Mark Geyer, Director of NASA's Johnson Space Center, delivers remarks in the Teague Auditorium at NASA's Johnson Space Center, Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018 in Houston, Texas. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Vice President Mike Pence, left, speaks with Deputy Director of NASA's Johnson Space Center Vanessa Wyche, second from left, Director of NASA's Johnson Space Center Mark Geyer, second from right, and NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, right, during a tour of the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory at NASA's Johnson Space Center, Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018 in Houston, Texas. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA's Katherine Johnson Independent Verification and Validation Facility in Fairmont, West Virginia. Credit: NASA

NASA ADMINISTRATOR BOLDEN IS BRIEFED ON NEA SCOUT PROGRESS BY LES JOHNSON

Katherine G. Johnson at Work

Acting director of the Exploration Integration and Science Directorate and Chief Scientist at NASA's Johnson Space Center Dr. Eileen Stansbery, right, is seen with Vice President Mike Pence and Apollo 17 astronaut and geologist Dr. Harrison Schmitt in the Astromaterials Curation Laboratory at NASA's Johnson Space Center, Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018 in Houston, Texas. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Boeing’s Flight Control Team participated in a rehearsal of prelaunch procedures for the company’s upcoming Orbital Flight Test in the White Flight Control Room in the Mission Control Center at Johnson Space Center in Houston. Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner will fly uncrewed to the International Space Station before NASA will certify the spacecraft to carry astronauts to station.

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, center, speaks with Vice President Mike Pence and NASA astronaut Suni Williams during a tour of the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory at NASA's Johnson Space Center, Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018 in Houston, Texas. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Vice President Mike Pence speaks in the Teague Auditorium at NASA's Johnson Space Center, Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018 in Houston, Texas. Vice President Pence spoke about the future of human space exploration and the agency’s plans to return to the Moon as a forerunner to future human missions to Mars, stating that “soon and very soon American astronauts will return to space on American rockets launched from American soil." Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Vice President Mike Pence speaks in the Teague Auditorium at NASA's Johnson Space Center, Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018 in Houston, Texas. Vice President Pence spoke about the future of human space exploration and the agency’s plans to return to the Moon as a forerunner to future human missions to Mars, stating that “soon and very soon American astronauts will return to space on American rockets launched from American soil." Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Vice President Mike Pence speaks in the Teague Auditorium at NASA's Johnson Space Center, Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018 in Houston, Texas. Vice President Pence spoke about the future of human space exploration and the agency’s plans to return to the Moon as a forerunner to future human missions to Mars, stating that “soon and very soon American astronauts will return to space on American rockets launched from American soil." Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine delivers remarks prior to introducing Vice President Mike Pence in the Teague Auditorium at NASA's Johnson Space Center, Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018 in Houston, Texas. Vice President Pence spoke about the future of human space exploration and the agency’s plans to return to the Moon as a forerunner to future human missions to Mars, stating that “soon and very soon American astronauts will return to space on American rockets launched from American soil." Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Vice President Mike Pence speaks in the Teague Auditorium at NASA's Johnson Space Center, Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018 in Houston, Texas. Vice President Pence spoke about the future of human space exploration and the agency’s plans to return to the Moon as a forerunner to future human missions to Mars, stating that “soon and very soon American astronauts will return to space on American rockets launched from American soil." Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Vice President Mike Pence speaks in the Teague Auditorium at NASA's Johnson Space Center, Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018 in Houston, Texas. Vice President Pence spoke about the future of human space exploration and the agency’s plans to return to the Moon as a forerunner to future human missions to Mars, stating that “soon and very soon American astronauts will return to space on American rockets launched from American soil." Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine delivers remarks prior to introducing Vice President Mike Pence in the Teague Auditorium at NASA's Johnson Space Center, Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018 in Houston, Texas. Vice President Pence spoke about the future of human space exploration and the agency’s plans to return to the Moon as a forerunner to future human missions to Mars, stating that “soon and very soon American astronauts will return to space on American rockets launched from American soil." Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Portrait of Katherine Johnson

Vice President Mike Pence, center, views Sample 15014, which was collected during Apollo 15 with NASA's Apollo Sample Curator Ryan Zeigler, left, and Apollo 17 astronaut and geologist Dr. Harrison Schmitt, right, in Lunar Curation Laboratory at NASA's Johnson Space Center, Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018 in Houston, Texas. Sample 15014 is one of nine samples out of the 2,196 collected during the Apollo missions that was sealed inside its container on the Moon and still containes gasses from the Moon. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

“On my Twitter page it says: rocket scientist, football coach. “There have been schools where I have coached and kids would ask, ‘you’re an engineer, coach?’ and they seemed so shocked that I'm an engineer. It’s funny! I have two kids on my team this year who are seniors, and they’re going to major in engineering in college. I'm sure there are others that would say, ‘Wow, if Coach Johnson can do it, so can I.’ I’ve brought guys out [to Kennedy Space Center] during Bring Your Child to Work Day. The kids are always wondering, when is a launch? I'm sure they’re all paying more attention to it because I'm around. “[My job also] sparked a conversation with fellow coaches. The American Football Coaches Association did a profile on me last year about how NASA has helped me become a better football coach. For one, the foundations of flight control — those values of being competent at your job, having confidence, being vigilant — translate directly to the football field and then vice versa [when] dealing with adversity. In football, you can be down, you can play hurt, and you learn to fight through adversity. Sometimes, fighting through engineering problems can be tough to solve, but you learn how to persevere, and you find a solution to the problem you’re working on. “As far as similarities, in football, you have a lot of people from different backgrounds and different abilities, and you have to get together to achieve a goal. That’s no different from what we do around here.” — Yusef Johnson, Flight Design Engineer, Kennedy Space Center

NASA astronaut Suni Williams speaks with Vice President Mike Pence and NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine during a tour of the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory at NASA's Johnson Space Center, Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018 in Houston, Texas. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Vice President Mike Pence is seen with NASA astronaut candidates Loral O'Hara, Woody Hoburg, and Jonny Kim during a tour of the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory at NASA's Johnson Space Center, Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018 in Houston, Texas. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Vice President Mike Pence shakes hands with NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine after being intruduced prior to speaking in the Teague Auditorium at NASA's Johnson Space Center, Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018 in Houston, Texas. Vice President Pence spoke about the future of human space exploration and the agency’s plans to return to the Moon as a forerunner to future human missions to Mars, stating that “soon and very soon American astronauts will return to space on American rockets launched from American soil." Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Vice President Mike Pence and NASA astronaut Suni Williams watch on monitors as NASA commercial crew astronauts Victor Glover and Nicole Mann conduct training in the pool at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory at NASA's Johnson Space Center during a tour of the facility, Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018 in Houston, Texas. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Vice President Mike Pence and NASA astronaut Suni Williams watch on monitors as NASA commercial crew astronauts Victor Glover and Nicole Mann conduct training in the pool at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory at NASA's Johnson Space Center during a tour of the facility, Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018 in Houston, Texas. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

An aerial view of the complete Johnson Space Center facility. Part of Clear Lake can be seen at the top of the view.

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine and NASA astronaut Suni Williams look on as Vice President Mike Pence speaks with NASA commercial crew astronauts Victor Glover and Nicole Mann as they conduct training in the pool at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory at NASA's Johnson Space Center during a tour of the facility, Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018 in Houston, Texas. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Six-year-old Connor Johnson examines one of the space mementos presented to him by Kennedy Space Center Director and former astronaut Robert Cabana to inspire the youngster to continue the dream he has had since the age of three of becoming an astronaut, following a ceremony in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex' Rocket Garden. Connor, of Denver, Colo., gained national attention for having the "right stuff" when he launched an online petition on the White House website in December 2013 to save NASA’s funding from budget cuts. One of the mementos, a piece of space history, was a bolt used to hold the International Space Station's Unity module in place in space shuttle Endeavour's payload bay on the STS-88 mission, the first station assembly mission and Cabana's fourth and final spaceflight. Connor and his family were the guests of Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, the concessionaire managing the visitor complex. During his visit, Connor had the opportunity to meet with astronauts, see space vehicles and witness the Robot Rocket Rally underway in the complex' Rocket Garden over the weekend. To learn more about the educational activities available daily at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, visit http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

