CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- An American flag flies at half staff near the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida during Kennedy Space Center’s NASA Day of Remembrance. The Day of Remembrance honors members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery, including the astronaut crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia. Kennedy civil service and contractor employees, along with the general public, paid their respects throughout the day. The visitor complex provided flowers for visitors to place at the memorial. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A blue sky is reflected in the massive granite Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida where a large wreath was placed during Kennedy Space Center’s NASA Day of Remembrance. The Day of Remembrance honors members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery, including the astronaut crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia. Kennedy civil service and contractor employees, along with the general public, paid their respects throughout the day. The visitor complex provided flowers for visitors to place at the memorial. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A memorial to the crew of space shuttle Columbia’s STS-107 mission is forever preserved at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Kennedy Space Center Director Robert Cabana, Deputy Director Janet Petro, and United Space Alliance’s Vice President for Aerospace Services/Florida Site Director Mark Nappi placed a wreath at the Space Mirror Memorial during Kennedy’s NASA Day of Remembrance. The Day of Remembrance honors members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery, including the astronaut crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia. Kennedy civil service and contractor employees, along with the general public, paid their respects throughout the day. The visitor complex provided flowers for visitors to place at the memorial. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA Kennedy Space Center civil service and contractor workers, along with visitors gather at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida for Kennedy Space Center’s NASA Day of Remembrance. Kennedy Center Director Robert Cabana, Deputy Director Janet Petro, and United Space Alliance’s Vice President for Aerospace Services/Florida Site Director Mark Nappi placed a wreath at the memorial. The Day of Remembrance honors members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery, including the astronaut crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia. Kennedy civil service and contractor employees, along with the general public, paid their respects throughout the day. The visitor complex provided flowers for visitors to place at the memorial. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA Kennedy Space Center civil service and contractor workers, along with visitors gather at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida for Kennedy Space Center’s NASA Day of Remembrance. Kennedy Center Director Robert Cabana, Deputy Director Janet Petro, and United Space Alliance’s Vice President for Aerospace Services/Florida Site Director Mark Nappi placed a wreath at the memorial. The Day of Remembrance honors members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery, including the astronaut crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia. Kennedy civil service and contractor employees, along with the general public, paid their respects throughout the day. The visitor complex provided flowers for visitors to place at the memorial. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Visitors place roses at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida during Kennedy Space Center’s NASA Day of Remembrance. Kennedy Center Director Robert Cabana, Deputy Director Janet Petro, and United Space Alliance’s Vice President for Aerospace Services/Florida Site Director Mark Nappi placed a wreath at the memorial. The Day of Remembrance honors members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery, including the astronaut crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia. Kennedy civil service and contractor employees, along with the general public, paid their respects throughout the day. The visitor complex provided flowers for visitors to place at the memorial. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Roses decorate the fence surrounding the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida during Kennedy Space Center’s NASA Day of Remembrance. A large wreath was placed at the memorial by Kennedy Center Director Robert Cabana, Deputy Director Janet Petro, and United Space Alliance’s Vice President for Aerospace Services/Florida Site Director Mark Nappi. The Day of Remembrance honors members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery, including the astronaut crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia. Kennedy civil service and contractor employees, along with the general public, paid their respects throughout the day. The visitor complex provided flowers for visitors to place at the memorial. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center Director Robert Cabana, Deputy Director Janet Petro, and United Space Alliance’s Vice President for Aerospace Services/Florida Site Director Mark Nappi place a wreath at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida during Kennedy’s NASA Day of Remembrance. The Day of Remembrance honors members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery, including the astronaut crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia. Kennedy civil service and contractor employees, along with the general public, paid their respects throughout the day. The visitor complex provided flowers for visitors to place at the memorial. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The names of U.S. space explorers who have been lost are engraved on the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Kennedy Space Center Director Robert Cabana, Deputy Director Janet Petro, and United Space Alliance’s Vice President for Aerospace Services/Florida Site Director Mark Nappi placed a wreath at the memorial during Kennedy’s NASA Day of Remembrance. The Day of Remembrance honors members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery, including the astronaut crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia. Kennedy civil service and contractor employees, along with the general public, paid their respects throughout the day. The visitor complex provided flowers for visitors to place at the memorial. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida gleams in the morning sunlight during Kennedy’s NASA Day of Remembrance. A large wreath was placed at the memorial by Kennedy Center Director Robert Cabana, Deputy Director Janet Petro, and United Space Alliance’s Vice President for Aerospace Services/Florida Site Director Mark Nappi. The Day of Remembrance honors members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery, including the astronaut crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia. Kennedy civil service and contractor employees, along with the general public, paid their respects throughout the day. The visitor complex provided flowers for visitors to place at the memorial. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center Director Robert Cabana, at left, Deputy Director Janet Petro, and United Space Alliance’s Vice President for Aerospace Services/Florida Site Director Mark Nappi, place a wreath at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida during Kennedy’s NASA Day of Remembrance. The Day of Remembrance honors members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery, including the astronaut crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia. Kennedy civil service and contractor employees, along with the general public, paid their respects throughout the day. The visitor complex provided flowers for visitors to place at the memorial. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Janet Petro, at left, Kennedy Center Director Robert Cabana, and United Space Alliance’s Vice President for Aerospace Services/Florida Site Director Mark Nappi, place a wreath at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex during Kennedy’s NASA Day of Remembrance. The Day of Remembrance honors members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery, including the astronaut crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia. Kennedy civil service and contractor employees, along with the general public, paid their respects throughout the day. The visitor complex provided flowers for visitors to place at the memorial. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During Kennedy Space Center’s NASA Day of Remembrance at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, United Space Alliance’s Vice President for Aerospace Services/Florida Site Director Mark Nappi, at left, Kennedy Deputy Director Janet Petro, and Kennedy Center Director Robert Cabana prepare to place a wreath at the memorial. The Day of Remembrance honors members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery, including the astronaut crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia. Kennedy civil service and contractor employees, along with the general public, paid their respects throughout the day. The visitor complex provided flowers for visitors to place at the memorial. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

The audience looks on during the NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 30, 2020. 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 at the annual event.

A wreath is displayed during the NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 30, 2020. 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 at the annual event.

A wreath is displayed during the NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 30, 2020. 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 at the annual event.

Boatswain’s Mate First Class Ronald Stewart rings the bell during the NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 30, 2020. 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 at the annual event.

Members of the Palm Bay Magnet High School Marine Corps JROTC participate in the presentation of colors during the NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 30, 2020. 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 at the annual event.

Astronauts Memorial Foundation president and CEO Thad Altman addresses the audience during the NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 30, 2020. Behind Altman, from left to right, are Kelvin Manning, Kennedy associate director, technical; and Burt Summerfield, associate director, management. 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 at the annual event.

A flower and wreath are displayed during the NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 30, 2020. 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 at the annual event.

Attendees of NASA’s Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 30, 2020 insert flowers into the fence in front of the wall. 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 at the annual event.

Members of the Space Coast Voices sing the National Anthem during the NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 30, 2020. 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 at the annual event.

Attendees of NASA’s Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 30, 2020 insert flowers into the fence in front of the wall. 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 at the annual event.

Astronauts Memorial Foundation CEO Thad Altman addresses the audience during the NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 30, 2020. Behind Altman, from left to right, are Kelvin Manning, Kennedy associate director, technical; and Burt Summerfield, associate director, management. 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 at the annual event.

Members of the Palm Bay Magnet High School Marine Corps JROTC participate in the presentation of colors during the NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 30, 2020. 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 at the annual event.

The Space Mirror Memorial is in view before the start of the Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on Jan. 26, 2023. The event honored 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 marks the 20th anniversary of the Columbia tragedy. 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.

Members of the Viera High School JROTC Honor Guard present colors during the Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on Jan. 26, 2023. The event honored 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 marks the 20th anniversary of the Columbia tragedy. 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.

Kennedy Space Center workers and guests place flowers at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida during the Day of Remembrance on Jan. 26, 2023. The event honored 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 marks the 20th anniversary of the Columbia tragedy. 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.

Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro makes remarks during the Day of Remembrance on Jan. 26, 2023, at nearby Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The event honored 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 marks the 20th anniversary of the Columbia tragedy. 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.

A wreath has been placed in front of the Space Mirror Memorial during the Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on Jan. 26, 2023. The event honored 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 marks the 20th anniversary of the Columbia tragedy. 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.

Kennedy Space Center workers and guests placed flowers at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida during the Day of Remembrance on Jan. 26, 2023. The event honored 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 marks the 20th anniversary of the Columbia tragedy. 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.

Kennedy Space Center workers and guests observe a minute of silence during the Day of Remembrance at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on Jan. 26, 2023. The event honored 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 marks the 20th anniversary of the Columbia tragedy. 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.

Kennedy Space Center workers and guests attend the Day of Remembrance at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on Jan. 26, 2023. The event honored 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 marks the 20th anniversary of the Columbia tragedy. 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.

NASA Associate Administrator Bob Cabana, makes remarks during the Day of Remembrance on Jan. 26, 2023, at nearby Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The event honored 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 marks the 20th anniversary of the Columbia tragedy. 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.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, guests pay tribute to the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other NASA colleagues who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery, during NASA's Day of Remembrance observance Jan. 29. The public was invited to a wreath-laying at the Space Mirror Memorial at the visitor complex. Center Director and former astronaut Bob Cabana took part in the ceremony. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

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, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

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, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

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, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

A memorial wreath inside the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida commemorates NASA’s Day of Remembrance on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. 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.

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, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

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, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

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, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

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, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

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.

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, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

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, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

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, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

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, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

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, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

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, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

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, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

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, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

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, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

Kathie Scobee Fulgham, Astronauts Memorial Foundation chair and daughter of Challenger astronaut Francis “Dick” Scobee, delivers remarks honoring fallen astronauts who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery during NASA’s annual Day of Remembrance on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, at the Space Mirror Memorial at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Those remembered include the crews of Apollo 1, Challenger STS-51L, and Columbia STS-107.

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, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

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, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

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, are honored by NASA Kennedy Space Center employees and guests with a ceremony at the Kennedy Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. The date marked the 35th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. NASA centers throughout the country participate in the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance memorial event.

Astronauts Memorial Foundation President and CEO Thad Altman 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.

NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida paid tribute to the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery, during the agency's Day of Remembrance on Jan. 27, 2022. From left, Lowell Grissom, brother of Virgil “Gus” Grissom; Kathie Scobee Fulgham, daughter of Challenger Commander Francis R. Scobee; and Sheryl Chafee, daughter of Apollo 1 astronaut Roger Chafee, place a wreath in front of on-screen images of NASA astronauts who have perished in the line of duty. The ceremony was held in the Center for Space Education at Kennedy’s Visitor Complex in Florida.

NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida paid tribute to the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery, during the agency's Day of Remembrance on Jan. 27, 2022. From left, Lowell Grissom, brother of Virgil “Gus” Grissom; Sheryl Chafee, daughter of Apollo 1 astronaut Roger Chafee; and Kathie Scobee Fulgham, daughter of Challenger Commander Francis R. Scobee, place carnations on the fence in front of the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Members of the Viera High School JROTC Honor Guard observe a minute of silence during the Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on Jan. 26, 2023. The event honored 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 marks the 20th anniversary of the Columbia tragedy. 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.

Sheryl Chafee, Astronauts Memorial Foundation (AMF) Board of Directors chairperson, center, accompanied by NASA Associate Administrator Bob Cabana, and Kennedy Space Director Janet Petro, lay a wreath in front of the Space Mirror Memorial during the Day of Remembrance on Jan. 26, 2023, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The event honored 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 marks the 20th anniversary of the Columbia tragedy. This year’s ceremony was hosted by the AMF, which was founded after the shuttle Challenger accident in 1986 to honor the sacrifices of fallen astronauts each year.

Sheryl Chafee, Astronauts Memorial Foundation (AMF) Board of Directors chairperson, at right, accompanied by NASA Associate Administrator Bob Cabana, and Kennedy Space Director Janet Petro, lay a wreath in front of the Space Mirror Memorial during the Day of Remembrance on Jan. 26, 2023, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The event honored 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 marks the 20th anniversary of the Columbia tragedy. This year’s ceremony was hosted by the AMF, which was founded after the shuttle Challenger accident in 1986 to honor the sacrifices of fallen astronauts each year.

From left, Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Kelvin Manning; Sheryl Chaffee, Astronauts Memorial Foundation (AMF) Board of Directors chairperson; and NASA Associate Administrator Bob Cabana, attend the Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on Jan. 26, 2023. The event honored 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 marks the 20th anniversary of the Columbia tragedy. This year’s ceremony was hosted by the AMF, which was founded after the shuttle Challenger accident in 1986 to honor the sacrifices of fallen astronauts each year.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Three NASA T-38 aircraft fly in formation over the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex during the agency's Day of Remembrance ceremony. NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., honored the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other NASA colleagues, during the observance on Friday, Feb. 1, the 10th anniversary of the Columbia tragedy. The annual Day of Remembrance honors members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. Photo credit: NASA_Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Patrick Air Force Base honor guard participates in the Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Space center employees and guests gathered at the Space Mirror Memorial at the spaceport's visitor complex for the annual event which took place on the 10th anniversary of the loss of the space shuttle Columbia and its crew. The ceremony also honored the astronauts of Apollo 1 and the shuttle Challenger. Dedicated in 1991, the names of fallen astronauts are emblazoned the Space Mirror Memorial's 4.5-foot-high-by-50-foot-wide polished black granite surface which reflects the sky and has been designated by Congress as a National Memorial. Image credit: NASA Television

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Patrick Air Force Base honor guard participates in the Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Space center employees and guests gathered at the Space Mirror Memorial at the visitor complex for the annual event which took place on the 10th anniversary of the loss of the space shuttle Columbia and its crew. The ceremony also honored the astronauts of Apollo 1 and the shuttle Challenger. Dedicated in 1991, the names of fallen astronauts are emblazoned the Space Mirror Memorial's 4.5-foot-high-by-50-foot-wide polished black granite surface which reflects the sky and has been designated by Congress as a National Memorial. Image credit: NASA Television

Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Janet Petro listens 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.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida paid tribute to the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other NASA astronauts who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery, during the agency's Day of Remembrance, Jan. 28. A wreath-laying ceremony was held at the Space Mirror Memorial located in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

Flowers are placed in front of the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex after this year’s Day of Remembrance ceremony. The memorial, a 42-foot-high by 50-foot-wide granite monument, displays the names of the fallen astronauts from Apollo 1, space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as others who have lost their lives while on NASA missions or in training. Each year, Kennedy employees and guests gather with others throughout NASA to honor those astronauts who have fallen in the pursuit of space exploration.

A wreath is on display at the Space Mirror Memorial at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida during the annual Day of Remembrance ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, honoring fallen astronauts who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery including the crews of Apollo 1, Challenger STS-51L, and Columbia STS-107.

NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida paid tribute to the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery, during the agency's Day of Remembrance on Jan. 27, 2022. Lowell Grissom, brother of fall astronaut Virgil “Gus” Grissom, speaks during a ceremony at the Center for Space Education at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Kennedy Space Center Associate Director, Technical Kelvin Manning participates in 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.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In front of the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, floral arrangements and exhibits pay tribute to the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other NASA colleagues, who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. Center Director Bob Cabana presided over the wreath-laying ceremony, which was open to the public. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Following this year's Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, guests walk to the Space Mirror Memorial. The names of fallen astronauts from Apollo 1, Challenger and Columbia, as well as the astronauts who perished in training and commercial airplane accidents are emblazoned on the monument. Each year spaceport employees and guests join others throughout NASA honoring the contributions of astronauts who have perished in the conquest of space.

Flowers are placed near the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The names of fallen astronauts from Apollo 1, Challenger and Columbia, as well as the astronauts who perished in training and commercial airplane accidents are emblazoned on the monument. During the annual Day of Remembrance, spaceport employees and guests join others throughout NASA honoring the contributions of astronauts who have perished in the conquest of space.

Following this year's Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, guests walk to the Space Mirror Memorial. The names of fallen astronauts from Apollo 1, Challenger and Columbia, as well as the astronauts who perished in training and commercial airplane accidents are emblazoned on the monument. Each year spaceport employees and guests join others throughout NASA honoring the contributions of astronauts who have perished in the conquest of space.

Guests place flowers near the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The names of fallen astronauts from Apollo 1, Challenger and Columbia, as well as the astronauts who perished in training and commercial airplane accidents are emblazoned on the monument. During the annual Day of Remembrance, spaceport employees and guests join others throughout NASA honoring the contributions of astronauts who have perished in the conquest of space.

A wreath is placed in front of the Space Mirror Memorial at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex during the NASA Day of Remembrance on Jan. 27, 2022. Kennedy Space Center in Florida paid tribute to the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida paid tribute to the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other NASA astronauts who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery, during the agency's Day of Remembrance, Jan. 28. A wreath-laying ceremony was held at the Space Mirror Memorial located in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

Astronauts Memorial Foundation President and CEO Thad Altman 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.

Flowers are placed near the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The names of fallen astronauts from Apollo 1, Challenger and Columbia, as well as the astronauts who perished in training and commercial airplane accidents are emblazoned on the monument. During the annual Day of Remembrance, spaceport employees and guests join others throughout NASA honoring the contributions of astronauts who have perished in the conquest of space.

A wreath is placed in front of the Space Mirror Memorial at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex during the NASA Day of Remembrance on Jan. 27, 2022. Kennedy Space Center in Florida paid tribute to the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida paid tribute to the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other NASA astronauts who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery, during the agency's Day of Remembrance, Jan. 28. A wreath-laying ceremony was held at the Space Mirror Memorial located in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Near the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, a floral wreath has been placed during NASA's Day of Remembrance observance paying tribute to the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other NASA colleagues who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. Center Director Bob Cabana presided over the ceremony, which was open to the public. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida paid tribute to the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other NASA astronauts who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery, during the agency's Day of Remembrance, Jan. 28. A wreath-laying ceremony was held at the Space Mirror Memorial located in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

Astronauts Memorial Foundation board member Karen Bassett Stevenson and daughter of Charles Bassett II, delivers remarks honoring fallen astronauts who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery during NASA’s annual Day of Remembrance on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, at the Space Mirror Memorial at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Those remembered include the crews of Apollo 1, Challenger STS-51L, and Columbia STS-107.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida paid tribute to the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other NASA astronauts who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery, during the agency's Day of Remembrance, Jan. 28. Kennedy workers and guests left roses at the Space Mirror Memorial located in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

Flowers are placed near the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The names of fallen astronauts from Apollo 1, Challenger and Columbia, as well as the astronauts who perished in training and commercial airplane accidents are emblazoned on the monument. During the annual Day of Remembrance, spaceport employees and guests join others throughout NASA honoring the contributions of astronauts who have perished in the conquest of space.

NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida paid tribute to the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery, during the agency's Day of Remembrance on Jan. 27, 2022. Kennedy Deputy Director Kelvin Manning speaks during a ceremony at the Center for Space Education at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Family members of fallen astronauts Kathie Scobee Fulgham, Lowell Grissom, Sheryl Chaffee, and Karen Bassett Stevenson place a wreath at the Space Mirror Memorial at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, during the agency’s Day of Remembrance. The annual tradition pays tribute to fallen astronauts and astronaut candidates who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery, including the crews of Apollo 1, Challenger STS-51L, and Columbia STS-107.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Center Director Bob Cabana takes part in a ceremony paying tribute to the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other NASA colleagues, during NASA's Day of Remembrance observance Jan. 29. The public was invited to the wreath-laying ceremony in front of the Space Mirror Memorial, on which are engraved the names of NASA's heroes who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Guests place flowers near the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The names of fallen astronauts from Apollo 1, Challenger and Columbia, as well as the astronauts who perished in training and commercial airplane accidents are emblazoned on the monument. During the annual Day of Remembrance, spaceport employees and guests join others throughout NASA honoring the contributions of astronauts who have perished in the conquest of space.

The names of fallen astronauts from Apollo 1, Challenger and Columbia, as well as the astronauts who perished in training and commercial airplane accidents are emblazoned on the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. During the annual Day of Remembrance, spaceport employees and guests join others throughout NASA honoring the contributions of astronauts who have perished in the conquest of space.

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.

Guests place flowers near the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The names of fallen astronauts from Apollo 1, Challenger and Columbia, as well as the astronauts who perished in training and commercial airplane accidents are emblazoned on the monument. During the annual Day of Remembrance, spaceport employees and guests join others throughout NASA honoring the contributions of astronauts who have perished in the conquest of space.

Guests gather near the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The names of fallen astronauts from Apollo 1, Challenger and Columbia, as well as the astronauts who perished in training and commercial airplane accidents are emblazoned on the monument. During the annual Day of Remembrance, spaceport employees and guests join others throughout NASA honoring the contributions of astronauts who have perished in the conquest of space.

Guests place flowers near the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The names of fallen astronauts from Apollo 1, Challenger and Columbia, as well as the astronauts who perished in training and commercial airplane accidents are emblazoned on the monument. During the annual Day of Remembrance, spaceport employees and guests join others throughout NASA honoring the contributions of astronauts who have perished in the conquest of space.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Near the Space Mirror Memorial at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, a large plaque commemorates the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. At left is Tara Gillam, manager of the Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity at Kennedy. Jan. 29 is NASA's Day of Remembrance observance and included a wreath-laying ceremony in front of the Space Mirror Memorial. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida paid tribute to the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other NASA astronauts who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery, during the agency's Day of Remembrance, Jan. 28. Kennedy workers and guests attached roses and carnations to the fence during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial located in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann