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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Program and mission managers meet for the traditional Flight Readiness Review, a thorough assessment of preparations for the mission. Among those seated at the table on the left are Center Director Jim Kennedy, Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier and Marshall Space Flight Center Director Dave King. Shuttle Program Manager Wayne Hale is seated under the center screen on the back wall. Also attending is NASA Administrator Mike Griffin. The June 16-17 meeting is designed to produce a number of key decisions about Discovery's mission, STS-121, including selection of an official launch date. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1140

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Program and mission managers meet for the traditional Flight Readiness Review, a thorough assessment of preparations for the mission. Among those seated at the tab More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA management waits for the launch of space shuttle Discovery on the STS-119 mission. From left are (standing) Director of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center Dave King, Center Director Bob Cabana, Director of NASA's Johnson Space Center Michael Coats, (seated) Space Shuttle Program Manager John Shannon, NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier and NASA Acting Administrator Chris Scolese. Launch was on time at 7:43 p.m. EDT. The STS-119 mission is the 28th to the space station and Discovery's 36th flight. Discovery will deliver the final pair of power-generating solar array wings and the S6 truss segment. Installation of S6 will signal the station's readiness to house a six-member crew for conducting increased science. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-2097

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA management waits for the launch of space shuttle Discovery on the STS-119 mission. From left More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In a special commemorative service held at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to honor NASA's fallen heroes, Kennedy Center Director Bill Parsons speaks to guests gathered in front of the Space Mirror Memorial. Other participants seated on the dais are (from left) NASA Administrator Michael Griffin; Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization G. Madhavan Nair; the 2007 Alan Shepard Technology in Education Award winner Luther Richardson; Shuttle Commander and former NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Readdy; NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier; Shuttle Commander Eileen Collins of the Return to Flight mission, STS-114; Evelyn Husband-Thompson, widow of Colonel Rick Husband; and Astronauts Memorial Foundation President Stephen Feldman. Kennedy marked the NASA Day of Remembrance with special ceremonies. This year the crew of Columbia was remembered in a special way on the day that marked the fifth anniversary of the Columbia accident. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0109

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In a special commemorative service held at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to honor NASA's fallen heroes, Kennedy Center Director Bill Parsons speaks to guests gathered More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Program and mission managers meet for the traditional Flight Readiness Review, a thorough assessment of preparations for the mission. Listening to a comment from attendees is NASA Administrator Mike Griffin (fourth to the right of the speaker) and Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier and KSC Deputy Director Bill Parsons, at far right. The June 16-17 meeting is designed to produce a number of key decisions about Discovery's mission, STS-121, including selection of an official launch date. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1143

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Program and mission managers meet for the traditional Flight Readiness Review, a thorough assessment of preparations for the mission. Listening to a comment from More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Former astronaut John Young addresses guests and attendees at a ceremony at the KSC Visitor Complex held in remembrance of the astronauts lost in the Apollo 1 fire: Virgil "Gus" Grissom, Edward H. White II and Roger B. Chaffee. Members of their families, along with Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier, President of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation Stephen Feldman, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation William Potter and former astronaut John Young, attended the ceremony. Behind the stage is the Space Mirror Memorial, designated as a national memorial by Congress and President George Bush in 1991 to honor fallen astronauts. Their names are emblazoned on the monument’s 42-1/2-foot-high by 50-foot-wide black granite surface as if to be projected into the heavens. Photo credit:NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd0183

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Former astronaut John Young addresses guests and attendees at a ceremony at the KSC Visitor Complex held in remembrance of the astronauts lost in the Apollo 1 fire: Virgil "Gus" More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Lowell Grissom addresses guests attending a ceremony at the KSC Visitor Complex held in remembrance of the astronauts lost in the Apollo 1 fire: Virgil "Gus" Grissom, Edward H. White II and Roger B. Chaffee. Grissom is the brother of Gus Grissom. Members of the Apollo 1 families, along with KSC Director Bill Parsons, Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier, President of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation Stephen Feldman, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation William Potter and former astronaut John Young (seen at lower right), attended the ceremony. Photo credit:NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd0176