Portrait Katherine G. Johnson. Hall of Honor inductee 2017. Langley Research Center NACA and NASA Hall of Honor. In recognition of contributions to the development of methodologies for analysis of manned mission (from Mercury to Apollo) and satellite (Echo) trajectories, and dynamic control of large space structures.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Six-year-old Connor Johnson gives a big thumbs up following a ceremony in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex' Rocket Garden during which NASA Kennedy Space Center Director and former astronaut Robert Cabana presented him with space mementos to inspire the youngster to continue the dream he has had since the age of three of becoming an astronaut. Behind Connor is Cabana, second from left, and representatives of news and social media who attended the event. Connor, of Denver, Colo., gained national attention for having the "right stuff" when he launched an online petition on the White House website in December 2013 to save NASA’s funding from budget cuts. One of the mementos, a piece of space history, was a bolt used to hold the International Space Station's Unity module in place in space shuttle Endeavour's payload bay on the STS-88 mission, the first station assembly mission and Cabana's fourth and final spaceflight. Connor and his family were the guests of Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, the concessionaire managing the visitor complex. During his visit, Connor had the opportunity to meet with astronauts, see space vehicles and witness the Robot Rocket Rally underway in the complex' Rocket Garden over the weekend. To learn more about the educational activities available daily at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, visit http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Six-year-old Connor Johnson gives a big thumbs up following a ceremony in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex' Rocket Garden during which NASA Kennedy Space Center Director and former astronaut Robert Cabana presented him with space mementos to inspire the youngster to continue the dream he has had since the age of three of becoming an astronaut. Behind Connor are representatives of the news and social media who attended the event. Connor, of Denver, Colo., gained national attention for having the "right stuff" when he launched an online petition on the White House website in December 2013 to save NASA’s funding from budget cuts. One of the mementos, a piece of space history, was a bolt used to hold the International Space Station's Unity module in place in space shuttle Endeavour's payload bay on the STS-88 mission, the first station assembly mission and Cabana's fourth and final spaceflight. Connor and his family were the guests of Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, the concessionaire managing the visitor complex. During his visit, Connor had the opportunity to meet with astronauts, see space vehicles and witness the Robot Rocket Rally underway in the complex' Rocket Garden over the weekend. To learn more about the educational activities available daily at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, visit http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

Mrs. Katherine G. Johnson at Work

Mrs. Katherine G. Johnson at Work

Mrs. Katherine G. Johnson at Work

Mrs. Katherine G. Johnson at Work

Mrs. Katherine G. Johnson at Work

Mrs. Katherine G. Johnson at Work

Mrs. Katherine G. Johnson at Work

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Six-year-old Connor Johnson, right, discusses his interest in the space program with NASA Kennedy Space Center Director and former astronaut Robert Cabana during a ceremony in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex' Rocket Garden. During the ceremony, Cabana will present Connor with mementos to inspire the youngster to continue the dream he has had since the age of three of becoming an astronaut. Connor, of Denver, Colo., gained national attention for having the "right stuff" when he launched an online petition on the White House website in December 2013 to save NASA’s funding from budget cuts. One of the mementos, a piece of space history, was a bolt used to hold the International Space Station's Unity module in place in space shuttle Endeavour's payload bay on the STS-88 mission, the first station assembly mission and Cabana's fourth and final spaceflight. Connor and his family were the guests of Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, the concessionaire managing the visitor complex. During his visit, Connor had the opportunity to meet with astronauts, see space vehicles and witness the Robot Rocket Rally underway in the complex' Rocket Garden over the weekend. To learn more about the educational activities available daily at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, visit http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA Kennedy Space Center Director and former astronaut Robert Cabana, left, presents a space-program memento to six-year-old Connor Johnson in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex' Rocket Garden to inspire the youngster to continue the dream he has had since the age of three of becoming an astronaut. Connor, of Denver, Colo., gained national attention for having the "right stuff" when he launched an online petition on the White House website in December 2013 to save NASA’s funding from budget cuts. One of the mementos, a piece of space history, was a bolt used to hold the International Space Station's Unity module in place in space shuttle Endeavour's payload bay on the STS-88 mission, the first station assembly mission and Cabana's fourth and final spaceflight. Connor and his family were the guests of Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, the concessionaire managing the visitor complex. During his visit, Connor had the opportunity to meet with astronauts, see space vehicles and witness the Robot Rocket Rally underway in the complex' Rocket Garden over the weekend. To learn more about the educational activities available daily at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, visit http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Six-year-old Connor Johnson gives a big thumbs up following a ceremony in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex' Rocket Garden in which NASA Kennedy Space Center Director and former astronaut Robert Cabana presented him with mementos to inspire the youngster to continue the dream he has had since the age of three of becoming an astronaut. From left are Connor's brother Liam, Cabana and Connor. Connor, of Denver, Colo., gained national attention for having the "right stuff" when he launched an online petition on the White House website in December 2013 to save NASA’s funding from budget cuts. One of the mementos, a piece of space history, was a bolt used to hold the International Space Station's Unity module in place in space shuttle Endeavour's payload bay on the STS-88 mission, the first station assembly mission and Cabana's fourth and final spaceflight. Connor and his family were the guests of Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, the concessionaire managing the visitor complex. During his visit, Connor had the opportunity to meet with astronauts, see space vehicles and witness the Robot Rocket Rally underway in the complex' Rocket Garden over the weekend. To learn more about the educational activities available daily at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, visit http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA Kennedy Space Center Director and former astronaut Robert Cabana, left, presents a space patch and other mementos to six-year-old Connor Johnson at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex' Rocket Garden to inspire the youngster to continue the dream he has had since the age of three of becoming an astronaut. Connor, of Denver, Colo., gained national attention for having the "right stuff" when he launched an online petition on the White House website in December 2013 to save NASA’s funding from budget cuts. One of the mementos, a piece of space history, was a bolt used to hold the International Space Station's Unity module in place in space shuttle Endeavour's payload bay on the STS-88 mission, the first station assembly mission and Cabana's fourth and final spaceflight. Connor and his family were the guests of Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, the concessionaire managing the visitor complex. During his visit, Connor had the opportunity to meet with astronauts, see space vehicles and witness the Robot Rocket Rally underway in the complex' Rocket Garden over the weekend. To learn more about the educational activities available daily at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, visit http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Six-year-old Connor Johnson, right, show his delight at being presented with space mementos to inspire the youngster to continue the dream he has had since the age of three of becoming an astronaut, by NASA Kennedy Space Center Director and former astronaut Robert Cabana in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex' Rocket Garden. Connor, of Denver, Colo., gained national attention for having the "right stuff" when he launched an online petition on the White House website in December 2013 to save NASA’s funding from budget cuts. One of the mementos, a piece of space history, was a bolt used to hold the International Space Station's Unity module in place in space shuttle Endeavour's payload bay on the STS-88 mission, the first station assembly mission and Cabana's fourth and final spaceflight. Connor and his family were the guests of Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, the concessionaire managing the visitor complex. During his visit, Connor had the opportunity to meet with astronauts, see space vehicles and witness the Robot Rocket Rally underway in the complex' Rocket Garden over the weekend. To learn more about the educational activities available daily at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, visit http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Six-year-old Connor Johnson shows off space mementos presented to him by Kennedy Space Center Director and former astronaut Robert Cabana to inspire the youngster to continue the dream he has had since the age of three of becoming an astronaut, following a ceremony in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex' Rocket Garden. From left are Connor's brother Liam, Cabana and Connor. Connor, of Denver, Colo., gained national attention for having the "right stuff" when he launched an online petition on the White House website in December 2013 to save NASA’s funding from budget cuts. One of the mementos, a piece of space history, was a bolt used to hold the International Space Station's Unity module in place in space shuttle Endeavour's payload bay on the STS-88 mission, the first station assembly mission and Cabana's fourth and final spaceflight. Connor and his family were the guests of Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, the concessionaire managing the visitor complex. During his visit, Connor had the opportunity to meet with astronauts, see space vehicles and witness the Robot Rocket Rally underway in the complex' Rocket Garden over the weekend. To learn more about the educational activities available daily at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, visit http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA Kennedy Space Center Director and former astronaut Robert Cabana, left, discusses the future of the space program with six-year-old Connor Johnson during a ceremony in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex' Rocket Garden. During the ceremony, Cabana will present Connor with mementos to inspire the youngster to continue the dream he has had since the age of three of becoming an astronaut. Connor, of Denver, Colo., gained national attention for having the "right stuff" when he launched an online petition on the White House website in December 2013 to save NASA’s funding from budget cuts. One of the mementos, a piece of space history, was a bolt used to hold the International Space Station's Unity module in place in space shuttle Endeavour's payload bay on the STS-88 mission, the first station assembly mission and Cabana's fourth and final spaceflight. Connor and his family were the guests of Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, the concessionaire managing the visitor complex. During his visit, Connor had the opportunity to meet with astronauts, see space vehicles and witness the Robot Rocket Rally underway in the complex' Rocket Garden over the weekend. To learn more about the educational activities available daily at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, visit http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

S90-47653 (7 Sept. 1990) --- This aerial photograph of NASA's Johnson Space Center includes the entire 1625-acre site with the exception of a few security-associated facilities and part of the Manned Space Flight Exhibit Complex (AKA "Rocket Park"). The bottom half of the image includes many business and residential edifices as well as a hospital and other medical facilities in the Nassau Bay community. Photo credit: NASA

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Six-year-old Connor Johnson gives a big thumbs up following a ceremony in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex' Rocket Garden during which NASA Kennedy Space Center Director and former astronaut Robert Cabana presented him with space mementos to inspire the youngster to continue the dream he has had since the age of three of becoming an astronaut. From left are Connor's brother Liam, Cabana and Connor. Connor, of Denver, Colo., gained national attention for having the "right stuff" when he launched an online petition on the White House website in December 2013 to save NASA’s funding from budget cuts. One of the mementos, a piece of space history, was a bolt used to hold the International Space Station's Unity module in place in space shuttle Endeavour's payload bay on the STS-88 mission, the first station assembly mission and Cabana's fourth and final spaceflight. Connor and his family were the guests of Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, the concessionaire managing the visitor complex. During his visit, Connor had the opportunity to meet with astronauts, see space vehicles and witness the Robot Rocket Rally underway in the complex' Rocket Garden over the weekend. To learn more about the educational activities available daily at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, visit http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Six-year-old Connor Johnson, left, is welcomed to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida by NASA Kennedy Space Center Director and former astronaut Robert Cabana for a ceremony in which he will present Connor with space mementos to inspire the youngster to continue the dream he has had since the age of three of becoming an astronaut. Connor is accompanied by his parents Eric and Lauren and younger brother Liam, in the background. Connor, of Denver, Colo., gained national attention for having the "right stuff" when he launched an online petition on the White House website in December 2013 to save NASA’s funding from budget cuts. One of the mementos, a piece of space history, was a bolt used to hold the International Space Station's Unity module in place in space shuttle Endeavour's payload bay on the STS-88 mission, the first station assembly mission and Cabana's fourth and final spaceflight. Connor and his family were the guests of Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, the concessionaire managing the visitor complex. During his visit, Connor had the opportunity to meet with astronauts, see space vehicles and witness the Robot Rocket Rally underway in the complex' Rocket Garden over the weekend. To learn more about the educational activities available daily at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, visit http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

jsc2017e039526 (March 31, 2017) --- Aerial photograph of Johnson Space Center facilities taken from a U.S. Coast Guard H-65 helicopter.

