The Apollo 1 tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017. Astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White II and Chaffee perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. The tribute highlights the lives and careers of the astronauts. The tribute features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. The tribute also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

A Tribute to MESSENGER: Video

Lowell Grissom, brother of Gus Grissom, and Carly Sparks, granddaughter of Grissom, look at areas of the newly opened Apollo 1 tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017. Astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White II and Chaffee perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. The tribute highlights the lives and careers of the astronauts. The tribute features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. The tribute also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

Former astronaut Bob Cabana, director of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, speaks during the opening of the tribute exhibition to the Apollo 1 astronauts who perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. The tribute highlights the lives and careers of astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White II and Roger Chaffee who were lost during the fire. The tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017, 50 years after the crew of three was lost. It features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. The tribute also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

Martha Chaffee and Sheryl Chaffee, widow and daughter of astronaut Roger Chaffee, respectively, look at areas of the newly opened Apollo 1 tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017. Astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White II and Chaffee perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. The tribute highlights the lives and careers of the astronauts. The tribute features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. The tribute also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

Guests observe the gateway of the newly opened Apollo 1 tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017. Astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White II and Chaffee perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. The tribute highlights the lives and careers of the astronauts. The tribute features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. The tribute also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

Former astronaut Bob Cabana, director of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, speaks during the opening of the tribute exhibition to the Apollo 1 astronauts who perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. The tribute highlights the lives and careers of astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White II and Roger Chaffee who were lost during the fire. The tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017, 50 years after the crew of three was lost. It features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. The tribute also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

Former Gemini and Apollo astronaut Tom Stafford speaks during the opening of the tribute exhibition to the Apollo 1 astronauts who perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. The tribute highlights the lives and careers of astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White II and Roger Chaffee who were lost during the fire. The tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017, 50 years after the crew of three was lost. It features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. The tribute also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

Guests observe areas of the newly opened Apollo 1 tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017. Astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White II and Chaffee perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. The tribute highlights the lives and careers of the astronauts. The tribute features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. The tribute also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

Former Gemini and Apollo astronaut Tom Stafford speaks during the opening of the tribute exhibition to the Apollo 1 astronauts who perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. The tribute highlights the lives and careers of astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White II and Roger Chaffee who were lost during the fire. The tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017, 50 years after the crew of three was lost. It features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. The tribute also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

Therrin Protze, Chief Operating Officer, Delaware North Corporation Parks & Resorts at KSC, Inc., speaks during the opening of the tribute exhibition to the Apollo 1 astronauts who perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. The tribute highlights the lives and careers of astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White II and Roger Chaffee who were lost during the fire. The tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017, 50 years after the crew of three was lost. It features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. The tribute also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

Lowell Grissom, brother of Gus Grissom, observes areas of the newly opened Apollo 1 tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017. Astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White II and Chaffee perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. The tribute highlights the lives and careers of the astronauts. The tribute features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. The tribute also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

A badge board and badges from launch support staff at Launch Complex 34 is observed inside the Apollo 1 tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center as it opened Jan. 27, 2017. Astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White II and Chaffee perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. The tribute highlights the lives and careers of the astronauts. The tribute features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. The tribute also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

Former Gemini and Apollo astronaut Tom Stafford speaks during the opening of the tribute exhibition to the Apollo 1 astronauts who perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. The tribute highlights the lives and careers of astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White II and Roger Chaffee who were lost during the fire. The tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017, 50 years after the crew of three was lost. It features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. The tribute also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

The crew access arm that astronauts walked across to reach the Apollo spacecraft for missions to the moon serves as the exit for the new tribute to the crew of Apollo 1 who perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. The tribute highlights the lives and careers of astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White II and Roger Chaffee who were lost during the fire. The tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017, 50 years after the crew of three was lost. It features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. The tribute also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

The new tribute to the crew of Apollo 1 who perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission is shown looking down the length of the area. The tribute highlights the lives and careers of astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White II and Roger Chaffee who were lost during the fire. The tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017, 50 years after the crew of three was lost. It features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. The tribute also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