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Lowell Grissom addresses guests attending a ceremony at the KSC Visitor Complex held in remembrance of the astronauts lost in the Apollo 1 fire: Virgil "Gus" Grissom, Edward H. Wh More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Flowers and plaque are in place in front of the Space Mirror Memorial at the KSC Visitor Complex for the ceremony held in remembrance of the astronauts lost in the Apollo 1 fire: Virgil "Gus" Grissom, Edward H. White II and Roger B. Chaffee. Members of their families, along with KSC Director Bill Parsons, Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier, President of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation Stephen Feldman and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation William Potter, attended the ceremony. The mirror was designated as a national memorial by Congress and President George Bush in 1991 to honor fallen astronauts. Their names are emblazoned on the monument’s 42-½-foot-high by 50-foot-wide black granite surface as if to be projected into the heavens. Photo credit:NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd0174

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Flowers and plaque are in place in front of the Space Mirror Memorial at the KSC Visitor Complex for the ceremony held in remembrance of the astronauts lost in the Apollo 1 fire: More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Ed White III touches his father's name engraved in the Space Mirror Memorial at the KSC Visitor Complex. White attended the ceremony held in remembrance of the astronauts lost in the Apollo 1 fire: Virgil "Gus" Grissom, Edward H. White II and Roger B. Chaffee. Members of their families, along with KSC Director Bill Parsons, Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier, President of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation Stephen Feldman and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation William Potter, attended the ceremony. The mirror was designated as a national memorial by Congress and President George Bush in 1991 to honor fallen astronauts. Their names are emblazoned on the monument’s 42-½-foot-high by 50-foot-wide black granite surface as if to be projected into the heavens. Photo credit:NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd0180

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Ed White III touches his father's name engraved in the Space Mirror Memorial at the KSC Visitor Complex. White attended the ceremony held in remembrance of the astronauts lost in More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Guests are gathered on stage during a ceremony at the KSC Visitor Complex held in remembrance of the astronauts lost in the Apollo 1 fire: Virgil "Gus" Grissom, Edward H. White II and Roger B. Chaffee. Among those gathered on stage are (from left) Faith Johnson, daughter of Theodore Freeman and Martha Chaffee, daughter of Roger Chaffee, Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier and KSC Director Bill Parsons, plus former astronaut John Young (second from right). Members of the astronauts' families were guests at the ceremony. At the podium is Stephen Feldman, president of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation. Behind the stage is the Space Mirror Memorial, designated as a national memorial by Congress and President George Bush in 1991 to honor fallen astronauts. Their names are emblazoned on the monument’s 42-1/2-foot-high by 50-foot-wide black granite surface as if to be projected into the heavens. Photo credit:NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd0182

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Guests are gathered on stage during a ceremony at the KSC Visitor Complex held in remembrance of the astronauts lost in the Apollo 1 fire: Virgil "Gus" Grissom, Edward H. White More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Guests and attendees salute the U.S. flag during a ceremony at the KSC Visitor Complex held in remembrance of the astronauts lost in the Apollo 1 fire: Virgil "Gus" Grissom, Edward H. White II and Roger B. Chaffee. Among those gathered on stage are (from left) Faith Johnson, daughter of Theodore Freeman and Martha Chaffee, daughter of Roger Chaffee, Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier and KSC Director Bill Parsons, plus former astronaut John Young and Lowell Grissom, brother of Gus Grissom (far right). At the podium is Stephen Feldman, president of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation. Behind the stage is the Space Mirror Memorial, designated as a national memorial by Congress and President George Bush in 1991 to honor fallen astronauts. Their names are emblazoned on the monument’s 42-½-foot-high by 50-foot-wide black granite surface as if to be projected into the heavens. Photo credit:NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd0175

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Guests and attendees salute the U.S. flag during a ceremony at the KSC Visitor Complex held in remembrance of the astronauts lost in the Apollo 1 fire: Virgil "Gus" Grissom, Edwar More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Kennedy Space Center Director Bill Parsons (right) addresses guests attending a ceremony at the KSC Visitor Complex held in remembrance of the astronauts lost in the Apollo 1 fire: Virgil "Gus" Grissom, Edward H. White II and Roger B. Chaffee. Members of their families, along with Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier, President of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation Stephen Feldman, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation William Potter and former astronaut John Young, attended the ceremony. Photo credit:NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd0177

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Kennedy Space Center Director Bill Parsons (right) addresses guests attending a ceremony at the KSC Visitor Complex held in remembrance of the astronauts lost in the Apollo 1 fire More

STS118-S-076 (21 Aug. 2007) --- NASA Administrator Michael Griffin (right), and NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier watch as the space shuttle Endeavour touches down Aug. 21, 2007, at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida, concluding STS-118. Photo Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls STS118-S-076

STS118-S-076 (21 Aug. 2007) --- NASA Administrator Michael Griffin (right), and NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier watch as the space shuttle Endeavour touches down Aug. 21, More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-118 crew is welcomed back to Earth by NASA officials after completing mission STS-118. From left are Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach, Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier, Commander Scott Kelly, Pilot Charlie Hobaugh, NASA Administrator Mike Griffin, and Mission Specialists Tracy Caldwell, Rick Mastracchio and Canadian astronaut Dave Williams. On the mission, the crew installed a new gyroscope, an external spare parts platform and another truss segment to the expanding station. Endeavour's main gear touched down at 12:32:16 p.m. EDT. Nose gear touchdown was at 12:32:29 p.m. and wheel stop was at 12:33:20 p.m. Endeavour landed on orbit 201. STS-118 was the 119th space shuttle flight, the 22nd flight to the station, the 20th flight for Endeavour and the second of four missions planned for 2007. This was the 65th landing of an orbiter at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2336

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-118 crew is welcomed back to Earth by NASA officials after completing mission STS-118. From left are Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach, Associate Administrator for S More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- (From left) NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier; Evelyn Husband-Thompson, widow of Colonel Rick Husband, who died in the space shuttle Columbia accident; and NASA Administrator Michael Griffin pause in front of the flowers left in remembrance of the fallen heroes. Kennedy marked the NASA Day of Remembrance with special ceremonies. This year the crew of Columbia was remembered in a special way on the day that marked the fifth anniversary of the Columbia accident. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0112

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- (From left) NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier; Evelyn Husband-Thompson, widow of Colonel Rick Husband, who died in the space shuttle Columbia a More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a post-landing news conference, NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier and Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (center and right) answer questions from the media. At left is Assistant Administrator for NASA Public Affairs David Mould. After a round trip of nearly 5.3 million miles, space shuttle Atlantis and crew returned to Earth with a landing at 9:07 a.m. EST. The shuttle landed on orbit 202 to complete the 13-day STS-122 mission. Main gear touchdown was 9:07:10 a.m. Nose gear touchdown was 9:07:20 a.m. Wheel stop was at 9:08:08 a.m. Mission elapsed time was 12 days, 18 hours, 21 minutes and 44 seconds. During the mission, Atlantis' crew installed the new Columbus laboratory, leaving a larger space station and one with increased science capabilities. The Columbus Research Module adds nearly 1,000 cubic feet of habitable volume and affords room for 10 experiment racks, each an independent science lab. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd0410

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a post-landing news conference, NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier and Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (center and right) answer questi More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a post-landing news conference, NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier (center) responds to a question from the media. At right is Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach; at left is Assistant Administrator for NASA Public Affairs David Mould. After a round trip of nearly 5.3 million miles, space shuttle Atlantis and crew returned to Earth with a landing at 9:07 a.m. EST. The shuttle landed on orbit 202 to complete the 13-day STS-122 mission. Main gear touchdown was 9:07:10 a.m. Nose gear touchdown was 9:07:20 a.m. Wheel stop was at 9:08:08 a.m. Mission elapsed time was 12 days, 18 hours, 21 minutes and 44 seconds. During the mission, Atlantis' crew installed the new Columbus laboratory, leaving a larger space station and one with increased science capabilities. The Columbus Research Module adds nearly 1,000 cubic feet of habitable volume and affords room for 10 experiment racks, each an independent science lab. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd0411

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a post-landing news conference, NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier (center) responds to a question from the media. At right is Shuttle Launc More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After exiting the crew transport vehicle, STS-122 Pilot Alan Poindexter (left) and Commander Steve Frick talk to Director of Mission Launch Integration LeRoy Cain and NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier. After a round trip of nearly 5.3 million miles, space shuttle Atlantis and crew returned to Earth with a landing at 9:07 a.m. EST. The shuttle landed on orbit 202 to complete the 13-day STS-122 mission. Main gear touchdown was 9:07:10 a.m. Nose gear touchdown was 9:07:20 a.m. Wheel stop was at 9:08:08 a.m. Mission elapsed time was 12 days, 18 hours, 21 minutes and 44 seconds. During the mission, Atlantis' crew installed the new Columbus laboratory, leaving a larger space station and one with increased science capabilities. The Columbus Research Module adds nearly 1,000 cubic feet of habitable volume and affords room for 10 experiment racks, each an independent science lab. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd0403

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After exiting the crew transport vehicle, STS-122 Pilot Alan Poindexter (left) and Commander Steve Frick talk to Director of Mission Launch Integration LeRoy Cain and NASA Associa More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After exiting the crew transport vehicle, STS-122 crew members are greeted by NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier (right) and Director of Mission Launch Integration LeRoy Cain (second from right). After a round trip of nearly 5.3 million miles, space shuttle Atlantis and crew returned to Earth with a landing at 9:07 a.m. EST. The shuttle landed on orbit 202 to complete the 13-day STS-122 mission. Main gear touchdown was 9:07:10 a.m. Nose gear touchdown was 9:07:20 a.m. Wheel stop was at 9:08:08 a.m. Mission elapsed time was 12 days, 18 hours, 21 minutes and 44 seconds. During the mission, Atlantis' crew installed the new Columbus laboratory, leaving a larger space station and one with increased science capabilities. The Columbus Research Module adds nearly 1,000 cubic feet of habitable volume and affords room for 10 experiment racks, each an independent science lab. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd0399

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After exiting the crew transport vehicle, STS-122 crew members are greeted by NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier (right) and Director of Missio More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a post-landing news conference, Assistant Administrator for NASA Public Affairs David Mould (left) introduces NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier and Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach. They concurred they were happy with the performance of space shuttle Atlantis on the STS-122 mission and looking forward to the next mission, STS-123 in March. After a round trip of nearly 5.3 million miles, space shuttle Atlantis and crew returned to Earth with a landing at 9:07 a.m. EST. The shuttle landed on orbit 202 to complete the 13-day STS-122 mission. Main gear touchdown was 9:07:10 a.m. Nose gear touchdown was 9:07:20 a.m. Wheel stop was at 9:08:08 a.m. Mission elapsed time was 12 days, 18 hours, 21 minutes and 44 seconds. During the mission, Atlantis' crew installed the new Columbus laboratory, leaving a larger space station and one with increased science capabilities. The Columbus Research Module adds nearly 1,000 cubic feet of habitable volume and affords room for 10 experiment racks, each an independent science lab. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd0409

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a post-landing news conference, Assistant Administrator for NASA Public Affairs David Mould (left) introduces NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenma More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A Senate field hearing held at the Canaveral Port Authority and chaired by Florida Sen. Bill Nelson (third from right on the dais) focuses on workforce related challenges at NASA's Kennedy Space Center and potential solutions to mitigate the transition's effects on the community. The hearing examined issues surrounding the retirement of the space shuttle and the transition to the new Orion/Ares system. At Nelson's right is Florida Sen. Mel Martinez. Seated at left are NASA representatives Deputy Associate Administrator of Exploration Systems Doug Cooke, Administrator Michael Griffin and Associate Administrator of Space Operations William Gerstenmaier. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd1804

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A Senate field hearing held at the Canaveral Port Authority and chaired by Florida Sen. Bill Nelson (third from right on the dais) focuses on workforce related challenges at NASA's Kenned More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A Senate field hearing held at the Canaveral Port Authority and chaired by Florida Sen. Bill Nelson (third from right on the dais) focuses on workforce related challenges at NASA's Kennedy Space Center and potential solutions to mitigate the transition's effects on the community. The hearing examined issues surrounding the retirement of the space shuttle and the transition to the new Orion/Ares system. At the table representing NASA are Administrator Michael Griffin and Associate Administrator of Space Operations William Gerstenmaier. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd1808

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A Senate field hearing held at the Canaveral Port Authority and chaired by Florida Sen. Bill Nelson (third from right on the dais) focuses on workforce related challenges at NASA's Kenne More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A Senate field hearing held at the Canaveral Port Authority and chaired by Florida Sen. Bill Nelson (third from right on the dais) focuses on workforce related challenges at NASA's Kennedy Space Center and potential solutions to mitigate the transition's effects on the community. The hearing examined issues surrounding the retirement of the space shuttle and the transition to the new Orion/Ares system. At the table representing NASA are Deputy Associate Administrator of Exploration Systems Doug Cooke, Administrator Michael Griffin and Associate Administrator of Space Operations William Gerstenmaier. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd1807

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A Senate field hearing held at the Canaveral Port Authority and chaired by Florida Sen. Bill Nelson (third from right on the dais) focuses on workforce related challenges at NASA's Kenned More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A Senate field hearing held at the Canaveral Port Authority and chaired by Florida Sen. Bill Nelson (third from right on the dais) focuses on workforce related challenges at NASA's Kennedy Space Center and potential solutions to mitigate the transition's effects on the community. The hearing examined issues surrounding the retirement of the space shuttle and the transition to the new Orion/Ares system. At the table representing NASA are Administrator Michael Griffin and Associate Administrator of Space Operations William Gerstenmaier. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd1809

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A Senate field hearing held at the Canaveral Port Authority and chaired by Florida Sen. Bill Nelson (third from right on the dais) focuses on workforce related challenges at NASA's Kenne More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A Senate field hearing held at the Canaveral Port Authority and chaired by Florida Sen. Bill Nelson (third from right on the dais) focuses on workforce related challenges at NASA's Kennedy Space Center and potential solutions to mitigate the transition's effects on the community. The hearing examined issues surrounding the retirement of the space shuttle and the transition to the new Orion/Ares system. At the table representing NASA are Deputy Associate Administrator of Exploration Systems Doug Cooke, Administrator Michael Griffin and Associate Administrator of Space Operations William Gerstenmaier. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd1806

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A Senate field hearing held at the Canaveral Port Authority and chaired by Florida Sen. Bill Nelson (third from right on the dais) focuses on workforce related challenges at NASA's Kenned More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A Senate field hearing held at the Canaveral Port Authority and chaired by Florida Sen. Bill Nelson (right) focuses on workforce related challenges at NASA's Kennedy Space Center and potential solutions to mitigate the transition's effects on the community. The hearing examined issues surrounding the retirement of the space shuttle and the transition to the new Orion/Ares system. On the left is Florida Sen. Mel Martinez. NASA was represented by Deputy Associate Administrator of Exploration Systems Doug Cooke, Administrator Michael Griffin and Associate Administrator of Space Operations William Gerstenmaier. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd1805

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A Senate field hearing held at the Canaveral Port Authority and chaired by Florida Sen. Bill Nelson (right) focuses on workforce related challenges at NASA's Kennedy Space Center and pote More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-127 crew members are greeted by NASA officials. From left, President of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Keiji Tachikawa shakes the hand of Pilot Doug Hurley; JEM Development Project Team Project Manager Koki Oikawa and Acting Administrator of Exploration Systems Doug Cook greet Mission Specialist Julie Payette, with the Canadian Space Agency; Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier and Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana greet Mission Specialist Tom Marshburn; and Mission Specialist Dave Wolf follows. The crew returned to Earth on space shuttle Endeavour to complete the 16-day, 6.5-million mile journey on the STS-127 mission to the International Space Station. Endeavour's main gear touchdown was at 10:48:08 a.m. EDT. Nose gear touchdown was at 10:48:21 a.m. and wheels stop was at 10:49:13 a.m. Endeavour delivered the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section to the International Space Station. The mission was the 29th flight to the station, the 23rd flight of Endeavour and the 127th in the Space Shuttle Program, as well as the 71st landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-4315

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-127 crew members are greeted by NASA officials. From left, President of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Keiji Tachikawa shakes the ha More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At a post-landing news conference, Public Affairs Officer Allard Beutel (far left) moderates the question-and-answer session with NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier, President of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Keiji Tachikawa, Director General of Operations in the Canadian Space Agency Benoit Marcotte, space shuttle Launch Integration Manager Mike Moses and STS-127 Launch Director Pete Nickolenko. Space shuttle Endeavour and crew returned to Earth at 10:48 a.m. EDT to conclude the STS-127 mission. Endeavour delivered the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section to the International Space Station. The mission was the 29th flight to the station, the 23rd flight of Endeavour and the 127th in the Space Shuttle Program, as well as the 71st landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-4372

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At a post-landing news conference, Public Affairs Officer Allard Beutel (far left) moderates the question-and-answer session with NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations Willia More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Director of Launch Vehicle Processing Rita Willcoxon points out an area near the landing gear on space shuttle Endeavour to Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier. Endeavour landed at 10:48 a.m. EDT, completing the 6.5-million mile journey on the STS-127 mission to the International Space Station. Endeavour's main gear touchdown was at 10:48:08 a.m. EDT. Nose gear touchdown was at 10:48:21 a.m. and wheels stop was at 10:49:13 a.m. Endeavour delivered the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section to the International Space Station. The mission was the 29th flight to the station, the 23rd flight of Endeavour and the 127th in the Space Shuttle Program, as well as the 71st landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-4309

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Director of Launch Vehicle Processing Rita Willcoxon points out an area near the landing gear on space shuttle Endeavour to Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmai More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-127 crew members are greeted by NASA officials. From left are Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier, Commander Mark Polansky, Mission Specialists Julie Payette, Tom Marshburn, Dave Wolf and Christopher Cassidy. The crew returned to Earth on space shuttle Endeavour to complete the 16-day, 6.5-million mile journey on the STS-127 mission to the International Space Station. Main gear touchdown was at 10:48:08 a.m. EDT. Nose gear touchdown was at 10:48:21 a.m. and wheels stop was at 10:49:13 a.m. Endeavour delivered the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section to the International Space Station. The mission was the 29th flight to the station, the 23rd flight of Endeavour and the 127th in the Space Shuttle Program, as well as the 71st landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-4314

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-127 crew members are greeted by NASA officials. From left are Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier, Commande More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At a post-landing news conference at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, participants respond with smiles to a question from the media. From left are NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier, President of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Keiji Tachikawa, Director General of Operations in the Canadian Space Agency Benoit Marcotte, space shuttle Launch Integration Manager Mike Moses and STS-127 Launch Director Pete Nickolenko. Space shuttle Endeavour and crew returned to Earth at 10:48 a.m. EDT to conclude the STS-127 mission. Endeavour delivered the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section to the International Space Station. The mission was the 29th flight to the station, the 23rd flight of Endeavour and the 127th in the Space Shuttle Program, as well as the 71st landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-4374

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At a post-landing news conference at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, participants respond with smiles to a question from the media. From left are NASA Associate Administrator f More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier speaks to a crowd gathered in front of the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida to honor space shuttle Challenger's STS-51L crew members who gave their lives for while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the loss of Challenger, which broke apart over the Atlantic Ocean 73 seconds into flight on Jan. 28, 1986. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-1233

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier speaks to a crowd gathered in front of the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Flo More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Dr. June Scobee Rodgers, the founding chair of the Challenger Center for Space Science Education and widow of space shuttle Challenger's STS-51L Commander Dick Scobee, left, talks with former Shuttle Launch Director Bob Sieck, NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana and NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier. They are gathered in front of the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida to honor the Challenger crew members who gave their lives for while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the loss of Challenger, which broke apart over the Atlantic Ocean 73 seconds into flight on Jan. 28, 1986. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-1220

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Dr. June Scobee Rodgers, the founding chair of the Challenger Center for Space Science Education and widow of space shuttle Challenger's STS-51L Commander Dick Scobee, left, talks with f More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Dr. June Scobee Rodgers, the founding chair of the Challenger Center for Space Science Education and widow of space shuttle Challenger's STS-51L Commander Dick Scobee, and NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier pay their respects to the space shuttle Challenger crew members who gave their lives for while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery at the foot of the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the loss of Challenger, which broke apart over the Atlantic Ocean 73 seconds into flight on Jan. 28, 1986. NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2011-1245

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Dr. June Scobee Rodgers, the founding chair of the Challenger Center for Space Science Education and widow of space shuttle Challenger's STS-51L Commander Dick Scobee, and NASA Associate More