jsc2017e039531 (March 31, 2017) --- Aerial photograph of Johnson Space Center facilities taken from a U.S. Coast Guard H-65 helicopter.

jsc2017e039526 (March 31, 2017) --- Aerial photograph of Johnson Space Center facilities taken from a U.S. Coast Guard H-65 helicopter.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Andrea Farmer, public relations manager for the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex concessionaire Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, welcomes representatives of the news and social media to the complex' Rocket Garden for a ceremony honoring six-year-old Connor Johnson. During the ceremony, Connor will be presented with space mementos by NASA Kennedy Space Center Director and former astronaut Robert Cabana to inspire the youngster to continue the dream he has had since the age of three of becoming an astronaut. Connor, of Denver, Colo., gained national attention for having the "right stuff" when he launched an online petition on the White House website in December 2013 to save NASA’s funding from budget cuts. One of the mementos, a piece of space history, was a bolt used to hold the International Space Station's Unity module in place in space shuttle Endeavour's payload bay on the STS-88 mission, the first station assembly mission and Cabana's fourth and final spaceflight. Connor and his family were the guests of Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, the concessionaire managing the visitor complex. During his visit, Connor had the opportunity to meet with astronauts, see space vehicles and witness the Robot Rocket Rally underway in the complex' Rocket Garden over the weekend. To learn more about the educational activities available daily at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, visit http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

Katherine Johnson At Her Desk at NASA Langley Research Center

jsc2024e064820 -- Stephanie Dudley, Gateway’s mission integration and utilization manager, sits inside a high-fidelity HALO (Habitation and Logistics Outpost) mockup at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. HALO is one four Gateway modules where astronauts will live, conduct science, and prepare for missions to investigate the lunar South Pole region. Dudley works with NASA’s partner space agencies and academia to identify science opportunities on Gateway.

jsc2019e023774 --- Lunar sample processors work in the Lunar Lab at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Jeremy Johnson leaving the hangar for a test flight in NASA Glenn Research Center’s PC-12 aircraft on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.

Jeremy Johnson leaving the hangar for a test flight in NASA Glenn Research Center’s PC-12 aircraft on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.

Jeremy Johnson leaving the hangar for a test flight in NASA Glenn Research Center’s PC-12 aircraft on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.

Jeremy Johnson leaving the hangar for a test flight in NASA Glenn Research Center’s PC-12 aircraft on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.

Jeremy Johnson, a research pilot and aviation safety officer, poses in front of a PC-12 aircraft inside the hangar at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Johnson flies NASA planes to support important scientific research and testing, working with researchers to plan and carry out flights that will get them the data they need while ensuring safety.

Jeremy Johnson, a research pilot and aviation safety officer, poses in front of a PC-12 aircraft inside the hangar at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Johnson flies NASA planes to support important scientific research and testing, working with researchers to plan and carry out flights that will get them the data they need while ensuring safety.

Jeremy Johnson, a research pilot and aviation safety officer, poses in front of a PC-12 aircraft inside the hangar at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Johnson flies NASA planes to support important scientific research and testing, working with researchers to plan and carry out flights that will get them the data they need while ensuring safety.

Jeremy Johnson, a research pilot and aviation safety officer, poses in front of a PC-12 aircraft inside the hangar at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Johnson flies NASA planes to support important scientific research and testing, working with researchers to plan and carry out flights that will get them the data they need while ensuring safety.

Jeremy Johnson, a research pilot and aviation safety officer, poses in front of a PC-12 aircraft inside the hangar at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Johnson flies NASA planes to support important scientific research and testing, working with researchers to plan and carry out flights that will get them the data they need while ensuring safety.

Jeremy Johnson, a research pilot and aviation safety officer, poses in front of a PC-12 aircraft inside the hangar at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Johnson flies NASA planes to support important scientific research and testing, working with researchers to plan and carry out flights that will get them the data they need while ensuring safety.

Retired NASA astronaut Scott Kelly poses a portrait, Monday, July 8, 2019 at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA astronaut Don Pettit poses for a portrait after donning his spacesuit, Friday, July 12, 2019 at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

jsc2024e040779 -- Project manager Shaun Glasgow (middle) demonstrates the Mini Potable Water Dispenser during a testing session at NASA's Johnson Space Center. Photo Credit: NASA/David DeHoyos

jsc2024e040722 -- Brett Montoya, a lead space architect in the Center for Design and Space Architecture at Johnson Space Center, rehydrates a package of food using the Mini Potable Water Dispenser during a protype testing session at Johnson's Space Center. Photo Credit: NASA/David DeHoyos

jsc2024e040737 -- NASA food scientists rehydrate a food pouch during a test of the Mini Potable Water Dispenser at Johnson Space Center on June 6, 2024. Photo Credit: NASA/David DeHoyos

Comet NEOWISE passing over the Little Joe II rocket at NASA Johnson Space Center’s Rocket Park on July 22nd, 2020.

Local area school children are seen during a NASA event announcing the astronauts assigned to crew the first flight tests and missions of the Boeing CST-100 Starliner and SpaceX Crew Dragon, Friday, Aug. 3, 2018 at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

"Where I grew up [on my family farm] 100% shaped who I am. In fact, my son and I were talking about high schools and how big his is. His high school population is double the population of the town I grew up in. I had 20 kids in my graduating class, and three of them were foreign exchange students. He asked me, 'Do you wish you would have gone to a bigger school like us?' And I said, 'Actually, no, I don't.' I loved where I grew up. I absolutely cherish what it instilled in me, and that's something I carry with me all the time. "The earliest lesson was that you are part of something much bigger than yourself. Everybody has an important role in what they're doing, no matter how small. I remember when we were bringing in the corn. Right now, everybody buys it, but I didn't buy corn until maybe college because it was a whole family thing. We went and picked the corn. The little kids would shuck it, pulling off all the silk. The grown-ups would shave it off the cob and then push it off to the side, and then the older kids would bag it up into plastic bags. And then everybody went home. It was always about a team. You can be the youngest person or the lowest-ranking person, but you always bring something important to that table. "Everywhere I've been since I got commissioned [as an Air Force officer], my very first office in 1997, I hang an aerial picture of our farm on my wall because it's [a reminder to] remember where you came from, remember home, and don't get too big for your britches. No matter what, you could be part of something huge, and I look at that picture and say, 'I have always been part of something much bigger than myself.' All the little, tiny moments in life that build upon themselves trace back to that family farm for me." Alana Johnson, Senior Communications Specialist, poses for a portrait, Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA commercial crew astronaut Mike Hopkins trains with Extravehicular Activity (EVA) tools and hardware in Johnson Space Center’s Space Vehicle Mockup Facility in Houston. Hopkins is assigned to the second crewed flight of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon.

NASA commercial crew astronaut Mike Hopkins trains with Extravehicular Activity (EVA) tools and hardware in Johnson Space Center’s Space Vehicle Mockup Facility in Houston. Hopkins is assigned to the second crewed flight of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon.

NASA commercial crew astronaut Suni Williams performs physical training on the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. Williams is assigned to the Boeing Starliner’s second crewed flight.

NASA commercial crew astronaut Victor Glover performs physical training on the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. Glover is assigned to the SpaceX Crew Dragon’s second crewed flight.

