Several projects supporting NASA's Advanced Air Mobility, or AAM mission, are working on different elements to help make AAM a reality. In order for these new AAM aircraft to safely operate, new infrastructure and changes to current infrastructure will need to be developed in cities, suburbs, and rural areas.

This illustration of Moon to Mars infrastructure shows astronauts living and working on the surface of Mars. NASA’s Moon to Mars Objectives establish an objectives-based approach to the agency's human deep space exploration efforts; NASA’s Moon to Mars Architecture approach distills the objectives into operational capabilities and elements.

An image shows a new pipeline liner section being place inside the existing carrier pipe near the Fred Haise Test Stand on May 1 in the last phase of updating the original test complex industrial water system at NASA’s Stennis Space Center.

Crews use a special tool to place a new pipeline liner section inside the existing carrier pipe near the Fred Haise Test Stand on May 1 in the last phase of updating the original test complex industrial water system at NASA’s Stennis Space Center.

Crews use a special tool to place a new pipeline liner inside the existing carrier pipe near the Fred Haise Test Stand on May 1 in the last phase of updating the original test complex industrial water system at NASA’s Stennis Space Center.

Crews lift a new pipeline liner section near the Fred Haise Test Stand on May 1 in the last phase of updating the original test complex water system at NASA’s Stennis Space Center.

Crews prepare new pipeline liner sections for installation near the Fred Haise Test Stand on May 1 in the last phase of updating the original test complex industrial water system at NASA’s Stennis Space Center.

: An image shows the entry location of the existing carrier pipe where new liner sections are being placed at the base of the Fred Haise Test Stand at NASA’s Stennis Space Center in the last phase of updating the original test complex industrial water system.

The north and south (shown) security gates at NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center were rebuilt in 2010 to enhance center appearance and increase the safety of Stennis employees.

Ames Research Center researchers Yasmin Arbab and Mark Snycerski on the Advanced Air Mobility National Campaign project's Airspace Test Infrastructure (ATI) team monitor surveillance data and connectivity of the flight test infrastructure to a cloud based system in real time during the NC Integrated Dry Run Test team the first week of December 2020 at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in California.

A sunrise over NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida is captured on July 15, 2020. A multi-user spaceport, Kennedy has partnerships with both government and commercial entities, providing the facilities and infrastructure necessary for venturing to space.

The Sun just begins to rise over NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on July 15, 2020. A multi-user spaceport, Kennedy has partnerships with both government and commercial entities, providing the facilities and infrastructure necessary for venturing to space.

NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy (front third from left) discusses NASA 2040, the agency's strategic initiative for aligning workforce, infrastructure, and technologies to meet the needs of the future, on Nov. 13, 2024, with various groups of employees at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Elizabeth Robinson, NASA Chief Finiancial Officer, testifies during a Joint Hearing before the House Committee on Science and Technology, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Elizabeth Robinson, NASA Chief Financial Officer, testifies during a Joint Hearing before the House Committee on Science and Technology, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Thomas Howard, NASA Deputy Inspector General, testifies during a Joint Hearing before the House Committee on Science and Technology, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy (front center left) discusses NASA 2040, the agency's strategic initiative for aligning workforce, infrastructure, and technologies to meet the needs of the future, on Nov. 13, 2024, with various groups of employees at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Ames Research Center researchers on the Advanced Air Mobility National Campaign project's Airspace Test Infrastructure (ATI) team monitor surveillance data and metrics from the helicopter in real time during the NC Integrated Dry Run Test team the first week of December 2020 at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in California.

NASA Headquarter's Office of Infrastructure and Administration, Environmental Management Division presents the annual Blue Marble Award to Ames Scientist Leslie Prufert-Bebout receives . Leslie Prufert-Bebout is a microbial ecologist who studies many different species of algea in natural biological communities.

Daniel Murrin, Partner, Assurance and Advisory Business Services, Ernst & Young LLP, testifies during a Joint Hearing before the House Committee on Science and Technology, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy (front center left) discusses NASA 2040, the agency's strategic initiative for aligning workforce, infrastructure, and technologies to meet the needs of the future, on Nov. 13, 2024, with various groups of employees at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

iss071e462520 (Aug. 12, 2024) --- NASA astronaut and Expedition 71 Flight Engineer Matthew Dominick displays a bag containing simulated lunar soil and other materials mixed with a liquid solution. He was exploring how microgravity affects the production of cement materials that could be used to build infrastructure on the lunar surface.

Elizabeth Robinson, NASA Chief Financial Officer, far right, testifies during a Joint Hearing before the House Committee on Science and Technology, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Researchers test a 10-foot Mock Truss-Braced Wing at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. The infrastructure, in blue, holds the wing and truss and enables the test. The aircraft concept involves a wing braced on an aircraft using diagonal struts that also add lift and could result in significantly improved aerodynamics.

Bo Clarke, mentor for Gulfport High School's Team Fusion, offers strategy tips to students and coaches during the FIRST Robotics Competition kickoff held at StenniSphere on Jan. 7. Clarke is the lead building and infrastructure specialist for NASA's Shared Services Center at Stennis Space Center.

Obama Administration launches Cloud Computing Initiative at Ames Research Center. Vivek Kundra, White House Chief Federal Information Officer (left) and Lori Garver, NASA Deputy Administrator (ctr) get a tour of the NASA Nebula Infrastructure with Bobby Cates (right).

Paul Martin, Inspector General for NASA, testifies during a Joint Hearing before the House Committee on Science and Technology, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Daniel Murrin, Partner, Assurance and Advisory Business Service, Ernst & Young LLP, testifies during a Joint Hearing before the House Committee on Science and Technology, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Headquarter's Office of Infrastructure and Administration, Environmental Management Division presents the annual Blue Marble Award to Ames Scientist Leslie Prufert-Bebout receives . Leslie Prufert-Bebout is a microbial ecologist who studies many different species of algea in natural biological communities.

Obama Administration launches Cloud Computing Initiative at Ames Research Center. Vivek Kundra, White House Chief Federal Information Officer (ctr) and Lori Garver, NASA Deputy Administrator (right) get a tour of the NASA Nebula Infrastructure with Bobby Cates (on left).

NASA Kennedy Space Center’s newest launch complex – Launch Complex 48 – is a dedicated site for small-class launch vehicles. The complex offers a “clean pad” concept, allowing companies to bring in their own resources and commodities for launch and, in turn, reducing their investment in launch pad infrastructure.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – During NASA's Innovation Expo at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, William Merrill, of NASA's Communications Infrastructure Services Division, proposes an innovation that would make mission audio available by way of an Internet radio stream. Kennedy Kick-Start Chair Mike Conroy looks on from the left. As Kennedy continues developing programs and infrastructure to become a 21st century spaceport, many employees are devising ways to do their jobs better and more efficiently. On Sept. 6, 2012, 16 Kennedy employees pitched their innovative ideas for improving the center at the Kennedy Kick-Start event. The competition was part of a center-wide effort designed to increase exposure for innovative ideas and encourage their implementation. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/news/kick-start_competition.html Photo credit: NASA/Gianni Woods

The Advanced Air Mobility National Campaign project conducted connectivity and infrastructure flight tests with a NASA TG-14 glider aircraft at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center Sept. 30-Oct. 1, 2020. The flights were preparation for the NC Integrated Dry Run Test in December and allowed pilots to view the routes they will fly during the helicopter test.

Tim Stiglets’ work at NASA’s Stennis Space Center gives him a front-row seat to the growth and opportunity potential of NASA Stennis. His work ranges from managing data for how a test stand is configured to tracking the configuration of NASA Stennis buildings and utilities systems that make up the infrastructure for America’s largest rocket propulsion test site.

A Bell OH-58C Kiowa helicopter provided by Flight Research Inc. in Mojave, California, sits on a helipad at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in California the first week of December 2020. The Advanced Air Mobility National Campaign project used the helicopter as a surrogate urban air mobility vehicle to develop and implement infrastructure, including the markings seen in the image, to support safe operations of these vehicles.  

STS098-345-001 (7-20 February 2001) --- Astronaut Marsha S. Ivins, STS-98 mission specialist, places a phone call to Houston’s Mission Control Center (MCC) with the “virtual phone.” This test is designed to demonstrate communications capability of a new upgrade utilizing the existing Shuttle Orbiter Communications Adapter (OCA) infrastructure.

Ames Research Center researchers from left to right Yasmin Arbab,   Faisal Omar and Mark Snycerski on the Advanced Air Mobility National Campaign project’s Airspace Test Infrastructure (ATI) team as well as Armstrong’s Sam Simpliciano in the background. The researchers monitor surveillance data from the helicopter in real time during the NC Integrated Dry Run Test the first week of December 2020 at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in California.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, guests survey restored sand dunes along a 1.2-mile stretch of shoreline near Launch Pads 39A and B. Constant pounding from tropical storms, such as Hurricane Sandy in October of 2012, other weather systems and higher than usual tides, destroyed sand dunes protecting infrastructure at the spaceport. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

ss062e118892 4/2/2020) --- A view of Bartolomeo in its final position on the Columbus module of the International Space Station (ISS). The European external platform Bartolomeo is an enhancement of the International Space Station (ISS) European Columbus Module and its infrastructure. Designed to meet user requirements from the commercial and institutional sector, Bartolomeo is a new external payload hosting facility on the ram side of Columbus.

