NASA's venerable B-52B mothership launch aircraft served as the backdrop at its retirement ceremony on Dec. 17, 2004.

Dryden Center director Kevin Petersen shakes hands with AFFTC commander, Brig. Gen. Curtis Bedke, at the retirement ceremony for NASA's B-52B.

DFRC director Kevin Petersen speaks to an audience of NASA and Air Force visitors, employees and special guests at the retirement ceremony for NASA's B-52B.

Retired NASA Dryden research pilot Ed Schneider served as master of ceremonies at the retirement ceremony for NASA's B-52B, on Dec. 17, 2004.

NASA Associate Administrator Steve Jurczyk presents retiring Marshall Space Flight Center Todd May with the NASA Distinguished Service Medal at the retirement ceremony for Mr. May.

September 11th remembrance ceremony held in front of NASA Research Park Bldg-17 (Lunar Science Institute) hosted by the American Legion, Post 881, Moffett Field. Retire Colors - Marine Recruting District San Francisco

Retired NASA astronaut Eileen Collins speaks during NASA’s Day of Remembrance ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, inside the Center for Space Education at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The annual event honors the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives in the pursuit of spaceflight. This year’s ceremony was hosted by the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, which was founded after the shuttle Challenger accident in 1986 to honor the sacrifices of fallen astronauts each year.

John Tribe, retired Apollo engineer, North American Rockwell, speaks during a ceremony renaming Kennedy Space Center’s launch control center to the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center on Feb. 22, 2022. Petrone was instrumental in America’s first voyages to the Moon and headed the Apollo program. He died in 2006 at the age of 80.

During an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence, James Abrahamson, speaks to guests during the ceremony. A retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant general, Abrahamson also was a Manned Orbiting Laboratory astronaut who later was associate administrator of NASA and served as director of the Strategic Defense Initiative. Selected in 1967 for the MOL Program, Lawrence was the first African-American astronaut. He lost his life in a training accident 50 years ago. The ceremony took place in the Center for Space Education at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Dan Billow accepts a certificate naming him a Kennedy Chronicler during a May 15 ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Billow, a retired television broadcaster, was among three reporters and industry professionals who were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters. Brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy.

Scott Rigell, speaking on behalf of Ike Rigell, retired Apollo chief engineer and deputy director of launch vehicle operations at NASA, addresses attendees during a ceremony renaming Kennedy Space Center’s launch control center to the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center on Feb. 22, 2022. Petrone was instrumental in America’s first voyages to the Moon and headed the Apollo program. He died in 2006 at the age of 80.

National Symphony Orchestra Conductor Emil de Cou, left, presents a ceremonial baton to retired NASA Flight Director and manager Gene Kranz at the Apollo 40th anniversary celebration held at the National Air and Space Museum, Monday, July 20, 2009 in Washington. Kranz was a guest conductor the night before at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

LIGHTING A MEMORIAL CANDLE DURING THE JAN. 29 DAY OF REMEMBRANCE OBSERVANCE AT NASA'S MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER ARE, FROM LEFT, PATRICK SCHEUERMANN, MARSHALL DIRECTOR; JOHN HONEYCUTT, DEPUTY MANAGER OF THE SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM; AND RETIRED ASTRONAUT ROBERT “HOOT” GIBSON. THE CEREMONY IN BUILDING 4200 PAID TRIBUTE TO THE CREWS OF APOLLO 1 AND SPACE SHUTTLES CHALLENGER AND COLUMBIA, AS WELL AS OTHER NASA COLLEAGUES.

Gene Kranz, retired NASA Flight Director and manager, thanks the audience after having guest conducted of the National Symphony Orchestra during the "Salute to Apollo" ceremony at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Saturday, July 18, 2009 in Washington. The event was part of NASA's week long celebration of the Apollo 40th Anniversary. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Conductor Emil de Cou and The U.S. Army Chorus and Alumni sing while Gene Kranz, retired NASA Flight Director and manager, acts as guest conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra, during the "Salute to Apollo" ceremony at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Saturday, July 18, 2009 in Washington. The event was part of NASA's week long celebration of the Apollo 40th Anniversary. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

George Diller, who retired in 2017 after a 37-year career in NASA Public Affairs, was honored as a 2018 “Chronicler” during a ceremony at Kennedy Space Center’s NASA News Center in Florida on Friday, May 4. Diller and Craig Covault had their names officially added to the “Chroniclers wall” during the event. “Chroniclers” recognizes retirees of the news and communications business who helped spread news of American space exploration from Kennedy for 10 years or more. Diller was known by many as “The Voice of Kennedy Launch Control.”

Scott Rigell, speaking on behalf of Ike Rigell, retired Apollo chief engineer and deputy director of launch vehicle operations at NASA, addresses attendees during a ceremony renaming Kennedy Space Center’s launch control center to the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center on Feb. 22, 2022. Petrone was instrumental in America’s first voyages to the Moon and headed the Apollo program. He died in 2006 at the age of 80.

The Brevard County Fire Rescue Honor Guard presents the colors during the singing of the national anthem by retired Army Lt. Col. Cynthia Watkins during this year’s Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Each year, Kennedy employees and guests gather with others throughout NASA to honor those astronauts who have fallen in the pursuit of space exploration.

Gene Kranz, retired NASA Flight Director and manager, conducts the National Symphony Orchestra, while the U.S. Army Chorus and Alumni sing during the "Salute to Apollo" ceremony at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Saturday, July 18, 2009 in Washington. The event was part of NASA's week long celebration of the Apollo 40th Anniversary. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Jody Singer, Marshall deputy director, lights a candle in honor of colleagues who lost their lives in purist of space exploration during Marshall's Day of Remembrance ceremony. Looking on, from left, are Rick Burt, Marshall Safety and Mission Assurance Directorate director; Marshall Center Director Todd May; and former NASA astronauts retired Army Brig. Gen. Robert Stewart; former Marshall Deputy Director Jan Davis; and Robert "Hoot" Gibson.

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

Dan Billow accepts a certificate naming him a Kennedy Chronicler during a May 15 ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Billow, a retired television broadcaster, was among three reporters and industry professionals who were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters. Brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy.

Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin, left, meets with Gene Kranz, retired NASA Flight Director and manager, back stage after the "Salute to Apollo" ceremony at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Saturday, July 18, 2009 in Washington. The event was part of NASA's week long celebration of the Apollo 40th Anniversary. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Retired Astronaut Al Worden (third from left in front row) reads a list of the astronauts honored in past ceremonies, some of whom stand on the dais. Standing in the front row, from left, are John Glenn, Scott Carpenter, Worden, Fred Haise, Edgar Mitchell, Charlie Duke, John Young and Jim Lovell. Pictured standing in the back row, from left, are Jerry Carr, Bob Crippen, Hank Hartsfield, Joe Allen, Rick Hauck, Dan Brandenstein, Robert “Hoot” Gibson, Owen Garriott and Charlie Bolden. The May 5 induction added space shuttle commanders Michael L. Coats, Steven A. Hawley and Jeffrey A. Hoffman to the Hall of Fame. They grow the number of space explorers enshrined in the Hall of Fame to 66. The ceremony was held at the Kennedy Space Center's Apollo/Saturn V Center. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the space shuttle Atlantis pauses during its 10-mile journey to the Kennedy Visitor Complex for a ceremony to commemorate the transfer. Kennedy Director Bob Cabana spoke Kennedy employees and guests at the event. As part of transition and retirement of the Space Shuttle Program, Atlantis is to be displayed at Kennedy's Visitor Complex beginning in the summer of 2013. Over the course of its 26-year career, Atlantis traveled 125,935,769 miles during 307 days in space over 33 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden speaks to attendees during Kennedy Space Center’s 50th Anniversary Gala event at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Apollo/Saturn V Center in Florida. At left, on stage, is Master of Ceremony Jim Banke. The gala was coordinated by Kennedy and the National Space Club Florida Committee with the theme, “Celebrating the Past and Preparing for the Future.” The event was attended by about 650 current and retired NASA and contractor workers, dignitaries, and several former Kennedy Space Center directors. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Dr. Valerie Neal, curator for the shuttle program in the Space History office at the National Air and Space Museum, attends the transfer ceremony for space shuttle Discovery, Thursday, April 19, 2012, at the Smithsonian's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. Discovery, the first orbiter retired from NASA’s shuttle fleet, which completed 39 missions, spent 365 days in space, orbited the Earth 5,830 times, and traveled 148,221,675 miles will take the place of Enterprise at the center to commemorate past achievements in space and to educate and inspire future generations of explorers at the center. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

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.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the space shuttle Atlantis pauses during its 10-mile journey to the Kennedy Visitor Complex for a ceremony to commemorate the transfer. Kennedy Middle School student Searra Weeks sang the National Anthem to begin the event. As part of transition and retirement of the Space Shuttle Program, Atlantis is to be displayed at Kennedy's Visitor Complex beginning in the summer of 2013. Over the course of its 26-year career, Atlantis traveled 125,935,769 miles during 307 days in space over 33 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Tony Gray

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the space shuttle Atlantis pauses during its 10-mile journey to the Kennedy Visitor Complex for a ceremony to commemorate the transfer. Kennedy Director Bob Cabana spoke Kennedy employees and guests at the event. As part of transition and retirement of the Space Shuttle Program, Atlantis is to be displayed at Kennedy's Visitor Complex beginning in the summer of 2013. Over the course of its 26-year career, Atlantis traveled 125,935,769 miles during 307 days in space over 33 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray

Space Shuttles Enterprise, left, and Discovery meet nose-to-nose at the beginning of a transfer ceremony at the Smithsonian's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Thursday, April 19, 2012, in Chantilly, Va. Space shuttle Discovery, the first orbiter retired from NASA’s shuttle fleet, completed 39 missions, spent 365 days in space, orbited the Earth 5,830 times, and traveled 148,221,675 miles will take the place of Enterprise at the center to commemorate past achievements in space and to educate and inspire future generations of explorers at the center. Photo Credit: (NASA/Smithsonian Institution/Carolyn Russo)

Maggie Persinger accepts a certificate naming her a Kennedy Chronicler during a May 15 ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Persinger, a retired NASA media librarian, was among three reporters and industry professionals who were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters for their efforts in helping tell the story of America’s space program. Brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy.

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.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the space shuttle Atlantis pauses during its 10-mile journey to the Kennedy Visitor Complex for a ceremony to commemorate the transfer. Astronaut Chris Ferguson, who commanded Atlantis's final mission, STS-135 in 2011, spoke Kennedy employees and guests at the event. As part of transition and retirement of the Space Shuttle Program, Atlantis is to be displayed at Kennedy's Visitor Complex beginning in the summer of 2013. Over the course of its 26-year career, Atlantis traveled 125,935,769 miles during 307 days in space over 33 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Tony Gray

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the space shuttle Atlantis pauses during its 10-mile journey to the Kennedy Visitor Complex for a ceremony to commemorate the transfer. NASA Director of Education and External Relations Cheryl Hurst welcomes Kennedy employees and guests to the event. As part of transition and retirement of the Space Shuttle Program, Atlantis is to be displayed at Kennedy's Visitor Complex beginning in the summer of 2013. Over the course of its 26-year career, Atlantis traveled 125,935,769 miles during 307 days in space over 33 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Tony Gray

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Center Director Robert Cabana, second from right, joins space shuttle support personnel in a ceremony following the final power down of space shuttle Discovery during Space Shuttle Program transition and retirement activities. "Power down" followed the final closure of Discovery's payload bay doors. Discovery is being prepared for public display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va., in 2012. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

