CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Tim Macy, Delaware North Companies Parks and Resorts director of project development, described the Atlantis exhibit to members of the news media who media gather at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for the announcement of the opening date of the date the facility will officially open and for the unveiling of the exhibit's newly designed logo. Last November, the space shuttle Atlantis made its historic final journey to its new home, traveling 10 miles from the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to the spaceport's visitor complex. The new $100 million Atlantis facility will be a 90,000-square-foot, interactive exhibit that tells the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlights the future of space exploration. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- From the left, former NASA astronaut Jon McBride, Rick Abramson, president of Delaware North Companies Parks and Resorts partially hidden, and Bill Moore, chief operating officer of the visitor complex, unveil the Atlantis exhibit's newly designed logo. Last November, the space shuttle Atlantis made its historic final journey to its new home, traveling 10 miles from the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to the spaceport's visitor complex. The new $100 million Atlantis facility will be a 90,000-square-foot, interactive exhibit that tells the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlights the future of space exploration. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Josie Burnett, director of International Space Station Processing and Ground Research Project Office at the Kennedy Space Center, provided an on current and future activities at the Florida spaceport during the annual Community Leaders Briefing. The reports were part of the annual Community Leaders Briefing at the Kurt H. Debus Conference Center at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex attended by local, state and U.S. government representatives, along with individuals from business and industry. Photo credit: NASA_Dimitri Gerondidakis

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana and several members of his leadership team provided an on current and future activities at the Florida spaceport during the annual Community Leaders Briefing. Cabana explained that the space center has a great deal of work going on in support of current and future space program projects. The reports were part of the annual Community Leaders Briefing at the Kurt H. Debus Conference Center at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex attended by local, state and U.S. government representatives, along with individuals from business and industry. Photo credit: NASA_Dimitri Gerondidakis

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana and several members of his leadership team provided an on current and future activities at the Florida spaceport during the annual Community Leaders Briefing. Cabana explained that the space center has a great deal of work going on in support of current and future space program projects. The reports were part of the annual Community Leaders Briefing at the Kurt H. Debus Conference Center at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex attended by local, state and U.S. government representatives, along with individuals from business and industry. Photo credit: NASA_Dimitri Gerondidakis

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Ruth Gardner, Exploration Systems manager in Ground System Development and Operations at the Kennedy Space Center provided an on current and future activities at the Florida spaceport during the annual Community Leaders Briefing. The reports were part of the annual Community Leaders Briefing at the Kurt H. Debus Conference Center at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex attended by local, state and U.S. government representatives, along with individuals from business and industry. Photo credit: NASA_Dimitri Gerondidakis

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' exhibit is nearing completion at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex with its grand opening scheduled for June 29, 2013. Last November, the space shuttle Atlantis made its historic final journey to its new home, traveling 10 miles from the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to the spaceport's visitor complex. The new $100 million Atlantis facility will be a 90,000-square-foot, interactive exhibit that tells the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlights the future of space exploration. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- From the left, former NASA astronaut Jon McBride, Rick Abramson, president of Delaware North Companies Parks and Resorts, and Bill Moore, Delaware North's chief operating officer of the visitor complex, pose with the Atlantis exhibit's newly designed logo. Last November, the space shuttle Atlantis made its historic final journey to its new home, traveling 10 miles from the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to the spaceport's visitor complex. The new $100 million Atlantis facility will be a 90,000-square-foot, interactive exhibit that tells the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlights the future of space exploration. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Tim Macy, Delaware North Companies Parks and Resorts director of project development, described the Atlantis exhibit to members of the news media who media gather at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for the announcement of the opening date of the date the facility will officially open and for the unveiling of the exhibit's newly designed logo. The space shuttle is wrapped in plastic to protect it during completion of construction. The 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' exhibit will open June 29, 2013. Last November, the space shuttle Atlantis made its historic final journey to its new home, traveling 10 miles from the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to the spaceport's visitor complex. The new $100 million Atlantis facility will be a 90,000-square-foot, interactive exhibit that tells the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlights the future of space exploration. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Darren Bedell, System Integration manager in the Launch Services Program Office at the Kennedy Space Center provided an on current and future activities at the Florida spaceport during the annual Community Leaders Briefing. The reports were part of the annual Community Leaders Briefing at the Kurt H. Debus Conference Center at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex attended by local, state and U.S. government representatives, along with individuals from business and industry. Photo credit: NASA_Dimitri Gerondidakis

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Bill Moore, Delaware North's chief operating officer of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, speaks to news media representatives during the announcement of the date the facility will officially open and for the unveiling of the exhibit's newly designed logo. The 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' exhibit will open June 29, 2013. Last November, the space shuttle Atlantis made its historic final journey to its new home, traveling 10 miles from the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to the spaceport's visitor complex. The new $100 million Atlantis facility will be a 90,000-square-foot, interactive exhibit that tells the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlights the future of space exploration. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Members of the news media gather at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for the announcement of the opening date that the facility will officially open and for the unveiling of the exhibit's newly designed logo. The 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' exhibit will open June 29, 2013. Last November, the space shuttle Atlantis made its historic final journey to its new home, traveling 10 miles from the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to the spaceport's visitor complex. The new $100 million Atlantis facility will be a 90,000-square-foot, interactive exhibit that tells the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlights the future of space exploration. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Posing with the newly unveiled logo for the 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' exhibit are, from the left, former NASA astronaut Jon McBride, Bill Moore, Delaware North Companies Parks and Resorts chief operating officer of the visitor complex, Rick Abramson, Delaware North president, Tim Macy, Delaware North director of project development and Mike Konzen, PGAV Destinations chairman and chief Executive Officer. Last November, the space shuttle Atlantis made its historic final journey to its new home, traveling 10 miles from the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to the spaceport's visitor complex. The new $100 million Atlantis facility will be a 90,000-square-foot, interactive exhibit that tells the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlights the future of space exploration. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana and several members of his leadership team provided an on current and future activities at the Florida spaceport during the annual Community Leaders Briefing. Cabana explained that the space center has a great deal of work going on in support of current and future space program projects. The reports were part of the annual Community Leaders Briefing at the Kurt H. Debus Conference Center at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex attended by local, state and U.S. government representatives, along with individuals from business and industry. Photo credit: NASA_Dimitri Gerondidakis

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Scott Thurston, manager of the Commercial Crew Program’s Partner Integration Office at the Kennedy Space Center provided an on current and future activities at the Florida spaceport during the annual Community Leaders Briefing. The reports were part of the annual Community Leaders Briefing at the Kurt H. Debus Conference Center at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex attended by local, state and U.S. government representatives, along with individuals from business and industry. Photo credit: NASA_Dimitri Gerondidakis

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Scott Thurston, manager of the Commercial Crew Program’s Partner Integration Office at the Kennedy Space Center provided an on current and future activities at the Florida spaceport during the annual Community Leaders Briefing. The reports were part of the annual Community Leaders Briefing at the Kurt H. Debus Conference Center at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex attended by local, state and U.S. government representatives, along with individuals from business and industry. Photo credit: NASA_Dimitri Gerondidakis

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, construction crews prepare to remove 16,000 square feet of plastic shrink-wrap from the space shuttle Atlantis. The spacecraft was enclosed in the plastic shrink-wrap since November of last year to protect the artifact from dust and debris during construction of the 90,000-square-foot facility. Last November, the space shuttle Atlantis made its historic final journey to its new home, traveling 10 miles from the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to the spaceport's visitor complex. The new $100 million 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' facility will include interactive exhibits that tell the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlights the future of space exploration. The 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' exhibit scheduled to open June 29, 2013.Photo credit: NASA_Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, shuttle astronaut Curt Brown listens as he is being introduced for induction into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame AHOF. Brown, a veteran of six spaceflights, began his career with NASA in 1987 as a pilot and has logged more than 1,383 hours in space. Brown’s missions aboard the space shuttle include STS-47, STS-66, STS-77, STS-85, STS-95 and STS-103. Shuttle astronauts Eileen Collins and Bonnie Dunbar also were inducted into the AHOF. This induction is the twelfth group of space shuttle astronauts named to the AHOF, and the first time two women are inducted at the same time. The year’s inductees were selected by a committee of current Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, historians and journalists. The selection process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. For more on the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, go to http:__www.kennedyspacecenter.com_astronaut-hall-of-fame.aspx For more on the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, go to http:__astronautscholarship.org_ Photo credit: NASA_ Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center director Bob Cabana, a former space shuttle commander, speaks during the Day of Remembrance ceremony. Visible to the right is former NASA astronaut Jon McBride, chairman of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation board of directors. 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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, construction crews remove 16,000 square feet of plastic shrink-wrap from the space shuttle Atlantis. The spacecraft was enclosed in the plastic shrink-wrap since November of last year to protect the artifact from dust and debris during construction of the 90,000-square-foot facility. Last November, the space shuttle Atlantis made its historic final journey to its new home, traveling 10 miles from the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to the spaceport's visitor complex. The new $100 million 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' facility will include interactive exhibits that tell the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlights the future of space exploration. The 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' exhibit scheduled to open June 29, 2013.Photo credit: NASA_Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame member Buzz Aldrin is introduced at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, prior to the ceremony in which Bonnie Dunbar, Curt Brown and Eileen Collins will be inducted into the group of space pioneers. This induction is the twelfth group of space shuttle astronauts named to the AHOF, and the first time two women are inducted at the same time. The year’s inductees were selected by a committee of current Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, historians and journalists. The selection process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. For more on the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, go to http:__www.kennedyspacecenter.com_astronaut-hall-of-fame.aspx For more on the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, go to http:__astronautscholarship.org_ Photo credit: NASA_ Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, construction crews begin removing 16,000 square feet of plastic shrink-wrap from the space shuttle Atlantis. The spacecraft was enclosed in the plastic shrink-wrap since November of last year to protect the artifact from dust and debris during construction of the 90,000-square-foot facility. Last November, the space shuttle Atlantis made its historic final journey to its new home, traveling 10 miles from the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to the spaceport's visitor complex. The new $100 million 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' facility will include interactive exhibits that tell the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlights the future of space exploration. The 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' exhibit scheduled to open June 29, 2013.Photo credit: NASA_Cory Huston

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, construction crews begin removing 16,000 square feet of plastic shrink-wrap from the space shuttle Atlantis. The spacecraft was enclosed in the plastic shrink-wrap since November of last year to protect the artifact from dust and debris during construction of the 90,000-square-foot facility. Last November, the space shuttle Atlantis made its historic final journey to its new home, traveling 10 miles from the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to the spaceport's visitor complex. The new $100 million 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' facility will include interactive exhibits that tell the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlights the future of space exploration. The 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' exhibit scheduled to open June 29, 2013.Photo credit: NASA_Cory Huston

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. – U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame member Richard Gordon is introduced at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, prior to the ceremony in which Bonnie Dunbar, Curt Brown and Eileen Collins will be inducted into the group of space pioneers. This induction is the twelfth group of space shuttle astronauts named to the AHOF, and the first time two women are inducted at the same time. The year’s inductees were selected by a committee of current Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, historians and journalists. The selection process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. For more on the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, go to http:__www.kennedyspacecenter.com_astronaut-hall-of-fame.aspx For more on the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, go to http:__astronautscholarship.org_ Photo credit: NASA_ Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, shuttle astronauts, from the left, Bonnie Dunbar, Curt Brown and Eileen Collins listen as Collins is being introduced for induction into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame AHOF. She commanded STS-114 on the Return to Flight mission following the loss of the space shuttle Columbia. Collins’ career with NASA is full of accomplishments, including becoming the first woman space shuttle pilot and the first woman commander. As a four-time spaceflight veteran, Collins logged more than 872 hours in space, and her missions include STS-63, STS-84, STS-93 and STS-114. Shuttle astronauts Curt Brown and Bonnie Dunbar also were inducted into the AHOF. This induction is the twelfth group of space shuttle astronauts named to the AHOF, and the first time two women are inducted at the same time. The year’s inductees were selected by a committee of current Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, historians and journalists. The selection process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. For more on the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, go to http:__www.kennedyspacecenter.com_astronaut-hall-of-fame.aspx For more on the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, go to http:__astronautscholarship.org_ Photo credit: NASA_ Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, construction crews remove 16,000 square feet of plastic shrink-wrap from the space shuttle Atlantis. The spacecraft was enclosed in the plastic shrink-wrap since November of last year to protect the artifact from dust and debris during construction of the 90,000-square-foot facility. Last November, the space shuttle Atlantis made its historic final journey to its new home, traveling 10 miles from the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to the spaceport's visitor complex. The new $100 million 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' facility will include interactive exhibits that tell the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlights the future of space exploration. The 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' exhibit scheduled to open June 29, 2013.Photo credit: NASA_ Cory Huston

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame member Vance Brand is introduced at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, prior to the ceremony in which Bonnie Dunbar, Curt Brown and Eileen Collins will be inducted into the group of space pioneers. This induction is the twelfth group of space shuttle astronauts named to the AHOF, and the first time two women are inducted at the same time. The year’s inductees were selected by a committee of current Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, historians and journalists. The selection process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. For more on the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, go to http:__www.kennedyspacecenter.com_astronaut-hall-of-fame.aspx For more on the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, go to http:__astronautscholarship.org_ Photo credit: NASA_ Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, the nose cap and forward reaction control system is uncovered as construction crews begin removing 16,000 square feet of plastic shrink-wrap from the space shuttle Atlantis. The spacecraft was enclosed in the plastic shrink-wrap since November of last year to protect the artifact from dust and debris during construction of the 90,000-square-foot facility.. Last November, the space shuttle Atlantis made its historic final journey to its new home, traveling 10 miles from the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to the spaceport's visitor complex. The new $100 million 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' facility will include interactive exhibits that tell the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlights the future of space exploration. The 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' exhibit scheduled to open June 29, 2013.Photo credit: NASA_Cory Huston

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, construction crews remove 16,000 square feet of plastic shrink-wrap from the space shuttle Atlantis. The spacecraft was enclosed in the plastic shrink-wrap since November of last year to protect the artifact from dust and debris during construction of the 90,000-square-foot facility. Last November, the space shuttle Atlantis made its historic final journey to its new home, traveling 10 miles from the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to the spaceport's visitor complex. The new $100 million 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' facility will include interactive exhibits that tell the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlights the future of space exploration. The 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' exhibit scheduled to open June 29, 2013.Photo credit: NASA_ Cory Huston

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, construction crews remove 16,000 square feet of plastic shrink-wrap from the space shuttle Atlantis. The spacecraft was enclosed in the plastic shrink-wrap since November of last year to protect the artifact from dust and debris during construction of the 90,000-square-foot facility. Last November, the space shuttle Atlantis made its historic final journey to its new home, traveling 10 miles from the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to the spaceport's visitor complex. The new $100 million 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' facility will include interactive exhibits that tell the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlights the future of space exploration. The 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' exhibit scheduled to open June 29, 2013.Photo credit: NASA_ Cory Huston

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, construction crews begin removing 16,000 square feet of plastic shrink-wrap from the space shuttle Atlantis. The spacecraft was enclosed in the plastic shrink-wrap since November of last year to protect the artifact from dust and debris during construction of the 90,000-square-foot facility. Last November, the space shuttle Atlantis made its historic final journey to its new home, traveling 10 miles from the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to the spaceport's visitor complex. The new $100 million 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' facility will include interactive exhibits that tell the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlights the future of space exploration. The 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' exhibit scheduled to open June 29, 2013.Photo credit: NASA_Cory Huston

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Atlantis is transported along NASA Causeway at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on its 10-mile journey to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex where it will be put on public display. As part of transition and retirement of the Space Shuttle Program, Atlantis is to be displayed at Kennedy's Visitor Complex beginning in the summer of 2013. Over the course of its 26-year career, Atlantis traveled 125,935,769 miles during 307 days in space over 33 missions. For more information, visit http:__www.nasa.gov_transition Photo credit: NASA_ Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Gospel singer BeBe Winans preforms his song, 'Ultimate Sacrifice,' during the Kennedy Space Center's Day of Remembrance ceremony. The song honors heroes who lost their lives in service to the nation. Winans also sang the national anthem. 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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame member Fred Haise is introduced at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, prior to the ceremony in which Bonnie Dunbar, Curt Brown and Eileen Collins will be inducted into the group of space pioneers. This induction is the twelfth group of space shuttle astronauts named to the AHOF, and the first time two women are inducted at the same time. The year’s inductees were selected by a committee of current Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, historians and journalists. The selection process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. For more on the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, go to http:__www.kennedyspacecenter.com_astronaut-hall-of-fame.aspx For more on the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, go to http:__astronautscholarship.org_ Photo credit: NASA_ Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, members of the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame are joined by Bill Moore, chief operating officer of the visitor complex pose under the space shuttle Atlantis in the facility where it will be displayed beginning June 29. The shuttle is currently protected by plastic wrap as constitution contuse. Pictured, left to right are, Curt Brown, Robert, 'Hoot' Gibson, Buzz Aldrin, Joe Allen, Rick Hauck, Steven Hawley, Fred Haise, Owen Garriott, Brewster Shaw. Jack Lousma, Dan Brandenstein, Vance Brand, Loren Shriver, Moore, Bonnie Dunbar, Eileen Collins, Charlie Duke, Walt Cunningham, John Blaha, Franklin Chang-Diaz, Karol Bobko, George 'Pinky' Nelson and Jeff Hoffmann. This induction is the twelfth group of space shuttle astronauts named to the AHOF, and the first time two women are inducted at the same time. The year’s inductees were selected by a committee of current Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, historians and journalists. The selection process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. For more on the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, go to http:__www.kennedyspacecenter.com_astronaut-hall-of-fame.aspx For more on the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, go to http:__astronautscholarship.org_ Photo credit: NASA_ Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, members of the news media were on hand as construction crews prepared to remove 16,000 square feet of plastic shrink-wrap from the space shuttle Atlantis. The spacecraft was enclosed in the plastic shrink-wrap since November of last year to protect the artifact from dust and debris during construction of the 90,000-square-foot facility. Last November, the space shuttle Atlantis made its historic final journey to its new home, traveling 10 miles from the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to the spaceport's visitor complex. The new $100 million 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' facility will include interactive exhibits that tell the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlights the future of space exploration. The 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' exhibit scheduled to open June 29, 2013.Photo credit: NASA_Cory Huston