jsc2022e023740 (4/19/2022) --- The components of the Smart-Shirt garment includes integrated sensors, wiring, and a communication module to transmit scientific data via a wireless link for the Ballistocardiography for Extraterrestrial Applications and long-Term missions (BEAT) experiment, part of the Wireless Compose-2 investigation. The technology demonstration builds on work by the German Space Agency (DLR) to develop wireless network infrastructure to support scientific experiments on the space station. Image courtesy of DLR.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Burton Summerfield, senior advisor for Institutional Management in the office of the associate director of Kennedy, far left, and others survey restored sand dunes along a 1.2-mile stretch of shoreline near Launch Pads 39A and B. Constant pounding from tropical storms, such as Hurricane Sandy in October of 2012, other weather systems and higher than usual tides, destroyed sand dunes protecting infrastructure at the spaceport. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

A pathfinder test article of United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) Vulcan Centaur rocket is seen at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Aug. 26, 2021. The pathfinder booster is undergoing a series of fueling tests to validate the infrastructure in place at the launch pad and allow the launch team to rehearse countdown operations before the Vulcan’s first flight.

Mark Snycerski, senior research associate at NASA's Ames Research Center in California, monitored inbound telemetry data through collection servers during the Advanced Air Mobility National Campaign's connectivity and infrastructure flight tests. The test used a NASA TG-14 glider aircraft based at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in California Sept. 30-Oct. 1, 2020. The exercise was in preparation for the NC Integrated Dry Run Test in December.

ISS006-E-22939 (4 February 2003) --- City lights of London, England were captured with a digital still camera by one of the Expedition Six crewmembers on the International Space Station (ISS). This nighttime view of the British capital shows the city’;s urban density and infrastructure as highlighted by electrical lighting. Beyond lie isolated bright areas marking the numerous smaller cities and towns of the region and as far southeast as Hastings on the coast. London’;s two major airports, Heathrow and Gatwick, are visible to the south of the city.

iss062e115840 (3/27/2020) --- Bartolomeo in the parking position below the Destiny module on the International Space Station (ISS). The European external platform Bartolomeo is an enhancement of the International Space Station (ISS) European Columbus Module and its infrastructure. Designed to meet user requirements from the commercial and institutional sector, Bartolomeo is a new external payload hosting facility on the ram side of Columbus.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, guests survey restored sand dunes along a 1.2-mile stretch of shoreline near Launch Pads 39A and B. Constant pounding from tropical storms, such as Hurricane Sandy in October of 2012, other weather systems and higher than usual tides, destroyed sand dunes protecting infrastructure at the spaceport. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, guests survey restored sand dunes along a 1.2-mile stretch of shoreline near Launch Pads 39A and B. Constant pounding from tropical storms, such as Hurricane Sandy in October of 2012, other weather systems and higher than usual tides, destroyed sand dunes protecting infrastructure at the spaceport. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

iss071e462507 (Aug. 12, 2024) --- NASA astronaut and Expedition 71 Flight Engineer Matthew Dominick mixes bags containing simulated lunar soil and other materials with a liquid solution before inserting them inside a thermos can for overnight incubation. He was exploring how microgravity affects the production of cement materials that could be used to build infrastructure on the lunar surface.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the infrastructure under Launch Pad 39B remains after the pad's deconstruction. In 2009, the structure at the pad was no longer needed for NASA's Space Shuttle Program, so it is being restructured for future use. The new design will feature a "clean pad" for rockets to come with their own launcher, making it more versatile for a number of vehicles. For information on NASA's future plans, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

A pathfinder test article of United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) Vulcan Centaur rocket is seen at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Aug. 26, 2021. The pathfinder booster is undergoing a series of fueling tests to validate the infrastructure in place at the launch pad and allow the launch team to rehearse countdown operations before the Vulcan’s first flight.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Burton Summerfield, senior advisor for Institutional Management in the office of the associate director at Kennedy, plants the final shrub that is among 180,000 planted on a new 1.2-mile stretch of shoreline near Launch Pads 39A and B. Constant pounding from tropical storms, such as Hurricane Sandy in October of 2012, other weather systems and higher than usual tides, destroyed sand dunes protecting infrastructure at the spaceport. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

A pathfinder test article of United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) Vulcan Centaur rocket is seen at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Aug. 26, 2021. The pathfinder booster is undergoing a series of fueling tests to validate the infrastructure in place at the launch pad and allow the launch team to rehearse countdown operations before the Vulcan’s first flight.

jsc2020e009556 (2/4/2020) --- A preflight view of the nadir side of Bartolomeo at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). The European external platform Bartolomeo is an enhancement of the International Space Station (ISS) European Columbus Module and its infrastructure. Designed to meet user requirements from the commercial and institutional sector, Bartolomeo is a new external payload hosting facility on the ram side of Columbus.

