement event that took place during a White House Hispanic Heritage month event titled “Soaring Together: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Leaders” at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA Astronaut Frank Rubio speaks at a staff engagement event that took place during a White House Hispanic Heritage month event titled “Soaring Together: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Leaders” at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA Astronaut Frank Rubio speaks at a staff engagement event that took place during a White House Hispanic Heritage month event titled “Soaring Together: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Leaders” at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Jose Hernandez, retired NASA Astronaut, provides remarks at a White House Hispanic Heritage month event titled “Soaring Together: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Leaders” at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA Astronaut Marcos Berrios speaks at a staff engagement event that took place during a White House Hispanic Heritage month event titled “Soaring Together: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Leaders” at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Ray Lugo, director of the Florida Space Institute in Orlando and former director of NASA's Glenn Research Center, talks with Jody Singer, director of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, Oct. 18 following his keynote address at Marshall's annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.

NASA Astronaut Marcos Berrios speaks at a staff engagement event that took place during a White House Hispanic Heritage month event titled “Soaring Together: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Leaders” at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Jose Hernandez, retired NASA Astronaut, provides remarks at a White House Hispanic Heritage month event titled “Soaring Together: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Leaders” at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Ron Lopez, President, Astroscale, US, speaks on a panel at a White House Hispanic Heritage month event titled “Soaring Together: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Leaders” at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Jose Hernandez, retired NASA Astronaut, provides remarks at a White House Hispanic Heritage month event titled “Soaring Together: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Leaders” at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Frank Rubio, NASA Astronaut, speaks at a White House Hispanic Heritage month event titled “Soaring Together: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Leaders” at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA Astronaut Frank Rubio answers a question at a staff engagement event that took place during a White House Hispanic Heritage month event titled “Soaring Together: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Leaders” at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Major Sandra Ahinga, Chief of Operations Law, U.S. Space Command, speaks on a panel at a White House Hispanic Heritage month event titled “Soaring Together: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Leaders” at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Karina Perez, Director for Unmanned and Emerging Aviation Technologies, Aerospace Industries Association, speaks on a panel at a White House Hispanic Heritage month event titled “Soaring Together: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Leaders” at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

From left to right, moderator Trina Espinoza, Science Communicator, Hispanic Heritage Foundation, Ingrid Padilla, Professor in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez (UPRM), Frank Avila, Deputy Director, Source Operations, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), and Diana Trujillo, NASA Human Spaceflight Director, speak on a panel at a White House Hispanic Heritage month event titled “Soaring Together: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Leaders” at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Diana Trujillo, NASA Human Spaceflight Director, right, speaks on a panel with, from left to right, moderator Trina Espinoza, Science Communicator, Hispanic Heritage Foundation, Ingrid Padilla, Professor in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez (UPRM), and Frank Avila, Deputy Director, Source Operations, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), at a White House Hispanic Heritage month event titled “Soaring Together: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Leaders” at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Diana Trujillo, NASA Human Spaceflight Director, right, speaks on a panel with, from left to right, moderator Trina Espinoza, Science Communicator, Hispanic Heritage Foundation, Ingrid Padilla, Professor in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez (UPRM), and Frank Avila, Deputy Director, Source Operations, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), at a White House Hispanic Heritage month event titled “Soaring Together: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Leaders” at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Diana Trujillo, NASA Human Spaceflight Director, speaks on a panel with, from left to right, moderator Trina Espinoza, Science Communicator, Hispanic Heritage Foundation, Ingrid Padilla, Professor in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez (UPRM), and Frank Avila, Deputy Director, Source Operations, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), at a White House Hispanic Heritage month event titled “Soaring Together: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Leaders” at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

This graphic highlights locations on the moon NASA considers lunar heritage sites and the path NASA Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory spacecraft will take on their final flight.