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Associate Administrator for Human Exploration and Operations William Gerstenmaier speaks during the Day of Remembrance ceremony. Visible to the right is former NASA astronaut Jon McBride, chairman of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation board of directors. 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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Evelyn Husband-Thompson, widow of STS-107 commander Rick Husband, speaks during the Day of Remembrance ceremony. Visible to the right is former NASA astronaut Jon McBride, chairman of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation board of directors. 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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, a construction worker begins removing 16,000 square feet of plastic shrink-wrap from the space shuttle Atlantis. The spacecraft was enclosed in the plastic shrink-wrap since November of last year to protect the artifact from dust and debris during construction of the 90,000-square-foot facility. Last November, the space shuttle Atlantis made its historic final journey to its new home, traveling 10 miles from the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to the spaceport's visitor complex. The new $100 million 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' facility will include interactive exhibits that tell the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlights the future of space exploration. The 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' exhibit scheduled to open June 29, 2013.Photo credit: NASA_Cory Huston

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, space shuttle astronauts, from the left, Bonnie Dunbar, Curt Brown and Eileen Collins stand together after being inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. They are standing under the space shuttle Atlantis in the facility where it will be displayed beginning June 29. The shuttle is currently protected by plastic wrap as constitution contuse. This induction is the twelfth group of space shuttle astronauts named to the AHOF, and the first time two women are inducted at the same time. The year’s inductees were selected by a committee of current Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, historians and journalists. The selection process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. For more on the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, go to http:__www.kennedyspacecenter.com_astronaut-hall-of-fame.aspx For more on the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, go to http:__astronautscholarship.org_ Photo credit: NASA_ Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A wreath was placed at the Space Mirror Memorial by Sandra Anderson, widow of Columbia payload commander Michael Anderson, left, and Evelyn Husband-Thompson, widow of STS-107 commander Rick Husband. They were aided by NASA Associate Administrator Robert Lightfoot, partially obscured by Husband-Thompson, and Associate Administrator for Human Exploration and Operations William Gerstenmaier. Standing at the microphone, on the right, is former NASA astronaut Jon McBride, chairman of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation board of directors. 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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, construction crews prepare to remove 16,000 square feet of plastic shrink-wrap from the space shuttle Atlantis. The spacecraft was enclosed in the plastic shrink-wrap since November of last year to protect the artifact from dust and debris during construction of the 90,000-square-foot facility. Last November, the space shuttle Atlantis made its historic final journey to its new home, traveling 10 miles from the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to the spaceport's visitor complex. The new $100 million 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' facility will include interactive exhibits that tell the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlights the future of space exploration. The 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' exhibit scheduled to open June 29, 2013.Photo credit: NASA_Cory Huston

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, construction crews remove 16,000 square feet of plastic shrink-wrap from the space shuttle Atlantis. The spacecraft was enclosed in the plastic shrink-wrap since November of last year to protect the artifact from dust and debris during construction of the 90,000-square-foot facility. Last November, the space shuttle Atlantis made its historic final journey to its new home, traveling 10 miles from the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to the spaceport's visitor complex. The new $100 million 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' facility will include interactive exhibits that tell the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlights the future of space exploration. The 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' exhibit scheduled to open June 29, 2013.Photo credit: NASA_ Cory Huston

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, construction crews remove 16,000 square feet of plastic shrink-wrap from the space shuttle Atlantis. The spacecraft was enclosed in the plastic shrink-wrap since November of last year to protect the artifact from dust and debris during construction of the 90,000-square-foot facility. Last November, the space shuttle Atlantis made its historic final journey to its new home, traveling 10 miles from the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to the spaceport's visitor complex. The new $100 million 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' facility will include interactive exhibits that tell the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlights the future of space exploration. The 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' exhibit scheduled to open June 29, 2013.Photo credit: NASA_ Cory Huston

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Middle and High school students from Florida's Putnam and Volusia counties use a bicycle wheel as a gyroscope to simulate principals of motion during a science demonstration at the NASA's Center for Space Education at the Kennedy Space Center. The 11 to 18-year-old students are part of Delta Academy and Delta GEMS, an African American women’s mentoring program affiliated with Delta Sigma Theta. The sorority uses their collective efforts to promote academic excellence, provide scholarships and support underserved students. As a part of the science program, the young scholars participated in a presentation by professional women who work at Kennedy discussing career choices and encouraging interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics STEM careers. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Former NASA astronaut Eileen Collins speaks during the Day of Remembrance ceremony. She commanded Discovery on the STS-114 mission that returned the shuttle program to flight following STS-107. Visible to the right is former NASA astronaut Jon McBride, chairman of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation board of directors. 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. – U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame member Jack Lousma is introduced at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, prior to the ceremony in which Bonnie Dunbar, Curt Brown and Eileen Collins will be inducted into the group of space pioneers. This induction is the twelfth group of space shuttle astronauts named to the AHOF, and the first time two women are inducted at the same time. The year’s inductees were selected by a committee of current Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, historians and journalists. The selection process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. For more on the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, go to http:__www.kennedyspacecenter.com_astronaut-hall-of-fame.aspx For more on the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, go to http:__astronautscholarship.org_ Photo credit: NASA_ Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, construction crews prepare to remove 16,000 square feet of plastic shrink-wrap from the space shuttle Atlantis. The spacecraft was enclosed in the plastic shrink-wrap since November of last year to protect the artifact from dust and debris during construction of the 90,000-square-foot facility. Last November, the space shuttle Atlantis made its historic final journey to its new home, traveling 10 miles from the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to the spaceport's visitor complex. The new $100 million 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' facility will include interactive exhibits that tell the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlights the future of space exploration. The 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' exhibit scheduled to open June 29, 2013.Photo credit: NASA_Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kyle Breese, playing keyboard, and Joey Beesley, singing, performed the song '16 minutes from home' during the Kennedy Space Center's Day of Remembrance ceremony. Written by Breese, the song honors the Columbia astronauts who were 16 minutes away from landing when their spacecraft broke up during re-entry 10 years ago. 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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center employees and guests gathered at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center'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 Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has added the name 'Atlantis' and American flag to the exterior of the 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' exhibit scheduled to open June 29, 2013. Last November, the space shuttle Atlantis made its historic final journey to its new home, traveling 10 miles from the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to the spaceport's visitor complex. The new $100 million Atlantis facility will be a 90,000-square-foot, interactive exhibit that tells the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlights the future of space exploration. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, construction crews prepare to remove 16,000 square feet of plastic shrink-wrap from the space shuttle Atlantis. The spacecraft was enclosed in the plastic shrink-wrap since November of last year to protect the artifact from dust and debris during construction of the 90,000-square-foot facility. Last November, the space shuttle Atlantis made its historic final journey to its new home, traveling 10 miles from the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to the spaceport's visitor complex. The new $100 million 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' facility will include interactive exhibits that tell the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlights the future of space exploration. The 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' exhibit scheduled to open June 29, 2013.Photo credit: NASA_Cory Huston

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- State Sen. Thad Altman, president and chief executive officer of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation speaks during the Day of Remembrance ceremony. Seated to the right are, from the left, former NASA astronaut Jon McBride, chairman of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation board of directors Evelyn Husband-Thompson, widow of STS-107 commander Rick Husband Eileen Collins, commander of Discovery on the STS-114 mission that returned the shuttle program to flight following STS-107 Kennedy Space Center director Bob Cabana Associate Administrator for Human Exploration and Operations William Gerstenmaier NASA Associate Administrator Robert Lightfoot and Mick Ukleja, chairman of the AMF board of trustees. 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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, shuttle astronauts, from the left, Bonnie Dunbar, Curt Brown and Eileen Collins listen as Collins is being introduced for induction into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame AHOF. She commanded STS-114 on the Return to Flight mission following the loss of the space shuttle Columbia. Collins’ career with NASA is full of accomplishments, including becoming the first woman space shuttle pilot and the first woman commander. As a four-time spaceflight veteran, Collins logged more than 872 hours in space, and her missions include STS-63, STS-84, STS-93 and STS-114. Shuttle astronauts Curt Brown and Bonnie Dunbar also were inducted into the AHOF. This induction is the twelfth group of space shuttle astronauts named to the AHOF, and the first time two women are inducted at the same time. The year’s inductees were selected by a committee of current Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, historians and journalists. The selection process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. For more on the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, go to http:__www.kennedyspacecenter.com_astronaut-hall-of-fame.aspx For more on the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, go to http:__astronautscholarship.org_ Photo credit: NASA_ Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame member Charlie Duke is introduced at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, prior to the ceremony in which Bonnie Dunbar, Curt Brown and Eileen Collins will be inducted into the group of space pioneers. This induction is the twelfth group of space shuttle astronauts named to the AHOF, and the first time two women are inducted at the same time. The year’s inductees were selected by a committee of current Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, historians and journalists. The selection process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. For more on the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, go to http:__www.kennedyspacecenter.com_astronaut-hall-of-fame.aspx For more on the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, go to http:__astronautscholarship.org_ Photo credit: NASA_ Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- State Sen. Thad Altman, president and chief executive officer of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, speaks during the Day of Remembrance ceremony. Visible to the right is former NASA astronaut Jon McBride, chairman of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation board of directors. 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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, the nose cap and part of the forward reaction control system is uncovered as construction crews begin removing 16,000 square feet of plastic shrink-wrap from the space shuttle Atlantis. The spacecraft was enclosed in the plastic shrink-wrap since November of last year to protect the artifact from dust and debris during construction of the 90,000-square-foot facility. Last November, the space shuttle Atlantis made its historic final journey to its new home, traveling 10 miles from the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to the spaceport's visitor complex. The new $100 million 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' facility will include interactive exhibits that tell the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlights the future of space exploration. The 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' exhibit scheduled to open June 29, 2013.Photo credit: NASA_Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has added the name 'Atlantis' and American flag to the exterior of the 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' exhibit scheduled to open June 29, 2013. Last November, the space shuttle Atlantis made its historic final journey to its new home, traveling 10 miles from the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to the spaceport's visitor complex. The new $100 million Atlantis facility will be a 90,000-square-foot, interactive exhibit that tells the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlights the future of space exploration. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame member Walt Cunningham is introduced at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, prior to the ceremony in which Bonnie Dunbar, Curt Brown and Eileen Collins will be inducted into the group of space pioneers. This induction is the twelfth group of space shuttle astronauts named to the AHOF, and the first time two women are inducted at the same time. The year’s inductees were selected by a committee of current Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, historians and journalists. The selection process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. For more on the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, go to http:__www.kennedyspacecenter.com_astronaut-hall-of-fame.aspx For more on the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, go to http:__astronautscholarship.org_ Photo credit: NASA_ Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, construction crews begin removing 16,000 square feet of plastic shrink-wrap from the space shuttle Atlantis. The spacecraft was enclosed in the plastic shrink-wrap since November of last year to protect the artifact from dust and debris during construction of the 90,000-square-foot facility. Last November, the space shuttle Atlantis made its historic final journey to its new home, traveling 10 miles from the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to the spaceport's visitor complex. The new $100 million 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' facility will include interactive exhibits that tell the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlights the future of space exploration. The 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' exhibit scheduled to open June 29, 2013.Photo credit: NASA_Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, construction crews remove 16,000 square feet of plastic shrink-wrap from the space shuttle Atlantis. The spacecraft was enclosed in the plastic shrink-wrap since November of last year to protect the artifact from dust and debris during construction of the 90,000-square-foot facility. Last November, the space shuttle Atlantis made its historic final journey to its new home, traveling 10 miles from the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to the spaceport's visitor complex. The new $100 million 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' facility will include interactive exhibits that tell the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlights the future of space exploration. The 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' exhibit scheduled to open June 29, 2013.Photo credit: NASA_ Cory Huston

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, the nose cap and part of the forward reaction control system is uncovered as construction crews begin removing 16,000 square feet of plastic shrink-wrap from the space shuttle Atlantis. The spacecraft was enclosed in the plastic shrink-wrap since November of last year to protect the artifact from dust and debris during construction of the 90,000-square-foot facility. Last November, the space shuttle Atlantis made its historic final journey to its new home, traveling 10 miles from the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to the spaceport's visitor complex. The new $100 million 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' facility will include interactive exhibits that tell the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlights the future of space exploration. The 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' exhibit scheduled to open June 29, 2013.Photo credit: NASA_Cory Huston

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, construction crews begin removing 16,000 square feet of plastic shrink-wrap from the space shuttle Atlantis. The spacecraft was enclosed in the plastic shrink-wrap since November of last year to protect the artifact from dust and debris during construction of the 90,000-square-foot facility. Last November, the space shuttle Atlantis made its historic final journey to its new home, traveling 10 miles from the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to the spaceport's visitor complex. The new $100 million 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' facility will include interactive exhibits that tell the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlights the future of space exploration. The 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' exhibit scheduled to open June 29, 2013.Photo credit: NASA_Cory Huston

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Middle and High school students from Florida's Putnam and Volusia counties use a glove box practice working with materials with protected hands during a science demonstration at the NASA's Center for Space at the Kennedy Space Center. The 11 to 18-year-old students are part of Delta Academy and Delta GEMS, an African American women’s mentoring program affiliated with Delta Sigma Theta. The sorority uses their collective efforts to promote academic excellence, provide scholarships and support underserved students. As a part of the science program, the young scholars participated in a presentation by professional women who work at Kennedy discussing career choices and encouraging interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics STEM careers. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Former NASA astronaut Jon McBride, chairman of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation board of directors, speaks during the Day of Remembrance ceremony. Partially visible to the right is Evelyn Husband-Thompson, widow of STS-107 commander Rick Husband. 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. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, space shuttle astronauts, from the left, Bonnie Dunbar, Curt Brown and Eileen Collins stand together after being inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. This induction is the twelfth group of space shuttle astronauts named to the AHOF, and the first time two women are inducted at the same time. The year’s inductees were selected by a committee of current Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, historians and journalists. The selection process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. For more on the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, go to http:__www.kennedyspacecenter.com_astronaut-hall-of-fame.aspx For more on the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, go to http:__astronautscholarship.org_ Photo credit: NASA_ Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, the nose cap and part of the forward reaction control system is uncovered as construction crews begin removing 16,000 square feet of plastic shrink-wrap from the space shuttle Atlantis. The spacecraft was enclosed in the plastic shrink-wrap since November of last year to protect the artifact from dust and debris during construction of the 90,000-square-foot facility. Last November, the space shuttle Atlantis made its historic final journey to its new home, traveling 10 miles from the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to the spaceport's visitor complex. The new $100 million 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' facility will include interactive exhibits that tell the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlights the future of space exploration. The 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' exhibit scheduled to open June 29, 2013.Photo credit: NASA_Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, construction crews prepare to remove 16,000 square feet of plastic shrink-wrap from the space shuttle Atlantis. The spacecraft was enclosed in the plastic shrink-wrap since November of last year to protect the artifact from dust and debris during construction of the 90,000-square-foot facility. Last November, the space shuttle Atlantis made its historic final journey to its new home, traveling 10 miles from the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to the spaceport's visitor complex. The new $100 million 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' facility will include interactive exhibits that tell the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlights the future of space exploration. The 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' exhibit scheduled to open June 29, 2013.Photo credit: NASA_Cory Huston

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, shuttle astronaut Eileen Collins speaks after being inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame AHOF. Revered for commanding STS-114 on the Return to Flight mission following the loss of the space shuttle Columbia, Collins’ career with NASA is full of accomplishments, including becoming the first woman space shuttle pilot and the first woman commander. As a four-time spaceflight veteran, Collins logged more than 872 hours in space, and her missions include STS-63, STS-84, STS-93 and STS-114. Shuttle astronauts Curt Brown and Bonnie Dunbar also were inducted into the AHOF. This induction is the twelfth group of space shuttle astronauts named to the AHOF, and the first time two women are inducted at the same time. The year’s inductees were selected by a committee of current Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, historians and journalists. The selection process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. For more on the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, go to http:__www.kennedyspacecenter.com_astronaut-hall-of-fame.aspx For more on the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, go to http:__astronautscholarship.org_ Photo credit: NASA_ Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame member Owen Garriott is introduced at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, prior to the ceremony in which Bonnie Dunbar, Curt Brown and Eileen Collins will be inducted into the group of space pioneers. This induction is the twelfth group of space shuttle astronauts named to the AHOF, and the first time two women are inducted at the same time. The year’s inductees were selected by a committee of current Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, historians and journalists. The selection process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. For more on the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, go to http:__www.kennedyspacecenter.com_astronaut-hall-of-fame.aspx For more on the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, go to http:__astronautscholarship.org_ Photo credit: NASA_ Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA Associate Administrator Robert Lightfoot speaks during the Day of Remembrance ceremony. Visible to the right is former NASA astronaut Jon McBride, chairman of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation board of directors. 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. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, the space shuttle Atlantis' forward section has been uncovered as construction crews begin removing 16,000 square feet of plastic shrink-wrap from the spacecraft. The shuttle was enclosed in the plastic shrink-wrap since November of last year to protect the artifact from dust and debris during construction of the 90,000-square-foot facility. Last November, the space shuttle Atlantis made its historic final journey to its new home, traveling 10 miles from the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to the spaceport's visitor complex. The new $100 million 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' facility will include interactive exhibits that tell the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlights the future of space exploration. The 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' exhibit scheduled to open June 29, 2013.Photo credit: NASA_Cory Huston

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, members of the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame stand together after the 2013 U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Space shuttle astronauts Bonnie Dunbar, Curt Brown and Eileen Collins were inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame Class of 2013. This induction is the twelfth group of space shuttle astronauts named to the AHOF, and the first time two women are inducted at the same time. The year’s inductees were selected by a committee of current Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, historians and journalists. The selection process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. For more on the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, go to http:__www.kennedyspacecenter.com_astronaut-hall-of-fame.aspx For more on the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, go to http:__astronautscholarship.org_ Photo credit: NASA_ Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, the nose cap and part of the forward reaction control system is uncovered as construction crews begin removing 16,000 square feet of plastic shrink-wrap from the space shuttle Atlantis. The spacecraft was enclosed in the plastic shrink-wrap since November of last year to protect the artifact from dust and debris during construction of the 90,000-square-foot facility. Last November, the space shuttle Atlantis made its historic final journey to its new home, traveling 10 miles from the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to the spaceport's visitor complex. The new $100 million 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' facility will include interactive exhibits that tell the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlights the future of space exploration. The 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' exhibit scheduled to open June 29, 2013.Photo credit: NASA_Cory Huston

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, members of the news media were on hand as construction crews begin removing 16,000 square feet of plastic shrink-wrap from the space shuttle Atlantis. The spacecraft was enclosed in the plastic shrink-wrap since November of last year to protect the artifact from dust and debris during construction of the 90,000-square-foot facility. Last November, the space shuttle Atlantis made its historic final journey to its new home, traveling 10 miles from the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to the spaceport's visitor complex. The new $100 million 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' facility will include interactive exhibits that tell the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlights the future of space exploration. The 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' exhibit scheduled to open June 29, 2013.Photo credit: NASA_Cory Huston

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, shuttle astronaut Curt Brown speaks after being inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame AHOF. Brown, a veteran of six spaceflights, began his career with NASA in 1987 as a pilot and has logged more than 1,383 hours in space. Brown’s missions aboard the space shuttle include STS-47, STS-66, STS-77, STS-85, STS-95 and STS-103. Shuttle astronauts Eileen Collins and Bonnie Dunbar also were inducted into the AHOF. This induction is the twelfth group of space shuttle astronauts named to the AHOF, and the first time two women are inducted at the same time. The year’s inductees were selected by a committee of current Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, historians and journalists. The selection process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. For more on the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, go to http:__www.kennedyspacecenter.com_astronaut-hall-of-fame.aspx For more on the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, go to http:__astronautscholarship.org_ Photo credit: NASA_ Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, construction crews remove 16,000 square feet of plastic shrink-wrap from the space shuttle Atlantis. The spacecraft was enclosed in the plastic shrink-wrap since November of last year to protect the artifact from dust and debris during construction of the 90,000-square-foot facility. Last November, the space shuttle Atlantis made its historic final journey to its new home, traveling 10 miles from the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to the spaceport's visitor complex. The new $100 million 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' facility will include interactive exhibits that tell the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlights the future of space exploration. The 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' exhibit scheduled to open June 29, 2013.Photo credit: NASA_ Cory Huston

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center employees and guests stand for the singing of the national anthem by gospel singer BeBe Winans during the Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The annual event took place on the 10th anniversary of the loss of the space shuttle Columbia and its crew. 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. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Girl Scouts from Citrus Council, representing Florida's Brevard, Orange, Seminole and Volusia Counties, presents the colors to open the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame 2013 induction ceremony. Space shuttle astronauts Curt Brown, Eileen Collins and Bonnie Dunbar were inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. This induction is the twelfth group of space shuttle astronauts named to the AHOF, and the first time two women are inducted at the same time. The year’s inductees were selected by a committee of current Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, historians and journalists. The selection process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. For more on the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, go to http:__www.kennedyspacecenter.com_astronaut-hall-of-fame.aspx For more on the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, go to http:__astronautscholarship.org_ 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 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. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, construction crews prepare to remove 16,000 square feet of plastic shrink-wrap from the space shuttle Atlantis. The spacecraft was enclosed in the plastic shrink-wrap since November of last year to protect the artifact from dust and debris during construction of the 90,000-square-foot facility. Last November, the space shuttle Atlantis made its historic final journey to its new home, traveling 10 miles from the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to the spaceport's visitor complex. The new $100 million 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' facility will include interactive exhibits that tell the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlights the future of space exploration. The 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' exhibit scheduled to open June 29, 2013.Photo credit: NASA_Cory Huston

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, construction crews remove 16,000 square feet of plastic shrink-wrap from the space shuttle Atlantis. The spacecraft was enclosed in the plastic shrink-wrap since November of last year to protect the artifact from dust and debris during construction of the 90,000-square-foot facility. Last November, the space shuttle Atlantis made its historic final journey to its new home, traveling 10 miles from the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to the spaceport's visitor complex. The new $100 million 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' facility will include interactive exhibits that tell the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlights the future of space exploration. The 'Space Shuttle Atlantis' exhibit scheduled to open June 29, 2013.Photo credit: NASA_Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Dan Mitchell, director of location-based entertainment for Rovio Entertainment, helps a child use a giant slingshot to launch a plush Angry Bird character during the grand opening of the new Angry Birds Space Encounter. Finland-based Rovio Entertainment, the creator of the Angry Birds Space game, partnered with Kennedy Space Center to bring the beloved characters to life. It is the first Angry Birds interactive exhibit in the United States designed for people of all ages. The 4,485-square-foot facility hosts the space adventures of the Angry Birds as they travel into an intergalactic wormhole, come face-to-face with Space Pigs and discover heroic superpowers. Six interactive stations are designed to encourage children in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields of study. Photo credit: NASA_Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, children try out some of the interactive exhibits inside the new Angry Birds Space Encounter after the grand opening ceremony for the new attraction. Finland-based Rovio Entertainment, the creator of the Angry Birds Space game, partnered with Kennedy Space Center to bring the beloved characters to life. It is the first Angry Birds interactive exhibit in the United States designed for people of all ages. The 4,485-square-foot facility hosts the space adventures of the Angry Birds as they travel into an intergalactic wormhole, come face-to-face with Space Pigs and discover heroic superpowers. Six interactive stations are designed to encourage children in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields of study. Photo credit: NASA_Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, visitors try out some of the interactive exhibits inside the Angry Birds Space Encounter after the grand opening ceremony for the new attraction. Finland-based Rovio Entertainment, the creator of the Angry Birds Space game, partnered with Kennedy Space Center to bring the beloved characters to life. It is the first Angry Birds interactive exhibit in the United States designed for people of all ages. The 4,485-square-foot facility hosts the space adventures of the Angry Birds as they travel into an intergalactic wormhole, come face-to-face with Space Pigs and discover heroic superpowers. Six interactive stations are designed to encourage children in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields of study. Photo credit: NASA_Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center Employees and guests placed wreaths and flowers at the Space Mirror Memorial at the spaceport's Visitor Complex during NASA's Day of Remembrance. The annual event took place on the 10th anniversary of the loss of the space shuttle Columbia and its crew and was hosted by the Astronauts Memorial Foundation. The ceremony also honored the astronauts of Apollo 1, who perished in 1967, and the shuttle Challenger, lost in 1986, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. Dedicated in 1991, the names of fallen astronauts are emblazoned the monument'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. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., standing, speaks to witnesses during a hearing of the U.S. House of Representatives' Subcommittee on Government Operations. From the left are Rep. Candace Miller, R-Mich., Rep. Bill Posey, R-Fla., Mica, the counsel for Rep. Mica, Rep. Ron Desantis, R-Fla., and Rep. Kerry Bentivollo, R-Mich. The Congressional hearing took place to review plans for putting vacant buildings and excess property at the Kennedy Space Center to their best and most productive use. Photo credit: NASA_Daniel Casper

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, NASA astronaut Don Pettit uses a giant slingshot to launch a plush Angry Bird character during the grand opening of the new Angry Birds Space Encounter. Standing behind Pettit is Red Bird, one of the Angry Bird characters. Finland-based Rovio Entertainment, the creator of the Angry Birds Space game, partnered with Kennedy Space Center to bring the beloved characters to life. It is the first Angry Birds interactive exhibit in the United States designed for people of all ages. The 4,485-square-foot facility hosts the space adventures of the Angry Birds as they travel into an intergalactic wormhole, come face-to-face with Space Pigs and discover heroic superpowers. Six interactive stations are designed to encourage children in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields of study. Photo credit: NASA_Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, National Space Club Florida Committee Chairman Jim McCarthy, at the podium, has just presented the prestigious Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award to Kennedy's director, Bob Cabana. A former U.S. Marine Corps aviator and NASA astronaut, Cabana was honored at the gala Debus Award Dinner. Named for the spaceport’s first director, the Debus Award was created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The Debus Award was created by the space club's Florida committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, National Space Club Florida Committee Chairman Jim McCarthy, left, presents the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award to Kennedy's director, Bob Cabana. A former U.S. Marine Corps aviator and NASA astronaut, Cabana was honored at the gala Debus Award Dinner. Named for the spaceport’s first director, the Debus Award was created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The Debus Award was created by the space club's Florida committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Kelvin Manning, associate deputy director of Kennedy Space Center, speaks to visitors during the grand opening of the new Angry Birds Space Encounter. To Manning’s left is Red Bird, one of the Angry Bird Space characters. Finland-based Rovio Entertainment, the creator of the Angry Birds Space game, partnered with Kennedy Space Center to bring the beloved characters to life. It is the first Angry Birds interactive exhibit in the United States designed for people of all ages. The 4,485-square-foot facility hosts the space adventures of the Angry Birds as they travel into an intergalactic wormhole, come face-to-face with Space Pigs and discover heroic superpowers. Six interactive stations are designed to encourage children in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields of study. Photo credit: NASA_Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center Employees and guests placed wreaths and flowers at the Space Mirror Memorial at the spaceport's Visitor Complex during NASA's Day of Remembrance. The annual event took place on the 10th anniversary of the loss of the space shuttle Columbia and its crew and was hosted by the Astronauts Memorial Foundation. The ceremony also honored the astronauts of Apollo 1, who perished in 1967, and the shuttle Challenger, lost in 1986, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. Dedicated in 1991, the names of fallen astronauts are emblazoned the monument'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. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center Employees and guests placed wreaths and flowers at the Space Mirror Memorial at the spaceport's Visitor Complex during NASA's Day of Remembrance. The annual event took place on the 10th anniversary of the loss of the space shuttle Columbia and its crew and was hosted by the Astronauts Memorial Foundation. The ceremony also honored the astronauts of Apollo 1, who perished in 1967, and the shuttle Challenger, lost in 1986, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. Dedicated in 1991, the names of fallen astronauts are emblazoned the monument'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. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, NASA astronaut Don Pettit speaks to visitors during the grand opening of the new Angry Birds Space Encounter. Standing behind Pettit, from left are Dan Mitchell, director of location-based entertainment for Rovio Entertainment Bill Moore, chief operating officer with the KSC visitor complex and Kelvin Manning, associate deputy director of Kennedy Space Center. Also in the photo is Red Bird, one of the Angry Bird Space characters. Finland-based Rovio Entertainment, the creator of the Angry Birds Space game, partnered with Kennedy Space Center to bring the beloved characters to life. It is the first Angry Birds interactive exhibit in the United States designed for people of all ages. The 4,485-square-foot facility hosts the space adventures of the Angry Birds as they travel into an intergalactic wormhole, come face-to-face with Space Pigs and discover heroic superpowers. Six interactive stations are designed to encourage children in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields of study. Photo credit: NASA_Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, center director Bob Cabana speaks after being presented the prestigious Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award. A former U.S. Marine Corps aviator and NASA astronaut, Cabana was honored at the gala Debus Award Dinner. Named for the spaceport’s first director, the Debus Award was created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The Debus Award was created by the space club's Florida committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., center, speaks to witnesses during a hearing of the U.S. House of Representatives' Subcommittee on Government Operations. From the left are Rep. Candace Miller, R-Mich., Rep. Bill Posey, R-Fla., Mica, the counsel for Rep. Mica, Rep. Ron Desantis, R-Fla., and Rep. Kerry Bentivollo, R-Mich. The Congressional hearing took place to review plans for putting vacant buildings and excess property at the Kennedy Space Center to their best and most productive use. Photo credit: NASA_Daniel Casper

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, the Spaceperson and Red Bird, one of the Angry Bird characters, welcome visitor to the Angry Birds Space Encounter grand opening ceremony. Finland-based Rovio Entertainment, the creator of the Angry Birds Space game, partnered with Kennedy Space Center to bring the beloved characters to life. It is the first Angry Birds interactive exhibit in the United States designed for people of all ages. The 4,485-square-foot facility hosts the space adventures of the Angry Birds as they travel into an intergalactic wormhole, come face-to-face with Space Pigs and discover heroic superpowers. Six interactive stations are designed to encourage children in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields of study. Photo credit: NASA_Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, visitors try out some of the interactive exhibits inside the Angry Birds Space Encounter after the grand opening ceremony for the new attraction. Finland-based Rovio Entertainment, the creator of the Angry Birds Space game, partnered with Kennedy Space Center to bring the beloved characters to life. It is the first Angry Birds interactive exhibit in the United States designed for people of all ages. The 4,485-square-foot facility hosts the space adventures of the Angry Birds as they travel into an intergalactic wormhole, come face-to-face with Space Pigs and discover heroic superpowers. Six interactive stations are designed to encourage children in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields of study. Photo credit: NASA_Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Dan Mitchell, director of location-based entertainment for Rovio Entertainment, speaks to visitors during the grand opening of the new Angry Birds Space Encounter. Standing behind Mitchell, from left are Bill Moore, chief operating officer with the KSC visitor complex NASA astronaut Don Pettit and Kelvin Manning, associate deputy director of Kennedy Space Center. Finland-based Rovio Entertainment, the creator of the Angry Birds Space game, partnered with Kennedy Space Center to bring the beloved characters to life. It is the first Angry Birds interactive exhibit in the United States designed for people of all ages. The 4,485-square-foot facility hosts the space adventures of the Angry Birds as they travel into an intergalactic wormhole, come face-to-face with Space Pigs and discover heroic superpowers. Six interactive stations are designed to encourage children in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields of study. Photo credit: NASA_Kim Shiflett