The U.S. and NASA flags atop Building 4200 at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, were retired Jan. 21, 2022. These images show center operations employees lowering the flags at Building 4200, which was Marshall’s original central laboratory and office building and served as Marshall’s headquarters since 1963. This building will be demolished later this year. A flag-raising ceremony marking the transfer of Marshall headquarters to Building 4221 was held Jan. 26, 2022. The doors to Building 4221 opened on Earth Day, April 22, 2019.

On Jan. 26, 2022, the U.S. and NASA flags were raised at Building 4221 to mark the transfer of headquarters to that building at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The doors to Building 4221, a new, environmentally friendly building, opened on Earth Day, April 22, 2019. Building 4200 served as Marshall’s original headquarters since 1963. Marshall center operations lowered flags at that building on Jan. 21, 2022.

On Jan. 26, 2022, the U.S. and NASA flags were raised at Building 4221 to mark the transfer of headquarters to that building at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The doors to Building 4221, a new, environmentally friendly building, opened on Earth Day, April 22, 2019. Building 4200 served as Marshall’s original headquarters since 1963. Marshall center operations lowered flags at that building on Jan. 21, 2022.

The U.S. and NASA flags atop Building 4200 at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, were retired Jan. 21, 2022. These images show center operations employees lowering the flags at Building 4200, which was Marshall’s original central laboratory and office building and served as Marshall’s headquarters since 1963. This building will be demolished later this year. A flag-raising ceremony marking the transfer of Marshall headquarters to Building 4221 was held Jan. 26, 2022. The doors to Building 4221 opened on Earth Day, April 22, 2019.

The U.S. and NASA flags atop Building 4200 at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, were retired Jan. 21, 2022. These images show center operations employees lowering the flags at Building 4200, which was Marshall’s original central laboratory and office building and served as Marshall’s headquarters since 1963. This building will be demolished later this year. A flag-raising ceremony marking the transfer of Marshall headquarters to Building 4221 was held Jan. 26, 2022. The doors to Building 4221 opened on Earth Day, April 22, 2019.

On Jan. 26, 2022, the U.S. and NASA flags were raised at Building 4221 to mark the transfer of headquarters to that building at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The doors to Building 4221, a new, environmentally friendly building, opened on Earth Day, April 22, 2019. Building 4200 served as Marshall’s original headquarters since 1963. Marshall center operations lowered flags at that building on Jan. 21, 2022.

On Jan. 26, 2022, the U.S. and NASA flags were raised at Building 4221 to mark the transfer of headquarters to that building at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The doors to Building 4221, a new, environmentally friendly building, opened on Earth Day, April 22, 2019. Building 4200 served as Marshall’s original headquarters since 1963. Marshall center operations lowered flags at that building on Jan. 21, 2022.

On Jan. 26, 2022, the U.S. and NASA flags were raised at Building 4221 to mark the transfer of headquarters to that building at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The doors to Building 4221, a new, environmentally friendly building, opened on Earth Day, April 22, 2019. Building 4200 served as Marshall’s original headquarters since 1963. Marshall center operations lowered flags at that building on Jan. 21, 2022.

On Jan. 26, 2022, the U.S. and NASA flags were raised at Building 4221 to mark the transfer of headquarters to that building at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The doors to Building 4221, a new, environmentally friendly building, opened on Earth Day, April 22, 2019. Building 4200 served as Marshall’s original headquarters since 1963. Marshall center operations lowered flags at that building on Jan. 21, 2022.

On Jan. 26, 2022, the U.S. and NASA flags were raised at Building 4221 to mark the transfer of headquarters to that building at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The doors to Building 4221, a new, environmentally friendly building, opened on Earth Day, April 22, 2019. Building 4200 served as Marshall’s original headquarters since 1963. Marshall center operations lowered flags at that building on Jan. 21, 2022.

On Jan. 26, 2022, the U.S. and NASA flags were raised at Building 4221 to mark the transfer of headquarters to that building at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The doors to Building 4221, a new, environmentally friendly building, opened on Earth Day, April 22, 2019. Building 4200 served as Marshall’s original headquarters since 1963. Marshall center operations lowered flags at that building on Jan. 21, 2022.

The U.S. and NASA flags atop Building 4200 at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, were retired Jan. 21, 2022. These images show center operations employees lowering the flags at Building 4200, which was Marshall’s original central laboratory and office building and served as Marshall’s headquarters since 1963. This building will be demolished later this year. A flag-raising ceremony marking the transfer of Marshall headquarters to Building 4221 was held Jan. 26, 2022. The doors to Building 4221 opened on Earth Day, April 22, 2019.

The U.S. and NASA flags atop Building 4200 at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, were retired Jan. 21, 2022. These images show center operations employees lowering the flags at Building 4200, which was Marshall’s original central laboratory and office building and served as Marshall’s headquarters since 1963. This building will be demolished later this year. A flag-raising ceremony marking the transfer of Marshall headquarters to Building 4221 was held Jan. 26, 2022. The doors to Building 4221 opened on Earth Day, April 22, 2019.

On Jan. 26, 2022, the U.S. and NASA flags were raised at Building 4221 to mark the transfer of headquarters to that building at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The doors to Building 4221, a new, environmentally friendly building, opened on Earth Day, April 22, 2019. Building 4200 served as Marshall’s original headquarters since 1963. Marshall center operations lowered flags at that building on Jan. 21, 2022.

On Jan. 26, 2022, the U.S. and NASA flags were raised at Building 4221 to mark the transfer of headquarters to that building at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The doors to Building 4221, a new, environmentally friendly building, opened on Earth Day, April 22, 2019. Building 4200 served as Marshall’s original headquarters since 1963. Marshall center operations lowered flags at that building on Jan. 21, 2022.

Since the start of 2023 California has been drenched by a series of storms being transported by an atmospheric river – a relatively narrow, windy region in Earth's atmosphere that can transport moisture or tiny particles for thousands of miles, much like a river on land moves water. NASA's Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) captured the series of storms as they dumped record amounts of rain in some parts of California, caused flooding, and damaged infrastructure. Forecasts say this pattern of storms will continue through the week of Jan. 9. The images show cloud temperatures taken at infrared wavelengths not visible to the human eye. Purple and violet areas are colder, between about minus 82 degrees Fahrenheit and minus 46 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 63 degrees Celsius to minus 44 degrees Celsius), than blue and green regions which are roughly minus 28 degrees Fahrenheit to 26 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 33 degrees Celsius to minus 3 degrees Celsius). Warmer red sections are between roughly 62 degrees Fahrenheit and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (17 degrees Celsius to 27 degrees Celsius), representing mostly cloud-free air. The cooler parts of the clouds are associated with very heavy rainfall. White patches represent gaps in satellite coverage. Located aboard the Aqua satellite AIRS, in conjunction with the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU), senses emitted infrared and microwave radiation from Earth to provide a 3D look at the planet's weather and climate. Working in tandem, the two instruments make simultaneous observations down to Earth's surface. With more than 2,000 channels sensing different regions of the atmosphere, the system creates a global, 3D map of atmospheric temperature and humidity, cloud amounts and heights, greenhouse gas concentrations, and many other atmospheric phenomena. Launched into Earth orbit in 2002 aboard NASA's Aqua spacecraft, the AIRS and AMSU instruments are managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, under contract to NASA. JPL is a division of Caltech. Animation available at https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA25597

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians hoist the Express Logistics Carrier-4, or ELC-4, for the deck-to-keel mate. The deck is about 14 by 16 feet and spans the width of a space shuttle’s payload bay. It is capable of providing astronauts aboard the International Space Station with a platform and infrastructure to deploy experiments in the vacuum of space without requiring a separate dedicated Earth-orbiting satellite. Space shuttle Discovery and its STS-133 crew will deliver the carrier along with critical spare parts to the station later this year. Photo credit: NASA_Jack Pfaller

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The doors on the 39-year-0ld Vehicle Assembly Building are getting a needed face-lift to repair the damage caused by prolonged exposure to the Florida environment - one of the most corrosive in the nation. The North Transfer Aisle and the High Bay 3 Vertical and Horizontal doors have entered a 13-month restoration period. Extensive corrosion damage exists on the interior of the framework of the existing doors in both locations. All exterior siding is to be replaced, as well as all the hardware. The work contributes to the ongoing safety and infrastructure upgrade efforts at Kennedy Space Center.

iss056e005285 (June 6, 2018) --- The small, yellow box in the middle of the picture is a module for the Wireless Compose-2 investigation from ESA (European Space Agency). Wireless Compose-2 is a technology demonstration that aims to provide a flexible and adaptable wireless network infrastructure to conduct and execute low-power, low-weight, and wireless experiments on the International Space Station. Building on technology used for the German Space Agency's (DLR) first Wireless Compose technology demonstrator in 2018, it shows the capabilities of Wireless Networks for scientific, localization, and medical experiments in the Columbus module.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the sand dunes along a 1.2 mile stretch of shoreline near Launch Pads 39A and B were restored during a six-month effort using 90,000 cubic yards of sand. To help prevent future erosion, 180,000 shrubs, including grasses, sunflowers, vines, sea grapes and palmettos were planted. Constant pounding from tropical storms, such as Hurricane Sandy in October of 2012, other weather systems and higher than usual tides, destroyed sand dunes protecting infrastructure at the spaceport. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, University of Florida geologists and NASA biologists use an all-terrain vehicle to survey sand dunes that have been restored along a 1.2 mile stretch of shoreline near Launch Pads 39A and B. As part of a six-month effort to help prevent further erosion, 180,000 shrubs, including grasses, sunflowers, vines, sea grapes and palmettos were planted. Constant pounding from tropical storms, such as Hurricane Sandy in October of 2012, other weather systems and higher than usual tides, destroyed sand dunes protecting infrastructure at the spaceport. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Near the top of the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building, workers repair one of the huge nets strung across the upper door opening to prevent vultures from flying inside. The North Transfer Aisle and the High Bay 3 Vertical and Horizontal doors have entered a 13-month restoration period to repair damage caused by prolonged exposure to the Florida environment - one of the most corrosive in the nation. Extensive corrosion damage exists on the interior of the framework of the existing doors in both locations. All exterior siding is to be replaced, as well as all the hardware. The work contributes to the ongoing safety infrastructure upgrade efforts at Kennedy Space Center.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Members of the media tour several facilities, including the Launch Equipment Test Facility in the Industrial Area, during the 21st Century Ground Systems Program Tour at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Other tour stops were the Operations & Checkout Building, the Multi-Payload Processing Facility and the Canister Rotation Facility. NASA’s 21st Century Ground Systems Program was initiated at Kennedy Space Center to establish the needed launch and processing infrastructure to support the Space Launch System Program and to work toward transforming the landscape of the launch site for a multi-faceted user community. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- University of Florida geologist, Pete Adams, discusses a six-month effort to restore the sand dunes along a 1.2 mile stretch of shoreline near Launch Pads 39A and B at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Experts from University of Florida are working with NASA scientists to better understand beach erosion. Constant pounding from tropical storms, such as Hurricane Sandy in October of 2012, other weather systems and higher than usual tides, destroyed sand dunes protecting infrastructure at the spaceport. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- University of Florida geologist, Pete Adams, discusses a six-month effort to restore the sand dunes along a 1.2 mile stretch of shoreline near Launch Pads 39A and B at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Experts from University of Florida are working with NASA scientists to better understand beach erosion. Constant pounding from tropical storms, such as Hurricane Sandy in October of 2012, other weather systems and higher than usual tides, destroyed sand dunes protecting infrastructure at the spaceport. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Members of the media tour several facilities, including the Multi-Payload Processing Facility, during the 21st Century Ground Systems Program Tour at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Other tour stops were the Launch Equipment Test Facility, the Operations & Checkout Building and the Canister Rotation Facility. NASA’s 21st Century Ground Systems Program was initiated at Kennedy Space Center to establish the needed launch and processing infrastructure to support the Space Launch System Program and to work toward transforming the landscape of the launch site for a multi-faceted user community. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

Members of the news media view forward booster segments (painted green) for NASA’s Space Launch System rocket boosters inside the Booster Fabrication Facility (BFF) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Orbital ATK is a contractor for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama, and operates the BFF to prepare aft booster segments and hardware for the SLS rocket boosters. The SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft will launch on Exploration Mission-1 in 2018. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program is preparing the infrastructure to process and launch spacecraft for deep-space missions and the journey to Mars.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Atlantic Ocean surf is seen adjacent to sand dunes restored along a 1.2 mile stretch of shoreline near Launch Pads 39A and B. As part of a six-month effort to help prevent further erosion, 180,000 shrubs, including grasses, sunflowers, vines, sea grapes and palmettos were planted. Constant pounding from tropical storms, such as Hurricane Sandy in October of 2012, other weather systems and higher than usual tides, destroyed sand dunes protecting infrastructure at the spaceport. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the sand dunes along a 1.2 mile stretch of shoreline near Launch Pads 39A and B were restored during a six-month effort using 90,000 cubic yards of sand. To help prevent erosion, 180,000 shrubs, including grasses, sunflowers, vines, sea grapes and palmettos were planted. Constant pounding from tropical storms, such as Hurricane Sandy in October of 2012, other weather systems and higher than usual tides, destroyed sand dunes protecting infrastructure at the spaceport. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the sand dunes along a 1.2 mile stretch of shoreline near Launch Pads 39A and B were restored during a six-month effort. In a joint effort with NASA, University of Florida geologists are using weather instrumentation to study the shores of the center to better understand beach erosion. Constant pounding from tropical storms, such as Hurricane Sandy in October of 2012, other weather systems and higher than usual tides, destroyed sand dunes protecting infrastructure at the spaceport. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Don Dankert, a biological scientist in the NASA Environmental Management Branch of Center Operations, left, and Glenn Semmel, chief of the Environmental Management Branch of Center Operations retrieve the final shrub that is among 180,000 planted on a new 1.2-mile stretch of shoreline near Launch Pads 39A and B. Constant pounding from tropical storms, such as Hurricane Sandy in October of 2012, other weather systems and higher than usual tides, destroyed sand dunes protecting infrastructure at the spaceport. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Don Dankert, a biological scientist in the NASA Environmental Management Branch of Center Operations, far left, speaks to guests during ceremonies to commemorate the completion of a six-month effort to restore 1.2 mile stretch of shoreline near Launch Pads 39A and B. To help prevent erosion, 180,000 shrubs, including grasses, sunflowers, vines, sea grapes and palmettos also were planted on the new dunes. Constant pounding from tropical storms, such as Hurricane Sandy in October of 2012, other weather systems and higher than usual tides, destroyed sand dunes protecting infrastructure at the spaceport. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

Several newly installed electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are in view near the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Sept. 14, 2022. Part of a partnership between Kennedy and Florida Power & Light (FPL) to bring 23 EV charging stations to the spaceport, the ChargePoint CT4000, Level 2 chargers are capable of charging electric vehicles at a rate of 15-30 miles of range per hour. This partnership was set up under FPL’s EV program and provides a charging infrastructure that includes a simple way for businesses and employees to pay for usage.

Inside the Booster Fabrication Facility (BFF) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of the news media photograph a frustrum that will be stacked atop a forward skirt for one of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) solid rocket boosters. Orbital ATK is a contractor for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama, and operates the BFF to prepare aft booster segments and hardware for the SLS solid rocket boosters. The SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft will launch on Exploration Mission-1 in 2018. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program is preparing the infrastructure to process and launch spacecraft on deep-space missions and the journey to Mars.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- University of Florida geologist, John Jaeger, discusses a six-month effort to restore the sand dunes along a 1.2 mile stretch of shoreline near Launch Pads 39A and B at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Experts from University of Florida are working with NASA scientists to better understand beach erosion. Constant pounding from tropical storms, such as Hurricane Sandy in October of 2012, other weather systems and higher than usual tides, destroyed sand dunes protecting infrastructure at the spaceport. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Viewed from the transfer aisle inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, one of the massive doors undergoes a face-lift. The North Transfer Aisle and the High Bay 3 Vertical and Horizontal doors have entered a 13-month restoration period to repair the damage caused by prolonged exposure to the Florida environment - one of the most corrosive in the nation. Extensive corrosion damage exists on the interior of the framework of the existing doors in both locations. All exterior siding is to be replaced, as well as all the hardware. The work contributes to the ongoing safety infrastructure upgrade efforts at Kennedy Space Center.

The right-hand aft skirt, one part of the aft booster assembly for NASA’s Space Launch System solid rocket boosters, is in view in a processing cell inside the Booster Fabrication Facility (BFF) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Orbital ATK is a contractor for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama, and operates the BFF to prepare aft booster segments and hardware for the SLS rocket boosters. The SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft will launch on Exploration Mission-1 in 2018. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program is preparing the infrastructure to process and launch spacecraft for deep-space missions and the journey to Mars.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, University of Florida geologists and NASA biologists use an all-terrain vehicle to survey sand dunes that have been restored along a 1.2 mile stretch of shoreline near Launch Pads 39A and B. As part of a six-month effort to help prevent further erosion, 180,000 shrubs, including grasses, sunflowers, vines, sea grapes and palmettos were planted. Constant pounding from tropical storms, such as Hurricane Sandy in October of 2012, other weather systems and higher than usual tides, destroyed sand dunes protecting infrastructure at the spaceport. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, sand dunes have been restored along a 1.2 mile stretch of shoreline near Launch Pads 39A and B. As part of a six-month effort to help prevent further erosion, 180,000 shrubs, including grasses, sunflowers, vines, sea grapes and palmettos were planted. Constant pounding from tropical storms, such as Hurricane Sandy in October of 2012, other weather systems and higher than usual tides, destroyed sand dunes protecting infrastructure at the spaceport. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

Packing light is the idea behind the Zero Launch Mass 3-D Printer. Instead of loading up on heavy building supplies, a large scale 3-D printer capable of using recycled plastic waste and dirt at the destination as construction material would save mass and money when launching robotic precursor missions to build infrastructure on the Moon or Mars in preparation for human habitation. To make this a reality, Nathan Gelino, a researcher engineer with NASA’s Swamp Works at Kennedy Space Center, measured the temperature of a test specimen from the 3-D printer Tuesday as an early step in characterizing printed material strength properties. Material temperature plays a large role in the strength of bonds between layers.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Don Dankert, a biological scientist in the NASA Environmental Management Branch of Center Operations, far left, speaks to guests during ceremonies to commemorate the completion of a six-month effort to restore 1.2 mile stretch of shoreline near Launch Pads 39A and B. To help prevent erosion, 180,000 shrubs, including grasses, sunflowers, vines, sea grapes and palmettos also were planted on the new dunes. Constant pounding from tropical storms, such as Hurricane Sandy in October of 2012, other weather systems and higher than usual tides, destroyed sand dunes protecting infrastructure at the spaceport. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

Bethany March, an element integration engineer at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Alabama, speaks to members of the news media during a tour of the Booster Fabrication Facility (BFF) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Orbital ATK is a contractor for MSFC, and operates the BFF to prepare aft booster segments and hardware for the agency’s Space Launch System (SLS) solid rocket boosters. To her right is Rick Serfozo, Orbital ATK Florida site director. The SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft will launch on Exploration Mission-1 in 2018. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program is preparing the infrastructure to process and launch spacecraft for deep-space missions and the journey to Mars.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Members of the media tour several facilities, including the Operations & Checkout Building high bay where NASA’s Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle Orion will be processed, during the 21st Century Ground Systems Program Tour at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Other tour stops were the Launch Equipment Test Facility, the Multi-Payload Processing Facility and the Canister Rotation Facility. NASA’s 21st Century Ground Systems Program was initiated at Kennedy Space Center to establish the needed launch and processing infrastructure to support the Space Launch System Program and to work toward transforming the landscape of the launch site for a multi-faceted user community. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

Pictured here is the site of Launch Complex 48 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, on June 1, 2021. The spaceport’s newest launch site is designed specifically for small-class commercial vehicles and the small satellite industry. Located about a mile south of Kennedy’s historic Launch Complex 39A on Cape Road, and completed in August 2020, the 10-acre complex provides a dedicated space for vehicles generating 500,000 pounds of thrust or less. The “clean pad” design and basic infrastructure of Launch Complex 48 offers greater flexibility for small-class vehicle with rockets possessing varying needs.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Members of the media tour several facilities, including the Operations & Checkout Building high bay where NASA’s Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle Orion will be processed, during the 21st Century Ground Systems Program Tour at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Other tour stops were the Launch Equipment Test Facility, the Multi-Payload Processing Facility and the Canister Rotation Facility. NASA’s 21st Century Ground Systems Program was initiated at Kennedy Space Center to establish the needed launch and processing infrastructure to support the Space Launch System Program and to work toward transforming the landscape of the launch site for a multi-faceted user community. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

Pictured here is the site of Launch Complex 48 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, on June 1, 2021. The spaceport’s newest launch site is designed specifically for small-class commercial vehicles and the small satellite industry. Located about a mile south of Kennedy’s historic Launch Complex 39A on Cape Road, and completed in August 2020, the 10-acre complex provides a dedicated space for vehicles generating 500,000 pounds of thrust or less. The “clean pad” design and basic infrastructure of Launch Complex 48 offers greater flexibility for small-class vehicle with rockets possessing varying needs.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe (center) talks to John Douglass, with the Aerospace Industries Association, at the “1st Space Exploration Conference: Continuing the Voyage of Discovery,” being held at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in Orlando. O’Keefe is the keynote speaker kicking off the conference. Douglass is one of the panelists. Topics being presented focus on new missions, technologies and infrastructure needed to turn the vision for space exploration into reality. Other keynote speakers at the three-day conference include Congressman Dave Weldon, film director James Cameron and NASA’s senior Mars scientist James Garvin. The conference has drawn attendees from around the world.