NASA commercial crew astronaut Eric Boe performs physical training on the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. Boe is assigned to the Boeing Starliner’s first crewed flight.

NASA commercial crew astronaut Mike Hopkins performs physical training on the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. Hopkins is assigned to the SpaceX Crew Dragon’s second crewed flight.

NASA commercial crew astronaut Mike Hopkins trains with Extravehicular Activity (EVA) tools and hardware in Johnson Space Center’s Space Vehicle Mockup Facility in Houston. Hopkins is assigned to the second crewed flight of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon.

NASA commercial crew astronaut Mike Hopkins trains with Extravehicular Activity (EVA) tools and hardware in Johnson Space Center’s Space Vehicle Mockup Facility in Houston. Hopkins is assigned to the second crewed flight of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon.

jsc2024e040743 -- A NASA food scientist captures video of the Mini Potable Water Dispenser during testing at Johnson Space Center. Photo Credit: NASA/David DeHoyos

NASA Johnson Space Center Director Mark Geyer gives remarks during a NASA event announcing the astronauts assigned to crew the first flight tests and missions of the Boeing CST-100 Starliner and SpaceX Crew Dragon, Friday, Aug. 3, 2018 at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Johnson Space Center Director Mark Geyer gives remarks during a NASA event announcing the astronauts assigned to crew the first flight tests and missions of the Boeing CST-100 Starliner and SpaceX Crew Dragon, Friday, Aug. 3, 2018 at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, HOUSTON, TEXAS -- (JSC2000-03028) Official portrait of astronaut Michael E. Lopez-Alegria, mission specialist.

JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, HOUSTON, TEXAS -- (JSC2000-03028) Official portrait of astronaut Michael E. Lopez-Alegria, mission specialist.

JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, HOUSTON, TEXAS -- (S95-057778) Official portrait of astronaut Pamela A. Melroy, pilot.

JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, HOUSTON, TEXAS -- (JSC2000-03056) Official portrait of astronaut David A. Wolf, mission specialist.

JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, HOUSTON, TEXAS -- (S95-057778) Official portrait of astronaut Pamela A. Melroy, pilot.

JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, HOUSTON, TEXAS -- (JSC2000-03056) Official portrait of astronaut David A. Wolf, mission specialist.

NASA astronaut candidate Frank Rubio poses for a portrait in the anechoic chamber, Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA astronaut candidate Kayla Barron is seen after donning her spacesuit, Friday, July 12, 2019 at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA astronaut Nicole Mann gives a thumbs up from inside the Orion mockup, Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA astronaut Stan Love poses for a portrait in the Neutral Buoyancy Lab control room, Monday, July 8, 2019 at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine delivers remarks during the 2018 Agency Honor Awards ceremony, Thursday, Aug. 2, 2018 at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA astronaut candidate Kayla Barron poses for a portrait after donning her spacesuit, Friday, July 12, 2019 at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

The Orion Mission Evaluation Room (MER) team works during an Artemis II mission simulation on Aug. 19, 2025, from the new Orion MER inside the Mission Control Center at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The Orion Mission Evaluation Room (MER) team works during an Artemis II mission simulation on Aug. 19, 2025, from the new Orion MER inside the Mission Control Center at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The Orion Mission Evaluation Room (MER) team works during an Artemis II mission simulation on Aug. 19, 2025, from the new Orion MER inside the Mission Control Center at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The Orion Mission Evaluation Room (MER) team works during an Artemis II mission simulation on Aug. 19, 2025, from the new Orion MER inside the Mission Control Center at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The Orion Mission Evaluation Room (MER) team works during an Artemis II mission simulation on Aug. 19, 2025, from the new Orion MER inside the Mission Control Center at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The Orion Mission Evaluation Room (MER) team works during an Artemis II mission simulation on Aug. 19, 2025, from the new Orion MER inside the Mission Control Center at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.