Space shuttle Discovery is rolled toward the transfer ceremony at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center Thursday, April 19, 2012 in Chantilly, Va. Discovery will be permanently housed at the Udvar-Hazy Center, part of the Smithsonian Institution’s Air and Space Museum. Discovery, the first orbiter retired from NASA’s shuttle fleet, completed 39 missions, spent 365 days in space, orbited the Earth 5,830 times, and traveled 148,221,675 miles. NASA will transfer Discovery to the National Air and Space Museum to begin its new mission to commemorate past achievements in space and to educate and inspire future generations of explorers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the space shuttle Atlantis pauses during its 10-mile journey to the Kennedy Visitor Complex for a ceremony to commemorate the transfer. NASA Administrator Charles Bolden spoke Kennedy employees and guests at the event. As part of transition and retirement of the Space Shuttle Program, Atlantis is to be displayed at Kennedy's Visitor Complex beginning in the summer of 2013. Over the course of its 26-year career, Atlantis traveled 125,935,769 miles during 307 days in space over 33 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Master of Ceremony Jim Banke, pauses during his opening remarks to attendees during NASA Kennedy Space Center’s 50th Anniversary Gala event at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Apollo/Saturn V Center in Florida. The gala was coordinated by Kennedy and the National Space Club Florida Committee with the theme, “Celebrating the Past and Preparing for the Future.” The event was attended by about 650 current and retired NASA and contractor workers, dignitaries, and several former Kennedy Space Center directors. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

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.

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.

Bettye Kozlowski, center, and Francesca Wright, right, from Santa Clarita, CA attend the transfer ceremony for space shuttle Discovery, Thursday, April 19, 2012, at the Smithsonian's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. Discovery, the first orbiter retired from NASA’s shuttle fleet, which completed 39 missions, spent 365 days in space, orbited the Earth 5,830 times, and traveled 148,221,675 miles will take the place of Enterprise at the center to commemorate past achievements in space and to educate and inspire future generations of explorers at the center. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the space shuttle Atlantis pauses during its 10-mile journey to the Kennedy Visitor Complex for a ceremony to commemorate the transfer. Kennedy Director Bob Cabana spoke Kennedy employees and guests at the event. As part of transition and retirement of the Space Shuttle Program, Atlantis is to be displayed at Kennedy's Visitor Complex beginning in the summer of 2013. Over the course of its 26-year career, Atlantis traveled 125,935,769 miles during 307 days in space over 33 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Tony Gray

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the space shuttle Atlantis pauses during its 10-mile journey to the Kennedy Visitor Complex for a ceremony to commemorate the transfer. Former astronaut Karol Bobko, who commanded Atlantis's first mission, STS-51J in 1985, spoke Kennedy employees and guests at the event. As part of transition and retirement of the Space Shuttle Program, Atlantis is to be displayed at Kennedy's Visitor Complex beginning in the summer of 2013. Over the course of its 26-year career, Atlantis traveled 125,935,769 miles during 307 days in space over 33 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Tony Gray

Maggie Persinger accepts a certificate naming her a Kennedy Chronicler during a May 15 ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Presenting the award is Burt Summerfield, NASA Kennedy Space Center’s associate director, management. Persinger, a retired NASA media librarian, was among three reporters and industry professionals who were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters for their efforts in helping tell the story of America’s space program. Brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the space shuttle Atlantis pauses during its 10-mile journey to the Kennedy Visitor Complex for a ceremony to commemorate the transfer. Astronaut Chris Ferguson, who commanded Atlantis's final mission, STS-135 in 2011, spoke Kennedy employees and guests at the event. As part of transition and retirement of the Space Shuttle Program, Atlantis is to be displayed at Kennedy's Visitor Complex beginning in the summer of 2013. Over the course of its 26-year career, Atlantis traveled 125,935,769 miles during 307 days in space over 33 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Tony Gray

Dan Billow accepts a certificate naming him a Kennedy Chronicler during a May 15 ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Presenting the award is Burt Summerfield, NASA Kennedy Space Center’s associate director, management. Billow, a retired television broadcaster, was among three reporters and industry professionals who were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters. Brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy.

Maggie Persinger accepts a certificate naming her a Kennedy Chronicler during a May 15 ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Presenting the award is Burt Summerfield, NASA Kennedy Space Center’s associate director, management. Persinger, a retired NASA media librarian, was among three reporters and industry professionals who were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters for their efforts in helping tell the story of America’s space program. Brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy.

Dan Billow accepts a certificate naming him a Kennedy Chronicler during a May 15 ceremony at the Press Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Presenting the award is Burt Summerfield, NASA Kennedy Space Center’s associate director, management. Billow, a retired television broadcaster, was among three reporters and industry professionals who were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters. Brass plates bearing their names were added to the wall of the “bull pen,” where reporters traditionally gather to cover launches and events at NASA Kennedy.

Christine Darden, retired NASA engineer and "Hidden Figure,” speaks during a ceremony officially naming the NASA Headquarters building in honor of Mary W. Jackson, Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC. Mary W. Jackson, the first African American female engineer at NASA, began her career with the agency in the segregated West Area Computing Unit of NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. The mathematician and aerospace engineer went on to lead programs influencing the hiring and promotion of women in NASA's science, technology, engineering, and mathematics careers. In 2019, she posthumously received the Congressional Gold Medal. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Christine Darden, retired NASA engineer and "Hidden Figure,” speaks during a ceremony officially naming the NASA Headquarters building in honor of Mary W. Jackson, Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC. Mary W. Jackson, the first African American female engineer at NASA, began her career with the agency in the segregated West Area Computing Unit of NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. The mathematician and aerospace engineer went on to lead programs influencing the hiring and promotion of women in NASA's science, technology, engineering, and mathematics careers. In 2019, she posthumously received the Congressional Gold Medal. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Space Shuttles Enterprise, left, and Discovery meet nose-to-nose during the a transfer ceremony at the Smithsonian's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Thursday, April 19, 2012, in Chantilly, Va. Space shuttle Discovery, the first orbiter retired from NASA’s shuttle fleet, completed 39 missions, spent 365 days in space, orbited the Earth 5,830 times, and traveled 148,221,675 miles will take the place of Enterprise at the center to commemorate past achievements in space and to educate and inspire future generations of explorers at the center. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

Rachel Ledford, in prink shirt, and Noelle Leford, right, from Butler, PA attend the transfer ceremony for space shuttle Discovery, Thursday, April 19, 2012, at the Smithsonian's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. Discovery, the first orbiter retired from NASA’s shuttle fleet, which completed 39 missions, spent 365 days in space, orbited the Earth 5,830 times, and traveled 148,221,675 miles will take the place of Enterprise at the center to commemorate past achievements in space and to educate and inspire future generations of explorers at the center. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

NASA's Associate Administrator of the Science Mission Directorate Dr. Edward J. Weiler presents the Women in Aerospace's Lifetime Achievement Award to retired NASA chief astronomer Nancy Grace Roman at the organization's annual awards ceremony and banquet held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Arlington, VA on Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2010. Four current NASA leaders and one retiree were recognized for their work by Women in Aerospace. The event celebrates women's professional excellence in aerospace and honors women who have made outstanding contributions to the aerospace community. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the space shuttle Atlantis pauses during its 10-mile journey to the Kennedy Visitor Complex for a ceremony to commemorate the transfer. NASA Administrator Charles Bolden spoke Kennedy employees and guests at the event. As part of transition and retirement of the Space Shuttle Program, Atlantis is to be displayed at Kennedy's Visitor Complex beginning in the summer of 2013. Over the course of its 26-year career, Atlantis traveled 125,935,769 miles during 307 days in space over 33 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the space shuttle Atlantis pauses during its 10-mile journey to the Kennedy Visitor Complex for a ceremony to commemorate the transfer. Delaware North Companies Parks and Resorts Chief Operating Officer Bill Moore spoke Kennedy employees and guests at the event. As part of transition and retirement of the Space Shuttle Program, Atlantis is to be displayed at Kennedy's Visitor Complex beginning in the summer of 2013. Over the course of its 26-year career, Atlantis traveled 125,935,769 miles during 307 days in space over 33 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Tony Gray

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the space shuttle Atlantis pauses during its 10-mile journey to the Kennedy Visitor Complex for a ceremony to commemorate the transfer. NASA Administrator Charles Bolden spoke Kennedy employees and guests at the event. As part of transition and retirement of the Space Shuttle Program, Atlantis is to be displayed at Kennedy's Visitor Complex beginning in the summer of 2013. Over the course of its 26-year career, Atlantis traveled 125,935,769 miles during 307 days in space over 33 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray

Ronnie Rigney (r), chief of the Propulsion Test Office in the Project Directorate at Stennis Space Center, stands with agency colleagues to receive the prestigious American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics George M. Low Space Transportation Award on Sept. 12. Rigney accepted the award on behalf of the NASA and contractor team at Stennis for their support of the Space Shuttle Program that ended last summer. From 1975 to 2009, Stennis Space Center tested every main engine used to power 135 space shuttle missions. Stennis continued to provide flight support services through the end of the Space Shuttle Program in July 2011. The center also supported transition and retirement of shuttle hardware and assets through September 2012. The 2012 award was presented to the space shuttle team 'for excellence in the conception, development, test, operation and retirement of the world's first and only reusable space transportation system.' Joining Rigney for the award ceremony at the 2012 AIAA Conference in Pasadena, Calif., were: (l to r) Allison Zuniga, NASA Headquarters; Michael Griffin, former NASA administrator; Don Noah, Johnson Space Center in Houston; Steve Cash, Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala.; and Pete Nickolenko, Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Ronnie Rigney (r), chief of the Propulsion Test Office in the Project Directorate at Stennis Space Center, stands with agency colleagues to receive the prestigious American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics George M. Low Space Transportation Award on Sept. 12. Rigney accepted the award on behalf of the NASA and contractor team at Stennis for their support of the Space Shuttle Program that ended last summer. From 1975 to 2009, Stennis Space Center tested every main engine used to power 135 space shuttle missions. Stennis continued to provide flight support services through the end of the Space Shuttle Program in July 2011. The center also supported transition and retirement of shuttle hardware and assets through September 2012. The 2012 award was presented to the space shuttle team 'for excellence in the conception, development, test, operation and retirement of the world's first and only reusable space transportation system.' Joining Rigney for the award ceremony at the 2012 AIAA Conference in Pasadena, Calif., were: (l to r) Allison Zuniga, NASA Headquarters; Michael Griffin, former NASA administrator; Don Noah, Johnson Space Center in Houston; Steve Cash, Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala.; and Pete Nickolenko, Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Thomas D. Jones, Ph.D., in the center, is inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame (AHOF) during a ceremony inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. At left, Hall of Famer Curt Brown, board chairman, Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF), inducts Jones into the Hall of Fame Class of 2018. At right is Hall of Famer Storey Musgrave, who spoke on Jones behalf during the ceremony. Also inducted was retired astronaut Scott D. Altman. Inductees into the Hall of Fame are selected by a committee of Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, flight directors, historians and journalists. The process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. To be eligible, an astronaut must have made his or her first flight at least 17 years before the induction. Candidates must be a U.S. citizen and a NASA-trained commander, pilot or mission specialist who has orbited the earth at least once. Including Altman and Jones, 97 astronauts have been inducted into the AHOF.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the space shuttle Atlantis pauses during its 10-mile journey to the Kennedy Visitor Complex for a ceremony to commemorate its transfer. NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, seated left, and Kennedy Director Bob Cabana sign documents transferring title of Atlantis from the agency to Kennedy Space Center. Also participating in the ceremony, standing, from left, are Chris Ferguson, who commanded Atlantis's final mission, Karol Bobko, commander of Atlantis' first mission, and Delaware North Companies Parks and Resorts Chief Operating Officer Bill Moore. As part of transition and retirement of the Space Shuttle Program, Atlantis is to be displayed at Kennedy's visitor complex beginning in the summer of 2013. Over the course of its 26-year career, Atlantis traveled 125,935,769 miles during 307 days in space over 33 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Tony Gray

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the space shuttle Atlantis pauses during its 10-mile journey to the Kennedy visitor complex for a ceremony to commemorate its transfer. NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, left, and Kennedy Director Bob Cabana hold the just-signed document transferring title of Atlantis from the agency to Kennedy Space Center. Participating in the ceremony, from left, are Chris Ferguson, who commanded Atlantis' final mission, Bolden, Cabana, Karol Bobko, commander of Atlantis' first mission, and Delaware North Companies Parks and Resorts Chief Operating Officer Bill Moore. As part of transition and retirement of the Space Shuttle Program, Atlantis is to be displayed at Kennedy's visitor complex beginning in the summer of 2013. Over the course of its 26-year career, Atlantis traveled 125,935,769 miles during 307 days in space over 33 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Tony Gray

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the space shuttle Atlantis pauses during its 10-mile journey to the Kennedy visitor complex for a ceremony to commemorate its transfer. NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, seated left, and Kennedy Director Bob Cabana sign documents transferring title of Atlantis from the agency to Kennedy Space Center. Also participating in the ceremony, standing, from left, are Chris Ferguson, who commanded Atlantis' final mission, Karol Bobko, commander of Atlantis' first mission and Delaware North Companies Parks and Resorts Chief Operating Officer Bill Moore. As part of transition and retirement of the Space Shuttle Program, Atlantis is to be displayed at Kennedy's Visitor Complex beginning in the summer of 2013. Over the course of its 26-year career, Atlantis traveled 125,935,769 miles during 307 days in space over 33 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Tony Gray

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Members of the United States Air Force 45th Space Wing Honor Guard and more than a dozen 9/11 first responders take part in "The National 9/11 Flag" stitching ceremony in the Debus Conference Facility at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The contributions of NASA, Kennedy Space Center and the state of Florida were stitched into the fabric of the American Flag, which was recovered near ground zero following the World Trade Center attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The "New York Says Thank You Foundation" is taking the flag on a cross-country journey to be restored to its original 13-stripe design using pieces of fabric from American flags destined for retirement in all 50 states. Once the flag is restored, it will become a permanent collection of the National September 11 Memorial Museum being built at the World Trade Center site. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

The National Anthem is sung by Suzy Cunningham, NASA Strategy and Integration manager, during a Veterans Day observance ceremony held in the Kennedy Space Center’s Training Auditorium in Florida on Nov. 7, 2019. During the event, Kennedy was named a Purple Heart Entity by the Military Order of the Purple Heart, becoming the first NASA center to receive this designation for support and services provided to veterans through the spaceport’s Veterans employee resource group. Attendees included Kennedy employees and more than 20 Purple Heart recipients. Following the award presentation, Christopher Vedvick, a combat wounded veteran and Military Order of the Purple Heart department of Florida commander, spoke about his experience serving in the United States Army before retiring, his involvement in the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the purpose of the organization.

NASA's 9th Annual Robotic Mining Competition concludes with an awards ceremony May 18, 2018, at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The University of Alabama Team Astrobotics received the Efficient Use of Communications Power Award. At left is retired NASA astronaut Jerry Ross. At right is Kurt Leucht, a NASA engineer in Swamp Works and event emcee. More than 40 student teams from colleges and universities around the U.S. participated in the competition, May 14-18, by using their mining robots to dig in a supersized sandbox filled with BP-1, or simulated lunar soil, gravel and rocks, and participate in other competition requirements. The Robotic Mining Competition is a NASA Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate project designed to encourage students in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM fields. The project provides a competitive environment to foster innovative ideas and solutions that could be used on NASA's deep space missions.

NASA's 9th Annual Robotic Mining Competition concludes with an awards ceremony May 18, 2018, at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The University of Alabama Team Astrobotics received first place in the On-Site Mining Award. At left is retired NASA astronaut Jerry Ross. At right is Rob Mueller, lead mining judge. More than 40 student teams from colleges and universities around the U.S. participated in the competition, May 14-18, by using their mining robots to dig in a supersized sandbox filled with BP-1, or simulated lunar soil, gravel and rocks, and participate in other competition requirements. The Robotic Mining Competition is a NASA Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate project designed to encourage students in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM fields. The project provides a competitive environment to foster innovative ideas and solutions that could be used on NASA's deep space missions.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Members of the Brevard Police and Fire Pipes and Drums kick off the "The National 9/11 Flag" stitching ceremony in the Debus Conference Facility at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The contributions of NASA, Kennedy Space Center and the state of Florida were stitched into the fabric of the American Flag, which was recovered near ground zero following the World Trade Center attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The "New York Says Thank You Foundation" is taking the flag on a cross-country journey to be restored to its original 13-stripe design using pieces of fabric from American flags destined for retirement in all 50 states. Once the flag is restored, it will become a permanent collection of the National September 11 Memorial Museum being built at the World Trade Center site. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Mark Kelly, speaks to guests after his induction into the Astronaut Hall of Fame (AHOF) by NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, during a ceremony inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on May 6, 2023. Also inducted in the AHOF Class of 2023 was retired astronaut Roy D. Bridges Jr. Inductees into the Hall of Fame are selected by a committee of Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, flight directors, historians and journalists. The process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. To be eligible, an astronaut must have made his or her first flight at least 17 years before the induction. Candidates must be a U.S. citizen and a NASA-trained commander, pilot, or mission specialist who has orbited the earth at least once. Including Bridges and Kelly, 107 astronauts have been inducted into the AHOF.

NASA Public Affairs Officer Dustin Cammack conducts a prisoner of war, missing in action ceremony at the start of a Veterans Day observance event on Nov. 7, 2019, at the Kennedy Space Center Training Auditorium in Florida. During the event, Kennedy was named a Purple Heart Entity by the Military Order of the Purple Heart, becoming the first NASA center to receive this designation for support and services provided to veterans through the spaceport’s Veterans employee resource group. Attendees included Kennedy employees and more than 20 Purple Heart recipients. Following the award presentation, Christopher Vedvick, a combat wounded veteran and Military Order of the Purple Heart department of Florida commander, spoke about his experience serving in the United States Army before retiring, his involvement in the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the purpose of the organization.

From left, NASA Public Affairs Officer Dustin Cammack, Military Order of the Purple Heart National Adjutant Ernie Rivera, Military Order of the Purple Heart Department of Florida Commander Christopher Vedvick and NASA Public Affairs Officer Derrick Matthews are photographed inside Kennedy Space Center’s Training Auditorium during a Veterans Day observance ceremony on Nov. 7, 2019. During the event, Kennedy was named a Purple Heart Entity by the Military Order of the Purple Heart, becoming the first NASA center to receive this designation for support and services provided to veterans through the Florida spaceport’s Veterans employee resource group. Attendees included Kennedy employees and more than 20 Purple Heart recipients. Following the award presentation, Vedvick, a combat wounded veteran, spoke about his experience serving in the United States Army before retiring, his involvement in the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the purpose of the organization.

Roy D. Bridges Jr. is inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame (AHOF) by Hall of Fame astronaut Dave Leestma during a ceremony inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on May 6, 2023. Also inducted into the AHOF Class of 2023 was retired astronaut Mark Kelly. Inductees into the Hall of Fame are selected by a committee of Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, flight directors, historians and journalists. The process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. To be eligible, an astronaut must have made his or her first flight at least 17 years before the induction. Candidates must be a U.S. citizen and a NASA-trained commander, pilot, or mission specialist who has orbited the earth at least once. Including Bridges and Kelly, 107 astronauts have been inducted into the AHOF.

Bill Johnson, left, retired NASA chief of Media Services at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, is congratulated by NASA Public Information Specialist George Diller during a ceremony for six new honorees added to the "Chroniclers" roll of honor in the NASA News Center. Johnson, whose career at Kennedy spanned more than 45 years, was one of the six added to the Chroniclers list. Also added were Bruce Hall, CBS News and NBC News; Scott Harris, WESH, WKMG and Central Florida News 13; Warren Leary, The New York Times; Bob Murray, WDBO-TV, RCA and United Space Alliance; and Phillip Sandlin, Associated Press photographer. The Chroniclers program recognizes retirees of the news and communications business who helped spread news of American space exploration from Kennedy Space Center for ten years or more.

A prisoner of war (POW), missing in action (MIA) table is on display in the Training Auditorium at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida during a Veterans Day observance event on Nov. 7, 2019. The event began with a POW MIA ceremony, followed by an awards recognition, naming Kennedy a Purple Heart Entity by the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Kennedy is the first NASA center to receive this designation for support and services provided to veterans through the spaceport’s Veterans employee resource group. Attendees included Kennedy employees and more than 20 Purple Heart recipients. Following the award presentation, Christopher Vedvick, a combat wounded veteran and Military Order of the Purple Heart department of Florida commander, spoke about his experience serving in the United States Army before retiring, his involvement in the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the purpose of the organization.

NASA's 9th Annual Robotic Mining Competition concludes with an awards ceremony May 18, 2018, at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The team from The University of Akron received third place for their Systems Engineering Paper. At left is retired NASA astronaut Jerry Ross. At right is Jonette Stecklein, lead systems engineering paper judge. More than 40 student teams from colleges and universities around the U.S. participated in the competition, May 14-18, by using their mining robots to dig in a supersized sandbox filled with BP-1, or simulated lunar soil, gravel and rocks, and participate in other competition requirements. The Robotic Mining Competition is a NASA Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate project designed to encourage students in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM fields. The project provides a competitive environment to foster innovative ideas and solutions that could be used on NASA's deep space missions.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Joe Dowdy, special operations manager at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, contributes stitches to the "National 9/11 Flag" during a ceremony in the Debus Conference Facility at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The contributions of NASA, Kennedy Space Center and the state of Florida were stitched into the fabric of the American Flag, which was recovered near ground zero following the World Trade Center attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The "New York Says Thank You Foundation" is taking the flag on a cross-country journey to be restored to its original 13-stripe design using pieces of fabric from American flags destined for retirement in all 50 states. Once the flag is restored, it will become a permanent collection of the National September 11 Memorial Museum being built at the World Trade Center site. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

NASA's 9th Annual Robotic Mining Competition concludes with an awards ceremony May 18, 2018, at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The University of Alabama Team Astrobotics received third place in the Slide Presentation and Demonstration award category. At left is retired NASA astronaut Jerry Ross. At right is Daniel Hull, lead presentation judge. More than 40 student teams from colleges and universities around the U.S. participated in the competition, May 14-18, by using their mining robots to dig in a supersized sandbox filled with BP-1, or simulated lunar soil, gravel and rocks, and participate in other competition requirements. The Robotic Mining Competition is a NASA Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate project designed to encourage students in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM fields. The project provides a competitive environment to foster innovative ideas and solutions that could be used on NASA's deep space missions.

Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA) Administrator Robert Seamans addresses the crowd at the dedication ceremony for the Mod-0 100-kilowatt wind turbine at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Plum Brook Station. The wind turbine program was a joint NASA/ERDA effort to develop less expensive forms of energy during the 1970s. NASA Lewis was able to use its experience with aerodynamics, powerplants, and energy transfer to develop efficient and cost-effective wind energy systems. The Plum Brook wind turbine was the first of a series of increasingly powerful NASA-ERDA wind turbines built around the nation. From left to right: Congressional Committee aide John Dugan, retired S. Morgan Smith Company chief engineer Carl Wilcox, windmill pioneer Beauchamp Smith, NASA Administrator James Fletcher, Seamans, and Lewis Center Director Bruce Lundin. The three men to the right are unidentified.

The National Anthem is sung by Suzy Cunningham, NASA Strategy and Integration manager, during a Veterans Day observance ceremony held in the Kennedy Space Center’s Training Auditorium in Florida on Nov. 7, 2019. During the event, Kennedy was named a Purple Heart Entity by the Military Order of the Purple Heart, becoming the first NASA center to receive this designation for support and services provided to veterans through the spaceport’s Veterans employee resource group. Attendees included Kennedy employees and more than 20 Purple Heart recipients. Following the award presentation, Christopher Vedvick, a combat wounded veteran and Military Order of the Purple Heart department of Florida commander, spoke about his experience serving in the United States Army before retiring, his involvement in the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the purpose of the organization.