The new tribute to the crew of Apollo 1 who perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission is shown looking down the length of the area. The tribute highlights the lives and careers of astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White II and Roger Chaffee who were lost during the fire. The tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017, 50 years after the crew of three was lost. It features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. The tribute also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

An Apollo spacecraft mockup marks the capstone of the new tribute to the crew of Apollo 1 who perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. The tribute highlights the lives and careers of astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White II and Roger Chaffee who were lost during the fire. The tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017, 50 years after the crew of three was lost. It features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. The tribute also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

The three-part hatch that was in place on the Apollo 1 spacecraft is shown in a tribute to the crew of Apollo 1 who perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. This is the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. The tribute highlights the lives and careers of astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White II and Roger Chaffee who were lost during the fire. The tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017, 50 years after the crew of three was lost. It features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

A gateway featuring the Apollo 1 mission logo over the moon is shown inside the new tribute to the crew of Apollo 1 who perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. Astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White II and Roger Chaffee were lost during the fire. The tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017, 50 years after the crew of three was lost. It features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. The tribute also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

A redesigned hatch for an Apollo spacecraft is shown inside the new tribute to the crew of Apollo 1 who perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. Astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White II and Roger Chaffee were lost during the fire. The tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017, 50 years after the crew of three was lost. It features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. The tribute also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. The version of the hatch after it was redesigned was also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

A display case dedicated to astronaut Gus Grissom is shown inside the new tribute to the crew of Apollo 1 who perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. Grissom, Ed White II and Roger Chaffee were lost during the fire. The tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017, 50 years after the crew of three was lost. It features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. It also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

A display case dedicated to astronaut Roger Chaffee is shown inside the new tribute to the crew of Apollo 1 who perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. Gus Grissom, Ed White II and Chaffee were lost during the fire. The tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017, 50 years after the crew of three was lost. It features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. It also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

A display case dedicated to astronaut Ed White II is shown inside the new tribute to the crew of Apollo 1 who perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. Gus Grissom, White and Roger Chaffee were lost during the fire. The tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017, 50 years after the crew of three was lost. It features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. It also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

A display screen showing the memorial plaque that is in place at Launch Complex 34 is shown inside the new tribute to the crew of Apollo 1 who perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. Astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White II and Roger Chaffee were lost during the fire. The tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017, 50 years after the crew of three was lost. It features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. It also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

A display case dedicated to astronaut Gus Grissom is shown inside the new tribute to the crew of Apollo 1 who perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. Grissom, Ed White II and Roger Chaffee were lost during the fire. The tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017, 50 years after the crew of three was lost. It features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. It also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

A display case dedicated to astronaut Roger Chaffee is shown inside the new tribute to the crew of Apollo 1 who perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. Gus Grissom, Ed White II and Chaffee were lost during the fire. The tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017, 50 years after the crew of three was lost. It features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. It also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

A display case dedicated to astronaut Ed White II is shown inside the new tribute to the crew of Apollo 1 who perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. Gus Grissom, White and Roger Chaffee were lost during the fire. The tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017, 50 years after the crew of three was lost. It features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. It also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

Damian Kulash of OK Go performs "All Is Not Lost" during the National Tribute to Sally Ride at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Miles O'Brien of PBS serves as master of ceremonies during a National Tribute to Sally Ride at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Singer Patti Austin performs Tena Clark's "Way Up There" during the National Tribute to Sally Ride at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Co-Founder of Sally Ride Science Karen Flammer talks about educational outreach programs for NASA, ISS EarthKAM, and Grail MoonKAM during the National Tribute to Sally Ride at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Tennis legend and champion for change Billie Jean King talks of inspiration role models during the National Tribute to Sally Ride at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Journalist and former First Lady of California Maria Shriver reads the poem "The Summer Day" by Mary Oliver during the National Tribute to Sally Ride at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., shares how astronaut Sally Ride changed STEM education and policy during the National Tribute to Sally Ride at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Tennis legend and champion for change Billie Jean King talks of inspiration role models during the National Tribute to Sally Ride at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Singer Patti Austin performs Tena Clark's "Way Up There" during the National Tribute to Sally Ride at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Journalist and former First Lady of California Maria Shriver talks prior to reading the poem "The Summer Day" by Mary Oliver during the National Tribute to Sally Ride at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., shares how astronaut Sally Ride changed STEM education and policy during the National Tribute to Sally Ride at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., left, talks with Tam O'Shaughnessy, Sally Ride's life partner and chair, board of directors of Sally Ride Science, prior to the National Tribute to Sally Ride at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

The Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras performs "Clair du Lune" with Guest Conductor Emil de Cou during the National Tribute to Sally Ride at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden announces during a National Tribute to Sally Ride that NASA is recognizing Ride, first American woman in space, by renaming a camera aboard the International Space Station the Sally Ride EarthKAM and that President Obama will award a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom to Dr. Sally Ride at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA's Associate Administrator for Education and former astronaut Leland Melvin and former astronaut and space shuttle commander Pam Melroy, speak about Sally Ride's impact on the astronaut corps, the space program and beyond during a National Tribute to Sally Ride at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden announces during a National Tribute to Sally Ride that NASA is recognizing Ride, first American woman in space, by renaming a camera aboard the International Space Station the Sally Ride EarthKAM and that President Obama will award a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom to Dr. Sally Ride at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Craig Barrett, retired CEO and Chairman of Intel, speaks of Sally Ride's impact on support for STEM education in corporate America as Alice Zhao, Harvard University student looks on during the National Tribute to Sally Ride at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., left, talks with NASA Johnson Space Center Director and former Astronaut Ellen Ochoa as other astronauts look on prior to the National Tribute to Sally Ride at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Student dancers from the North Carolina School of the Arts dance "Jordan" from Sweet Fields, Choreographed by Twayle Tharp, as the Centerville High School Chorus sings during the National Tribute to Sally Ride at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

From left, astronauts Pam Melroy; Kay Hire; Cady Coleman; Kathy Sullivan; Tam O'Shaughnessy, Sally Ride's life partner and chair, board of directors of Sally Ride Science; astronauts Bonnie Dunbar; Sandy Magnus; Julie Payette; and Ellen Ochoa, pose for a photograph before a National Tribute to Sally Ride at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The space shuttle wall tribute in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida was signed by employees who have supported the Space Shuttle Program throughout the last 30 years. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

This close-up view of a plate on NASA's Perseverance rover commemorating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and paying tribute to the perseverance of health care workers around the world was acquired on June 28, 2025 (the 1,548th day, or sol, of its mission to Mars). Located on the left side of the rover chassis, the 3-by-5-inch (8-by-13-centimeter) aluminum plaque was attached in May 2020 during final assembly at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA26641

AUGUST 31, 2012 TRIBUTE TO APOLLO ASTRONAUT NEIL ARMSTRONG AT THE USSRC. A LARGE GROUP GATHERED NEAR THE LIFE-SIZE MODEL OF THE SATURN V ROCKET AND RELEASED RED, WHITE AND BLUE BALLOONS TO CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF NEIL ARMSTRONG. IN HONOR OF ARMSTRONG, FLAGS FLEW AT HALF-MAST ACROSS AMERICA ON AUGUST 31.1200934

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This orbiter tribute of space shuttle Discovery, or OV-103, hangs in Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In 2011, the tribute was updated to reflect the crew member change on Discovery's final mission -- STS-133. Steve Bowen replaced Tim Kopra as a mission specialist on STS-133, after Kopra was injured in a bicycle accident that prevented him from flying into space. Discovery’s accomplishments include the first female shuttle pilot, Eileen Collins, on STS-63, John Glenn’s legendary return to space on STS-95, and the celebration of the 100th shuttle mission with STS-92. In addition, Discovery supported a number of Department of Defense programs, satellite deploy and repair missions and 13 International Space Station construction and operation flights. The tribute features Discovery demonstrating the rendezvous pitch maneuver on approach to the International Space Station during STS-114. Having accumulated the most space shuttle flights, Discovery’s 39 mission patches are shown circling the spacecraft. The background image was taken from the Hubble Space Telescope, which launched aboard Discovery on STS-31 and serviced by Discovery on STS-82 and STS-103. The American Flag and Bald Eagle represent Discovery’s two Return-to-Flight missions -- STS-26 and STS-114 -- and symbolize Discovery’s role in returning American astronauts to space. Five orbiter tributes are on display in the firing room, representing Atlantis, Challenger, Columbia, Endeavour and Discovery. Graphic design credit: NASA/Amy Lombardo. NASA publication number: SP-2010-08-164-KSC

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This is a version of space shuttle Discovery's orbiter tribute, or OV-103, which hangs in Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In 2011, the tribute was updated to reflect the crew member change on Discovery's final mission -- STS-133. Steve Bowen replaced Tim Kopra as a mission specialist on STS-133, after Kopra was injured in a bicycle accident that prevented him from flying into space. Discovery’s accomplishments include the first female shuttle pilot, Eileen Collins, on STS-63, John Glenn’s legendary return to space on STS-95, and the celebration of the 100th shuttle mission with STS-92. In addition, Discovery supported a number of Department of Defense programs, satellite deploy and repair missions and 13 International Space Station construction and operation flights. The tribute features Discovery demonstrating the rendezvous pitch maneuver on approach to the International Space Station during STS-114. Having accumulated the most space shuttle flights, Discovery’s 39 mission patches are shown circling the spacecraft. The background image was taken from the Hubble Space Telescope, which launched aboard Discovery on STS-31 and serviced by Discovery on STS-82 and STS-103. The American Flag and Bald Eagle represent Discovery’s two Return-to-Flight missions -- STS-26 and STS-114 -- and symbolize Discovery’s role in returning American astronauts to space. Five orbiter tributes are on display in the firing room, representing Atlantis, Challenger, Columbia, Endeavour and Discovery. Graphic design credit: NASA/Amy Lombardo. NASA publication number: SP-2010-08-164-KSC

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This is a printable version of space shuttle Discovery's orbiter tribute, or OV-103, which hangs in Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In 2011, the tribute was updated to reflect the crew member change on Discovery's final mission -- STS-133. Steve Bowen replaced Tim Kopra as a mission specialist on STS-133, after Kopra was injured in a bicycle accident that prevented him from flying into space. Discovery’s accomplishments include the first female shuttle pilot, Eileen Collins, on STS-63, John Glenn’s legendary return to space on STS-95, and the celebration of the 100th shuttle mission with STS-92. In addition, Discovery supported a number of Department of Defense programs, satellite deploy and repair missions and 13 International Space Station construction and operation flights. The tribute features Discovery demonstrating the rendezvous pitch maneuver on approach to the International Space Station during STS-114. Having accumulated the most space shuttle flights, Discovery’s 39 mission patches are shown circling the spacecraft. The background image was taken from the Hubble Space Telescope, which launched aboard Discovery on STS-31 and serviced by Discovery on STS-82 and STS-103. The American Flag and Bald Eagle represent Discovery’s two Return-to-Flight missions -- STS-26 and STS-114 -- and symbolize Discovery’s role in returning American astronauts to space. Five orbiter tributes are on display in the firing room, representing Atlantis, Challenger, Columbia, Endeavour and Discovery. Graphic design credit: NASA/Amy Lombardo. NASA publication number: SP-2010-08-164-KSC

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This is a version of space shuttle Atlantis' orbiter tribute, or OV-104, which hangs in Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In 2011, the tribute was updated to reflect the addition of one more Atlantis flight -- STS-135 -- which will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. In the lower-left corner, it features Atlantis soaring above Earth and threaded through the design are the mission patches for each of Atlantis’ flights. Atlantis' accomplishments include seven missions to the Russian space station Mir and several assembly, construction and resupply missions to the International Space Station. Atlantis also flew the last Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission on STS-125. In the tribute, the planet Venus represents the Magellan probe being deployed during STS-30, and Jupiter represents the Galileo probe being deployed during STS-34. The inset photos illustrate various aspects of shuttle processing as well as significant achievements, such as the glass cockpit and the first shuttle docking with Mir during STS-71. The inset photo in the upper-left corner shows a rainbow over Atlantis on Launch Pad 39A and shuttle Endeavour on Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy. Endeavour was the assigned vehicle had Atlantis’ STS-125 mission needed rescue, and this was the last time both launch pads were occupied at the same time. The stars in the background represent the many people who have worked with Atlantis and their contributions to the vehicle’s success. Graphic design credit: NASA/Amy Lombardo. NASA publication number: SP-2010-08-161-KSC

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This orbiter tribute of space shuttle Atlantis, or OV-104, hangs in Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In 2011, the tribute was updated to reflect the addition of one more Atlantis flight -- STS-135 -- which will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. In the lower-left corner, it features Atlantis soaring above Earth and threaded through the design are the mission patches for each of Atlantis’ flights. Atlantis' accomplishments include seven missions to the Russian space station Mir and several assembly, construction and resupply missions to the International Space Station. Atlantis also flew the last Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission on STS-125. In the tribute, the planet Venus represents the Magellan probe being deployed during STS-30, and Jupiter represents the Galileo probe being deployed during STS-34. The inset photos illustrate various aspects of shuttle processing as well as significant achievements, such as the glass cockpit and the first shuttle docking with Mir during STS-71. The inset photo in the upper-left corner shows a rainbow over Atlantis on Launch Pad 39A and shuttle Endeavour on Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy. Endeavour was the assigned vehicle had Atlantis’ STS-125 mission needed rescue, and this was the last time both launch pads were occupied at the same time. The stars in the background represent the many people who have worked with Atlantis and their contributions to the vehicle’s success. Graphic design credit: NASA/Amy Lombardo. NASA publication number: SP-2010-08-161-KSC

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This is a printable version of space shuttle Atlantis' orbiter tribute, or OV-104, which hangs in Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In 2011, the tribute was updated to reflect the addition of one more flight -- STS-135 -- which will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. In the lower-left corner, it features Atlantis soaring above Earth and threaded through the design are the mission patches for each of Atlantis’ flights. Atlantis' accomplishments include seven missions to the Russian space station Mir and several assembly, construction and resupply missions to the International Space Station. Atlantis also flew the last Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission on STS-125. In the tribute, the planet Venus represents the Magellan probe being deployed during STS-30, and Jupiter represents the Galileo probe being deployed during STS-34. The inset photos illustrate various aspects of shuttle processing as well as significant achievements, such as the glass cockpit and the first shuttle docking with Mir during STS-71. The inset photo in the upper-left corner shows a rainbow over Atlantis on Launch Pad 39A and shuttle Endeavour on Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy. Endeavour was the assigned vehicle had Atlantis’ STS-125 mission needed rescue, and this was the last time both launch pads were occupied at the same time. The stars in the background represent the many people who have worked with Atlantis and their contributions to the vehicle’s success. Graphic design credit: NASA/Amy Lombardo. NASA publication number: SP-2010-08-161-KSC

The Viera High School Army JROTC Color Guard presented the colors during an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory 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.

Former Florida State Sen. Tony Hill speaks during an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence. Looking on is State Rep. Thad Altman, president of the AMF. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory 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.

During an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence, his sister, Barbara Lawrence, Ph.D., speaks to guests during the ceremony. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory 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.

During an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence, his sister, Barbara Lawrence, Ph.D., places a flower at the Space Mirror Memorial which honors those lost in efforts to explore space. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory 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 visitor complex.

During an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence, photographs are projected during a video presentation. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory 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.

State Rep. Thad Altman, president of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation (AMF), speaks during a tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory 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.

Following an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence, guests gathered at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kenendy Space Center Visitor Compelx. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory 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.

Former NASA administrator Charlie Bolden speaks during an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory 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.

Following an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence, guests listen to speakers at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kenendy Space Center Visitor Compelx. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory 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.

Bob Crippen, former Kennedy center director and NASA astronaut, speaks to guests during an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence. Like Crippen, Lawrence was selected in the 1960s for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory Program. As such, 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.

Former NASA astronaut Eileen Collins, who now is chair of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, speaks during a tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory 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.

Antonio "Tony" Knox, grand basileus of the Omega Psi Phi, speaks during an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence who was a member of the fraternity. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory 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.

Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana speaks during an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory 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.

During an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence, his sister, Barbara Lawrence, Ph.D., far right, places a flower at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory 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.

During an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence, guests walk to the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center's Visitor Complex. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory 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 visitor complex.

Following an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence, a wreath was place at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kenendy Space Center Visitor Compelx. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory 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.

During an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence, physicist Herman White, Ph.D., of the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, speaks to guests during the ceremony. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory 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.

Following an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence, Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, right, speaks with Lawrence's sister, Barbara Lawrence, Ph.D. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory 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.

During an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence, photographs are projected during a video presentation. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory 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.

Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, left, and Astronauts Memorial Foundation board chair Eileen Collins, acknowledge guests during a tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence. Both Cabana and Collins are former NASA astronauts. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory 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.

Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana speaks during an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory 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.

During an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence, vocalist Marva King sings with the Winston Scott “Cosmic Jazz Ensemble.” Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory 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.

During an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence, his sister, Barbara Lawrence, Ph.D., speaks to guests during the ceremony. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory 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.

Following an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence, guests place flowers at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory 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.

During an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence, The Winston Scott “Cosmic Jazz Ensemble” performed. Participants are, from the left, former NASA astronaut Winston Scott playing trumpet, Al Dodds on bass, Stan Soloko playing drums, vocalist Shyrl “Lady Tandy” Johnson, and Ron Teixeira playing piano. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory 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.

Antonio "Tony" Knox, grand basileus of the Omega Psi Phi farternity, makes a presentation to the Astronauts Memorial Foundation (AMF) with State Rep. Thad Altman, AMF president, accepting on behalf of the organization. The presentation took palce during an AMF tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Lawrence who was a member of the fraternity. Selected in 1967 for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory 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.

During an Astronauts Memorial Foundation tribute honoring U.S. Air Foce Maj. Robert Lawrence, a wreath is placed at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kenendy Space Center Visitor Compelx. Participating are, from thje left, Al Crews, Lawrence's sister, Barbara Lawrence, Ph.D., James Abrahamson, Lawrence's sister-in-law Lorne Cress Love, and Bob Crippen. Crews, Abrahamson and Crippen all were selected as astronauts for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL) Program. Selected in 1967 for MOL, 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.

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.

AUGUST 31, 2012 TRIBUTE TO APOLLO ASTRONAUT NEIL ARMSTRONG AT THE USSRC. L TO R: JONATHAN PETTUS, MSFC ACTING ASSOCIATE ADMINISTRATOR; FORMER ASTRONAUT OWEN GARRIOTT; FORMER ASTRONAUT JAN DAVIS AND FORMER ASTRONAUT FRED LESLIE.1200933F

In this perspective view, NASA MESSENGER spacecraft looked northwest over the Caloris Basin, a depression about 1500 km in diameter formed several billion years ago by the impact of a large projectile into the surface of Mercury. The mountain range at the edge of the basin can be seen as an arc in the background. In the foreground, we see a set of tectonic troughs, known as Pantheon Fossae, radiating from the center of the basin outward toward the edge of the basin interior. A 41-km-diameter impact crater, Apollodorus, is superposed just slightly off from the center of Pantheon Fossae. White and red are high topography, and greens and blues are low topography, with a total height differences of roughly 4 km. The MESSENGER spacecraft was launched in 2004 and ended it's orbital operations yesterday, April 30, 2015, by impacting Mercury's surface. Background image texture is provided by the Mercury Dual Imaging System (MDIS) instrument while color corresponds to surface elevation data obtained from the Mercury Laser Altimeter (MLA) experiment, with both draped over a digital elevation model derived from MLA altimetric data. Instrument: Mercury Dual Imaging System (MDIS) and Mercury Laser Altimeter (MLA) Approximate Center Latitude: 33.7° N Approximate Center Longitude: 158.7° E Scale: Apollodorus crater is approximately 41 km (25 miles) in diameter http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA19450

NASA's modified DC-8 now carries the name of the late Edwin W. Lewis below its cockpit window, a tribute to his 18 years piloting the unique science laboratory.

This view taken from orbit shows a cluster of small, steep-sided knobs called Murray Buttes, in tribute to Bruce Murray 1931-2013, an influential advocate for planetary exploration.

This scene shows the Murray Ridge portion of the western rim of Endeavour Crater on Mars as seen by NASA rover Opportunity; this feature is called Murray Ridge in tribute to Bruce Murray 1931-2013, an influential advocate for planetary exploration.