Marcos Berrios, NASA Astronaut, speaks at a White House Hispanic Heritage month event titled “Soaring Together: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Leaders” at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Marshall Space Flight Center's (MSFC's) building 4200 hosts a new spaceflight history museum referred to as the Heritage Gallery, allowing employees and visitors alike to have the opportunity to experience history first hand. On display are many models of launch vehicles and spacecraft that have made the center famous. It features a full-scale mockup of the lunar roving vehicle, three built-in multimedia displays, a large theater screen, and two glass cases that house memorabilia such as personal items belonging to Wernher von Braun, MSFC's first Center Director. The new Heritage Gallery features the accomplishments of several past and present members of the Marshall team. Attending the ribbon cutting ceremony are: (left to right) Gerhard Reisig; Cort Durocher, executive director of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics; Ernst Stuhlinger; Konrad Darnenburg; Werner Dahm; Walter Jacobi; and host of event, Center Director Art Stephenson.

NASA Astronauts Frank Rubio, left, and Marcos Berrios, speak at a staff engagement event that took place during a White House Hispanic Heritage month event titled “Soaring Together: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Leaders” at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Chirag Parikh, Deputy Assistant to the President and Executive Secretary of the National Space Council speaks at a staff engagement event that took place during a White House Hispanic Heritage month event titled “Soaring Together: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Leaders” at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Frank Avila, Deputy Director, Source Operations, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) speaks on a panel at a White House Hispanic Heritage month event titled “Soaring Together: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Leaders” at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Ingrid Padilla, Professor in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez (UPRM) speaks on a panel at a White House Hispanic Heritage month event titled “Soaring Together: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Leaders” at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Chirag Parikh, Deputy Assistant to the President and Executive Secretary of the National Space Council, speaks at a staff engagement event that took place during a White House Hispanic Heritage month event titled “Soaring Together: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Leaders” at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Chirag Parikh, Deputy Assistant to the President and Executive Secretary of the National Space Council, introduces NASA Astronauts Frank Rubio, center, and Marcos Berrios, at a staff engagement event that took place during a White House Hispanic Heritage month event titled “Soaring Together: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Leaders” at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Chirag Parikh, Deputy Assistant to the President and Executive Secretary of the National Space Council, hands a letter from U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris to NASA astronaut Frank Rubio after reading it at the conclusion of a White House Hispanic Heritage month event titled “Soaring Together: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Leaders” at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Chirag Parikh, Deputy Assistant to the President and Executive Secretary of the National Space Council, reads a letter from U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris to NASA astronaut Frank Rubio at the conclusion of a White House Hispanic Heritage month event titled “Soaring Together: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Leaders” at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Wilmar Galvez Alfonso, Aerospace Engineering Student, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University moderates a discussion with NASA astronauts Frank Rubio and Marcos Berrios at a White House Hispanic Heritage month event titled “Soaring Together: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Leaders” at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Chirag Parikh, Deputy Assistant to the President and Executive Secretary of the National Space Council, shakes hands with NASA astronaut Frank Rubio after reading a letter from U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris at the conclusion of a White House Hispanic Heritage month event titled “Soaring Together: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Leaders” at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Chirag Parikh, Deputy Assistant to the President and Executive Secretary of the National Space Council, top left, and NASA Astronauts Frank Rubio, center, and Marcos Berrios, speak at a staff engagement event that took place during a White House Hispanic Heritage month event titled “Soaring Together: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Leaders” at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Carrington Jones-Jackson, Intern, Vice Presidential Correspondence, asks a question at at a staff engagement event that took place during a White House Hispanic Heritage month event titled “Soaring Together: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Leaders” at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Chirag Parikh, Deputy Assistant to the President and Executive Secretary of the National Space Council, left, and NASA Astronauts Frank Rubio, center, and Marcos Berrios, speak at a staff engagement event that took place during a White House Hispanic Heritage month event titled “Soaring Together: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Leaders” at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Chirag Parikh, Deputy Assistant to the President and Executive Secretary of the National Space Council, left, and NASA Astronauts Frank Rubio, center, and Marcos Berrios, speak at a staff engagement event that took place during a White House Hispanic Heritage month event titled “Soaring Together: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Leaders” at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Wilmar Galvez Alfonso, Aerospace Engineering Student, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University moderates a discussion with NASA astronauts Frank Rubio and Marcos Berrios at a White House Hispanic Heritage month event titled “Soaring Together: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Leaders” at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

JIMMY YELLOWHORSE, A MEMBER OF THE CHEROKEE TRIBE, PERFORMS A TRADITIONAL SONG DURING THE NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH EVENT AT NASA’S MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER NOV. 29.

NASA astronauts Frank Rubio, center left, and Marcos Berrios, center right, pose for a photo on the Navy Steps of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building with attendees, panelists, and speakers of the White House Hispanic Heritage month event titled “Soaring Together: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Leaders” at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Guest speaker Charles A. Gambaro, NASA KSC engineering lead and Combat Engineering Group commander, speaks to an appreciative audience during KSC’s annual Hispanic American Heritage luncheon. The theme was “Hispanic Americans Making a Difference.” Gambaro recently returned from Operation Iraqi Freedom. Hosted by the Hispanic Employment Program Working Group, the luncheon also provided live cultural entertainment. The annual event helps employees reflect on the extensive contributions Hispanics have made to KSC, NASA and the nation.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Astronaut Fernando Caldeiro (left) and Joseph Tellado (right) present a memento of appreciation to Tom Neimeyer (with InDyne Corp.) at KSC’s annual Hispanic American Heritage luncheon. The theme was “Hispanic Americans Making a Difference.” Tellado was co-chair of the event hosted by the Hispanic Employment Program Working Group. InDyne was one of the sponsors of the luncheon. The annual event helps employees reflect on the extensive contributions Hispanics have made to KSC, NASA and the nation.

MATTHEW YAZZIE, FOUNDER AND CEO OF THE NONPROFIT, “OTHERS PROJECT”, SPEAKS TO ATTENDEES AT MSFC 2018 NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH PROGRAM

A protected area within the Nasca World Heritage Site in Peru that has experienced apparent disturbance between two different observations by NASA Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle Synthetic Aperture Radar UAVSAR.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Debus Center at the KSC Visitor Complex, employees help themselves to a variety of Hispanic foods during the Center’s annual Hispanic American Heritage luncheon. The theme was “Hispanic Americans Making a Difference” and featured guest speaker Charles A. Gambaro, NASA KSC engineering lead and Combat Engineering Group commander, who recently returned from Operation Iraqi Freedom. Hosted by the Hispanic Employment Program Working Group, the luncheon also provided live cultural entertainment. The annual event helps employees reflect on the extensive contributions Hispanics have made to KSC, NASA and the nation.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Felix A. Soto Toro (left) and Joseph Tellado (right) get into the spirit of KSC’s annual Hispanic American Heritage luncheon. The theme was “Hispanic Americans Making a Difference.” Soto Toro and Tellado are co-chairs of the event hosted by the Hispanic Employment Program Working Group. The annual event helps employees reflect on the extensive contributions Hispanics have made to KSC, NASA and the nation. The guest speaker was Charles A. Gambaro, NASA KSC engineering lead and Combat Engineering Group commander, who recently returned from Operation Iraqi Freedom.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At KSC’s annual Hispanic American Heritage luncheon, contractor sponsors were presented certificates of appreciation. Accepting were (from left) Dick Lyons, with ASRC Aerospace Corp.; Tom Niemeyer, with InDyne Corp.; Kevin Hoshstrasser (with Boeing); Vera Pettis, with Lockheed Martin; and Bill Sample, with SGS. Next to them are astronaut Fernando Caldeiro, Felix A. Soto Toro and Joseph Tellado. Soto Toro and Tellado were co-chairs of the event hosted by the Hispanic Employment Program Working Group. The annual event helps employees reflect on the extensive contributions Hispanics have made to KSC, NASA and the nation.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Astronaut Fernando Caldeiro (left) and Joseph Tellado (right) present a memento of appreciation to Charles A. Gambaro (center), NASA KSC engineering lead and Combat Engineering Group commander, who recently returned from Operation Iraqi Freedom. Gambaro was the guest speaker at KSC’s annual Hispanic American Heritage luncheon. The theme was “Hispanic Americans Making a Difference.” Caldeiro was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Tellado was co-chair of the event hosted by the Hispanic Employment Program Working Group. The annual event helps employees reflect on the extensive contributions Hispanics have made to KSC, NASA and the nation.

Famie Willis (left), 2009-2010 Choctaw Indian Princess, displays artifacts during Native American Heritage Month activities at Stennis Space Center on Nov. 24. The celebration featured various Native American cultural displays for Stennis employees to view. Shown above are (l to r): Willis, Elaine Couchman of NASA Shared Services Center, John Cecconi of NSSC and Lakeisha Robertson of the Environmental Protection Agency.

The Curonian Spit in Lithuania and the Russian Federation was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. This image is from NASA Terra satellite.

The heritage for investigations with the Dynamic Albedo of Neutrons instrument on NASA Curiosity rover comes from NASA Odyssey orbiter.

JIMMY YELLOWHORSE, FROM DECATUR, ALABAMA, PLAYS A HAND-CARVED FLUTE DURING THE NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH PROGRAM NOV. 13 AT NASA’S MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER. YELLOWHORSE CRAFTED THE FLUTE HIMSELF FROM CEDAR, WALNUT AND MAHOGANY, USING TRADITIONAL CHEROKEE TECHNIQUES. THE ANNUAL OBSERVANCE, COORDINATED BY MARSHALL'S OFFICE OF DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, HONORS THE CULTURE AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF NATIVE AMERICANS THROUGH STORYTELLING AND ETHNIC FOOD SAMPLINGS.

NASA Flight Director Diana Trujillo gives remarks during an event where NASA and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation signed a Space Act Agreement to collaborate and expand STEM opportunities for Latino K-12 and university students and reduce barriers to agency activities and opportunities, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, at the NASA Headquarters Mary W. Jackson Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Flight Director Diana Trujillo gives remarks during an event where NASA and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation signed a Space Act Agreement to collaborate and expand STEM opportunities for Latino K-12 and university students and reduce barriers to agency activities and opportunities, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, at the NASA Headquarters Mary W. Jackson Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Flight Director Diana Trujillo gives remarks during an event where NASA and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation signed a Space Act Agreement to collaborate and expand STEM opportunities for Latino K-12 and university students and reduce barriers to agency activities and opportunities, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, at the NASA Headquarters Mary W. Jackson Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Flight Director Diana Trujillo gives remarks during an event where NASA and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation signed a Space Act Agreement to collaborate and expand STEM opportunities for Latino K-12 and university students and reduce barriers to agency activities and opportunities, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, at the NASA Headquarters Mary W. Jackson Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Public Engagement Advisor Sol Ortega moderates an event where NASA and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation signed a Space Act Agreement to collaborate and expand STEM opportunities for Latino K-12 and university students and reduce barriers to agency activities and opportunities, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, at the NASA Headquarters Mary W. Jackson Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Acquired by NASA Terra spacecraft, this image shows Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve, located in the Shark Bay World Heritage Site in Western Australia.

Different visualizations of an area with geometric geoglyphs at the Nasca World Heritage Site in Peru as seen by NASA Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle Synthetic Aperture Radar UAVSAR.

NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy gives remarks during an event where NASA and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation signed a Space Act Agreement to collaborate and expand STEM opportunities for Latino K-12 and university students and reduce barriers to agency activities and opportunities, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, at the NASA Headquarters Mary W. Jackson Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Spanish Communications Lead María-José Viñas Garcia gives remarks during an event where NASA and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation signed a Space Act Agreement to collaborate and expand STEM opportunities for Latino K-12 and university students and reduce barriers to agency activities and opportunities, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, at the NASA Headquarters Mary W. Jackson Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Spanish Communications Lead María-José Viñas Garcia gives remarks during an event where NASA and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation signed a Space Act Agreement to collaborate and expand STEM opportunities for Latino K-12 and university students and reduce barriers to agency activities and opportunities, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, at the NASA Headquarters Mary W. Jackson Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Spanish Communications Lead María-José Viñas Garcia gives remarks during an event where NASA and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation signed a Space Act Agreement to collaborate and expand STEM opportunities for Latino K-12 and university students and reduce barriers to agency activities and opportunities, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, at the NASA Headquarters Mary W. Jackson Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

President and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation Jose Antonio Tijerino gives remarks during an event where NASA and the HHF signed a Space Act Agreement to collaborate and expand STEM opportunities for Latino K-12 and university students and reduce barriers to agency activities and opportunities, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, at the NASA Headquarters Mary W. Jackson Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

President and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation Jose Antonio Tijerino, left, and NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, react after signing a Space Act Agreement between the HHF and NASA to collaborate and expand STEM opportunities for Latino K-12 and university students and reduce barriers to agency activities and opportunities, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, at the NASA Headquarters Mary W. Jackson Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

President and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation Jose Antonio Tijerino, left, and NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, sign a Space Act Agreement between the HHF and NASA to collaborate and expand STEM opportunities for Latino K-12 and university students and reduce barriers to agency activities and opportunities, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, at the NASA Headquarters Mary W. Jackson Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Minority University Research and Education Project, Program Manager, Keya Briscoe, gives remarks during an event where NASA and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation signed a Space Act Agreement to collaborate and expand STEM opportunities for Latino K-12 and university students and reduce barriers to agency activities and opportunities, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, at the NASA Headquarters Mary W. Jackson Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

President and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation Jose Antonio Tijerino, left, and NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, shake hands after signing a Space Act Agreement between the HHF and NASA to collaborate and expand STEM opportunities for Latino K-12 and university students and reduce barriers to agency activities and opportunities, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, at the NASA Headquarters Mary W. Jackson Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

President and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation Jose Antonio Tijerino, left, and NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, sign a Space Act Agreement between the HHF and NASA to collaborate and expand STEM opportunities for Latino K-12 and university students and reduce barriers to agency activities and opportunities, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, at the NASA Headquarters Mary W. Jackson Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Minority University Research and Education Project, Program Manager, Keya Briscoe, gives remarks during an event where NASA and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation signed a Space Act Agreement to collaborate and expand STEM opportunities for Latino K-12 and university students and reduce barriers to agency activities and opportunities, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, at the NASA Headquarters Mary W. Jackson Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

President and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation Jose Antonio Tijerino, left, and NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, sign a Space Act Agreement between the HHF and NASA to collaborate and expand STEM opportunities for Latino K-12 and university students and reduce barriers to agency activities and opportunities, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, at the NASA Headquarters Mary W. Jackson Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Indigenous Australian owners have been returned the Daintree National Park in northeast Australia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. More than 160,000 hectares of the 130 million year old rainforest were returned to the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people, who have lived in the area for more than 50,000 years. The image was acquired September 3, 2018, covers an area of 29.6 by 30.3 km, and is located at 16.3 degrees south, 145.4 degrees east. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA24869

Dinosaur Provincial Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site east of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Located in the Red River Valley, it is noted for its badland topography and rich abundance of dinosaur fossils. Found in Late Cretaceous rocks, over 60 dinosaur species have been discovered. The image was acquired June 6, 2018, covers an area of 10.9 by 13.2 km, and is located at 50.6 degrees north, 111.5 degrees west. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA26290

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At a luncheon celebrating Native American Heritage Month held at the Patrick Air Force Base NCO Club, astronaut John Herrington speaks to invited guests. Herrington is a tribally enrolled Chickasaw and the world’s first Native American astronaut, who last flew on mission STS-113 in 2002.