Mark Kelly, at left, is inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame (AHOF) by NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, at the podium, during a ceremony inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on May 6, 2023. Also inducted in the AHOF Class of 2023 was retired astronaut Roy D. Bridges Jr. Inductees into the Hall of Fame are selected by a committee of Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, flight directors, historians and journalists. The process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. To be eligible, an astronaut must have made his or her first flight at least 17 years before the induction. Candidates must be a U.S. citizen and a NASA-trained commander, pilot, or mission specialist who has orbited the earth at least once. Including Bridges and Kelly, 107 astronauts have been inducted into the AHOF.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Representatives from NASA, Lockheed Martin, Space Florida and the state of Florida participate in a ceremony at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to mark the completion of renovations on the historic Operations and Checkout Building high bay for use by the Constellation Program. At center, U.S. Rep. Suzanne Kosmas and Lt. Governor Jeff Kottcamp listen to Richard Harris, with Lockheed Martin, describe some of the hardware that will be used in the building. Originally built to process space vehicles in the Apollo era, the building will serve as the final assembly facility for the Orion crew exploration vehicle. Orion, America's future human spaceflight vehicle, will be capable of transporting four crew members to the moon and later will support crew transfers to Mars. The Orion spacecraft also will be used to transport crew members to the International Space Station after space shuttles are retired in 2010. The first operational launch of Orion atop an Ares I rocket is planned for 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

Roy D. Bridges Jr. speaks to guests after he is inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame (AHOF) during a ceremony inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on May 6, 2023. Also inducted into the AHOF Class of 2023 was retired astronaut Mark Kelly. Inductees into the Hall of Fame are selected by a committee of Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, flight directors, historians and journalists. The process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. To be eligible, an astronaut must have made his or her first flight at least 17 years before the induction. Candidates must be a U.S. citizen and a NASA-trained commander, pilot, or mission specialist who has orbited the earth at least once. Including Bridges and Kelly, 107 astronauts have been inducted into the AHOF.

The National Anthem is sung by Suzy Cunningham, NASA Strategy and Integration manager, during a Veterans Day observance ceremony held in the Kennedy Space Center’s Training Auditorium in Florida on Nov. 7, 2019. During the event, Kennedy was named a Purple Heart Entity by the Military Order of the Purple Heart, becoming the first NASA center to receive this designation for support and services provided to veterans through the spaceport’s Veterans employee resource group. Attendees included Kennedy employees and more than 20 Purple Heart recipients. Following the award presentation, Christopher Vedvick, a combat wounded veteran and Military Order of the Purple Heart department of Florida commander, spoke about his experience serving in the United States Army before retiring, his involvement in the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the purpose of the organization.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kelvin Manning, associate director for Business Operations at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, contributes stitches to the "National 9/11 Flag" during a ceremony in the Debus Conference Facility at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The contributions of NASA, Kennedy Space Center and the state of Florida were stitched into the fabric of the American Flag, which was recovered near ground zero following the World Trade Center attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The "New York Says Thank You Foundation" is taking the flag on a cross-country journey to be restored to its original 13-stripe design using pieces of fabric from American flags destined for retirement in all 50 states. Once the flag is restored, it will become a permanent collection of the National September 11 Memorial Museum being built at the World Trade Center site. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

The Navy Exchange Service Command presented NEX Stennis with the 2023 Bingham Award during an Aug. 26 ceremony at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. NEX Stennis, a gas station and minimart at NASA Stennis, is one of nine winners for the award recognizing excellence in customer service, operations, and management. NEX Stennis and the Naval Construction Battalion in Gulfport, Mississippi, topped sales category six by earning between $2.5 million and $4 million for the year. NASA Stennis Associate Director Rodney McKellip accepted the award on behalf of the center. Pictured (left to right) are Steve Dienes, NEX Stennis manager; McKellip; Robert Bianchi, rear admiral (retired) and chief executive officer of the Navy Exchange Service Command; and Katie Wilson, NEX Stennis general manager.

NASA's 9th Annual Robotic Mining Competition concludes with an awards ceremony May 18, 2018, at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The team from Kent State University received third place in the On-Site Mining Award. At left is retired NASA astronaut Jerry Ross. At right is Rob Mueller, lead mining judge. More than 40 student teams from colleges and universities around the U.S. participated in the competition, May 14-18, by using their mining robots to dig in a supersized sandbox filled with BP-1, or simulated lunar soil, gravel and rocks, and participate in other competition requirements. The Robotic Mining Competition is a NASA Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate project designed to encourage students in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM fields. The project provides a competitive environment to foster innovative ideas and solutions that could be used on NASA's deep space missions.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- More than a dozen 9/11 first responders take part in "The National 9/11 Flag" stitching ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The contributions of NASA, Kennedy Space Center and the state of Florida were stitched into the fabric of the American Flag, which was recovered near ground zero following the World Trade Center attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The "New York Says Thank You Foundation" is taking the flag on a cross-country journey to be restored to its original 13-stripe design using pieces of fabric from American flags destined for retirement in all 50 states. Once the flag is restored, it will become a permanent collection of the National September 11 Memorial Museum being built at the World Trade Center site. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Kelvin Manning, at right, presents the Chroniclers award to Robert E. Granath during a ceremony on May 1, 2023, recognizing retired members of the news and communications business who helped spread news of American space exploration from Kennedy for 10 years or more. At left is Granath’s wife, June. Granath was honored along with Mark Kramer and Red Huber with a plaque on the “Chroniclers” wall at Kennedy’s NASA News Center in Florida. The honorees were nominated by other members of the news media and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters. They join the list of 79 other Kennedy Chroniclers whose names hang proudly on the wall in the “Bull Pen,” the NASA News Center room where media traditionally gather to research and file their stories during launches.

Roy D. Bridges Jr. is inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame (AHOF) during a ceremony inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on May 6, 2023. Also inducted into the AHOF Class of 2023 was retired astronaut Mark Kelly. Inductees into the Hall of Fame are selected by a committee of Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, flight directors, historians and journalists. The process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. To be eligible, an astronaut must have made his or her first flight at least 17 years before the induction. Candidates must be a U.S. citizen and a NASA-trained commander, pilot, or mission specialist who has orbited the earth at least once. Including Bridges and Kelly, 107 astronauts have been inducted into the AHOF.

Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Kelvin Manning, at right, presents the Chroniclers award to Red Huber during a ceremony on May 1, 2023, recognizing retired members of the news and communications business who helped spread news of American space exploration from Kennedy for 10 years or more. Kramer was honored along with Robert E. Granath and Mark Kramer with a plaque on the “Chroniclers” wall at Kennedy’s NASA News Center in Florida. The honorees were nominated by other members of the news media and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters. They join the list of 79 other Kennedy Chroniclers whose names hang proudly on the wall in the “Bull Pen,” the NASA News Center room where media traditionally gather to research and file their stories during launches.

Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Kelvin Manning, at right, presents the Chroniclers award to Mark Kramer during a ceremony on May 1, 2023, recognizing retired members of the news and communications business who helped spread news of American space exploration from Kennedy for 10 years or more. Kramer was honored along with Robert E. Granath and Red Huber with a plaque on the “Chroniclers” wall at Kennedy’s NASA News Center in Florida. The honorees were nominated by other members of the news media and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters. They join the list of 79 other Kennedy Chroniclers whose names hang proudly on the wall in the “Bull Pen,” the NASA News Center room where media traditionally gather to research and file their stories during launches.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Representatives from NASA, Lockheed Martin, Space Florida and the state of Florida participate in a ceremony at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to mark the completion of renovations on the historic Operations and Checkout Building high bay for use by the Constellation Program. At right, Richard Harris, with Lockheed Martin, describes activities that will take place in the building. Originally built to process space vehicles in the Apollo era, the building will serve as the final assembly facility for the Orion crew exploration vehicle. Orion, America's future human spaceflight vehicle, will be capable of transporting four crew members to the moon and later will support crew transfers to Mars. The Orion spacecraft also will be used to transport crew members to the International Space Station after space shuttles are retired in 2010. The first operational launch of Orion atop an Ares I rocket is planned for 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Atlantis arrives at its new home, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Atlantis completed its 10-mile journey from Kennedy's Vehicle Assembly Building with stops during the day for a transfer ceremony in Kennedy's Industrial Area and public viewing in Space Florida's Exploration Park. As part of transition and retirement of the Space Shuttle Program, Atlantis will be displayed in a new exhibit hall at the visitor complex beginning in the summer of 2013. Over the course of its 26-year career, Atlantis traveled 125,935,769 miles, completing 33 missions during 307 days in space. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Employees and guests are seated in the Operations and Checkout (O&C) Building high bay for the ceremony commemorating the bay's transition for use by the Constellation Program. Originally built to process space vehicles in the Apollo era, the O&C Building will serve as the final assembly facility for the Orion crew exploration vehicle. Orion, America's human spaceflight vehicle of the future, will be capable of transporting four crewmembers for lunar missions and later will support crew transfers for Mars missions. Each Orion spacecraft also may be used to support up to six crewmembers to the International Space Station after the space shuttle is retired in 2010. Design, development and construction of Orion's components will be performed by Lockheed Martin for NASA at facilities throughout the country. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Representatives from NASA, Lockheed Martin, Space Florida and the state of Florida participate in a ceremony at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to mark the completion of renovations on the historic Operations and Checkout Building high bay for use by the Constellation Program. At left, Richard Harris, with Lockheed Martin, describes activities that will take place in the building. Originally built to process space vehicles in the Apollo era, the building will serve as the final assembly facility for the Orion crew exploration vehicle. Orion, America's future human spaceflight vehicle, will be capable of transporting four crew members to the moon and later will support crew transfers to Mars. The Orion spacecraft also will be used to transport crew members to the International Space Station after space shuttles are retired in 2010. The first operational launch of Orion atop an Ares I rocket is planned for 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Members of the Brevard Police and Fire Pipes and Drums kick off the "The National 9/11 Flag" stitching ceremony in the Debus Conference Facility at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The contributions of NASA, Kennedy Space Center and the state of Florida were stitched into the fabric of the American Flag, which was recovered near ground zero following the World Trade Center attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The "New York Says Thank You Foundation" is taking the flag on a cross-country journey to be restored to its original 13-stripe design using pieces of fabric from American flags destined for retirement in all 50 states. Once the flag is restored, it will become a permanent collection of the National September 11 Memorial Museum being built at the World Trade Center site. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, left, speaks with Professor Sam Ting, Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 principal investigator at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana and STS-1 Pilot and former Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Crippen. In a ceremony held in front of Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA Administrator Charles Bolden announced the facilities where four shuttle orbiters will be displayed permanently at the conclusion of the Space Shuttle Program. Shuttle Enterprise, the first orbiter built, will move from the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York. The Udvar-Hazy Center will become the new home for shuttle Discovery, which retired after completing its 39th mission in March. Shuttle Endeavour, which is preparing for its final flight at the end of the month, will go to the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Atlantis, which will fly the last planned shuttle mission in June, will be displayed at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Later, employees, their families and friends, will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the first shuttle launch at the visitor complex. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Deputy Fire Chief Rick Anderson, left, Chief of Fire Training George Hoggard, and Assistant Chief of Fire Training David Seymour with NASA Kennedy Space Center Protective Services participated in the "National 9/11 Flag" stitching ceremony in the Debus Conference Facility at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The contributions of NASA, Kennedy Space Center and the state of Florida were stitched into the fabric of the American Flag, which was recovered near ground zero following the World Trade Center attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The "New York Says Thank You Foundation" is taking the flag on a cross-country journey to be restored to its original 13-stripe design using pieces of fabric from American flags destined for retirement in all 50 states. Once the flag is restored, it will become a permanent collection of the National September 11 Memorial Museum being built at the World Trade Center site. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

NASA's 9th Annual Robotic Mining Competition concludes with an awards ceremony May 18, 2018, at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The team from Iowa State University received second place in the Outreach Project category. At left is retired NASA astronaut Jerry Ross. At right is Bethanne Hull, NASA Education specialist and lead Outreach Project judge. More than 40 student teams from colleges and universities around the U.S. participated in the competition, May 14-18, by using their mining robots to dig in a supersized sandbox filled with BP-1, or simulated lunar soil, gravel and rocks, and participate in other competition requirements. The Robotic Mining Competition is a NASA Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate project designed to encourage students in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM fields. The project provides a competitive environment to foster innovative ideas and solutions that could be used on NASA's deep space missions.