A portion of the west rim of Endeavour crater sweeps southward in this color view from NASA Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity. The rover first destination on the rim, called Spirit Point in tribute to Opportunity now-inactive twin, Spirit.

ORBITER TRIBUTES - FIRING ROOM 4

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A tribute to the fallen crew of the Columbia tragedy rests below the Astronaut Memorial Space Mirror at the KSC Visitor Complex. The crew were lost in an explosion Feb. 1, 2003, as they were returning to Earth from mission STS-107. The tribute links to the loss of Challenger and her crew in 1986. The Space Mirror is a national tribute to 17 American astronauts who previously gave their lives to the quest to explore space.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A new 9/11 memorial was dedicated in front of Fire Station 1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Kennedy Fire and Rescue Services commemorated the 11th anniversary of 9/11 with a ceremony that included a minute of silence at 10:28 a.m., which was the moment of collapse of the north tower of the World Trade Center. Kennedy center-wide emergency units dispatched by Fire Control engaged in one-minute sirens, the new memorial was dedicated and the Honor Guard performed a flag-folding ceremony. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Fire Station 1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Fire and Rescue personnel pause for a moment of silence during the 9/11 memorial dedication ceremony. Kennedy Fire and Rescue Services commemorated the 11th anniversary of 9/11 with a ceremony that included a minute of silence at 10:28 a.m., which was the moment of collapse of the north tower of the World Trade Center. Kennedy center-wide emergency units dispatched by Fire Control engaged in one-minute sirens, the new memorial was dedicated and the Honor Guard performed a flag-folding ceremony. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Fire Station 1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Fire and Rescue personnel stand at attention as Kennedy Director Robert Cabana, at right, participates in a 9/11 memorial dedication at Fire Station 1. Kennedy Fire and Rescue Services commemorated the 11th anniversary of 9/11 with a ceremony that included a minute of silence at 10:28 a.m., which was the moment of collapse of the north tower of the World Trade Center. Kennedy center-wide emergency units dispatched by Fire Control engaged in one-minute sirens, the new memorial was dedicated and the Honor Guard performed a flag-folding ceremony. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Fire Station 1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a horseless carriage in memory of firefighters lost on 9/11 is on display during the 9/11 memorial dedication ceremony. Kennedy Fire and Rescue Services commemorated the 11th anniversary of 9/11 with a ceremony that included a minute of silence at 10:28 a.m., which was the moment of collapse of the north tower of the World Trade Center. Kennedy center-wide emergency units dispatched by Fire Control engaged in one-minute sirens, the new memorial was dedicated and the Honor Guard performed a flag-folding ceremony. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Fire Station 1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Fire and Rescue personnel salute or stand at attention during a flag folding ceremony at the 9/11 memorial dedication ceremony. Kennedy Fire and Rescue Services commemorated the 11th anniversary of 9/11 with a ceremony that included a minute of silence at 10:28 a.m., which was the moment of collapse of the north tower of the World Trade Center. Kennedy center-wide emergency units dispatched by Fire Control engaged in one-minute sirens, the new memorial was dedicated and the Honor Guard performed a flag-folding ceremony. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Fire Station 1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Fire and Rescue personnel stand at attention as Kennedy Director Robert Cabana, at right, participates in a 9/11 memorial dedication at Fire Station 1. Kennedy Fire and Rescue Services commemorated the 11th anniversary of 9/11 with a ceremony that included a minute of silence at 10:28 a.m., which was the moment of collapse of the north tower of the World Trade Center. Kennedy center-wide emergency units dispatched by Fire Control engaged in one-minute sirens, the new memorial was dedicated and the Honor Guard performed a flag-folding ceremony. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Fire and Rescue personnel stand at attention during a 9/11 memorial dedication ceremony in front of Fire Station 1 at Kennedy in Florida. Kennedy Fire and Rescue Services commemorated the 11th anniversary of 9/11 with a ceremony that included a minute of silence at 10:28 a.m., which was the moment of collapse of the north tower of the World Trade Center. Kennedy center-wide emergency units dispatched by Fire Control engaged in one-minute sirens, the new memorial was dedicated and the Honor Guard performed a flag-folding ceremony. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis