DOCSLIB.ORG

2002 Annual Report

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

Table of Contents Center Director’s Message............................................. 2 NASA Vision and Mission ............................................... 4 KSC Goals and Principles................................................5 The President’s Mgmt. Agenda....................................... 6 Significant Events......................................................... 10 Expendable Launch Vehicle Program .......................... 12 Space Shuttle Program ................................................ 14 Shuttle Upgrades ......................................................... 18 International Space Station and Shuttle Payload Processing .................................. 22 Payload Carriers Program............................................ 26 Spaceport and Range Technologies ............................ 28 Future Vehicles ............................................................ 32 Safety and Health First................................................. 34 Environmental Stewardship ......................................... 36 Partnerships ................................................................. 38 Outreach to the World .................................................. 44 Education ..................................................................... 46 KSC Business Report....................................................48 Economic Impact Workforce Diversity Procurement Report Financial Statement 2 2002 Annual Report A Message from the Center Director This year Kennedy Space KSC is actively involved in the areas of Next Center (KSC) marked 40 Generation Launch Technologies (NGLT) and the years of pioneering the development of new Spaceport and Range future. The 1960s were an Technologies. With NGLT, we engaged in and have exciting time at KSC as the influenced the design criteria for future vehicles with New World set out to explore operational and human factors considerations. The even newer worlds from our Spaceport and Range Technology Development launch pads. All eyes initiatives are pressing forward and making steadfast focused on Florida as progress in developing technologies that are America took its first steps in essential for next generation spaceports and ranges. the race for space. As a result of a shared vision with the state of Heroes were made and Florida, the Space Experiment Research and everyone knew them by Processing Laboratory (SERPL) and the 400-acre name. They represented everything good about our International Space Research Park are fast becoming country, but especially its spirit of exploration and part of our Space Center’s landscape. SERPL will opening new frontiers of human experience. soon host the world’s most prominent scientists, who During the tireless space race to see which will push the frontiers of research using facilities and country would first launch a satellite, orbit the Earth, the unique environment of microgravity aboard the and ultimately land on the moon, no one thought that International Space Station. we would one day work in partnership with our former Even as we reflected on 40 years of launches, principal adversary. We held our breath and prayed evolving spacecraft and amazing discoveries, we for the survival of those first explorers. Today we unveiled our spaceport vision for the next fifty years – cherish those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the Cape Canaveral Spaceport Master Plan. NASA/ future generations as courageous heroes. Kennedy Space Center, the Air Force’s 45th Space The spirit and dreams of discovery born during Wing, and the Florida Space Authority created this those early days of the 1960s still live on at KSC as plan with support from the Canaveral Port Authority, we continue to inspire the next generation of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park explorers – as only NASA can. Service and the Department of the Navy. The plan This year we commemorated the 112th Space envisions a future of low-cost, safe and efficient Shuttle launch and 33rd Expendable Launch Vehicle space travel and provides a way to expand our (ELV) launch since KSC became the manager of the spaceport capabilities and facilities while protecting ELV program in October 1998. All but one of this the Space Coast’s unique environmental treasures. year’s Shuttle missions focused on the daunting task We hope you will join with us as partners in our of building the most complex laboratory ever built, the future efforts to explore space as a One NASA team International Space Station (ISS). of NASA Centers, and support industry and academia More than 390,000 pounds of ISS components organizations. Together, we will share in the are in orbit today and another 110,000 pounds will be excitement and new discoveries that will come as we processed during the coming year to achieve “U.S. commit our passion and excellence to advancing the Core Complete.” KSC played a crucial role in making state of the art in space launch operations and in sure everything worked when it got to orbit, always Spaceport and Range Technologies to serve our remembering the seriousness of our responsibilities. customers and civilization well in the future. Roy D. Bridges Jr. Ivor Webster art rendering of a future Kennedy Space Center spaceport. Kennedy Space Center Strategic Goals and Guiding Principles The strategic goals and guiding principles developed at KSC mirror the dedication, excellence and integrity of investing in America’s future through continued space exploration. Goals • Assure and advance access to space for exploration, development, and use • Provide innovative spacecraft and range technologies for safe space operations and exploration missions • Provide and assure safe, world-class services Principles • Safety and Health First • Build Reliance and Teamwork Everywhere • Satisfy Our Customers’ Needs Anytime, Anywhere • Environmental Leadership 6 2002 Annual Report The President’s Management Agenda NASA and the Kennedy Space Center fully embrace Improved Financial Performance the principles of the President’s Management Agenda The Center is committed to improving systems and as a tool to improve government performance. NASA procedures for financial planning, reporting and has received accolades from the Office of management. KSC is making final preparations for Management and Budget (OMB) for leading other implementation of the Core Financial Module, a government departments and agencies in critical subsystem of NASA’s Integrated Financial implementation of the five government-wide Management Program (IFMP), in FY2003. Other initiatives, and KSC is proud to play a role in the system modules for functions such as time and Agency’s progress in these areas: attendance reporting and personnel management have already been activated as tools to enhance the Strategic Management of Human Capital Center’s financial accountability. KSC’s most valuable asset is its workforce and recognizes that the issues associated with an aging e-Government workforce and an increasingly competitive hiring KSC is enhancing the way it uses information environment pose a challenge to building capabilities technology and electronic tools to improve for the future. NASA has formulated a detailed communication of the Agency’s mission results, Strategic Human Capital Implementation Plan to products, plans and programs, and to enhance guide the Agency; and in support of these strategies, information exchange among employees and KSC successfully completed deployment of a contractors. KSC has historically demonstrated web- Centerwide competency management system pilot based systems leadership, and continues to project to identify competencies and skill gaps in key champion initiatives to enable more citizen-centered technical and functional areas. electronic government. Competitive Sourcing Budget and Performance Integration KSC continues to use competitive procurements to KSC continues to improve the linkage between the obtain a vast majority of our programs and services. budget and performance planning to ensure Even though the Agency will continue to undertake programs are accountable for their results. KSC’s scientific and technical projects on its own, KSC is FY2004 budget submittal was formatted to support committed to expanding the use of competition to NASA’s Full Cost Initiative and Integrated Budget and accomplish the mission in the most affordable and Performance Document (IBPD). efficient manner. In accordance with the Federal Activities Inventory Reform (FAIR) Act, KSC submitted a comprehensive update to the FAIR Act Inventory and a Competitive Sourcing Plan, and has exceeded the initial competitive sourcing goals set by the OMB. Sunset-shaded clouds fill the sky as the launch tower on pad 17-A, CCAFS, rolls back to reveal the Boeing Delta II rocket with NASA’s Comet Nucleus Tour (CONTOUR) spacecraft Inside an Orbiter Processing Facility bay, Space Shuttle Columbia readied for its move to the Vehicle Assembly Building. The orbiter was being prepared to fly on mission STS-107, which launched Jan. 16, 2003. The STS-107 mission was dedicated to microgravity research. Columbia and her seven member crew were lost during reentry, Feb. 1, 2003. The Lockheed Martin Atlas IIA rocket lifts off from Launch Pad 36- A, CCAFS, with NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite-I (TDRS-I) aboard, March 8, 2002. 10 2002 Annual Report Significant Events During Fiscal Year 2002 11/13/01 - NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) 2/12/01 – KSC takes part in a Space Day celebration received the prestigious Franklin
Recommended publications
  • The Turtle Club

    The Turtle Club

    The Turtle Club The Turtle Club was dreamed up by test pilots during WWII, the Interstellar Association of Turtles believes that you never get anywhere in life without sticking your neck out. When asked,” Are you a Turtle?” Shepard leads you must answer with the password in full no matter the Corvette how embarassing or inappropriate the timing is, or and Astronaut you forfeit a beverage of their choice. parade, Coca Beach, FL. To become a part of the time honored tradition, you must be 18 years of age or older and be approved by the Imperial Potentate or High Potentate. Memebership cards will be individually signed by Wally Schirra and Schirra rides his Sigma 7 Ed Buckbee. A limited number of memberships are Mercury available. Apply today by filling out the order form spacecraft. below or by visiting www.apogee.com and follow the prompts to be a card carrying member of the Turtle Club! A portion of the monies raised by the Turtle Club Membership Drive will be donated to the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation and Space Camp Scholarships. Turtle Club co-founder Shepard, High Potentate Buckbee and Imeperial Potentate and co-founder Schirra enjoy a gotcha! Order your copy today of The Real Space Cowboys along with your Turtle Club Membership _______________________________________________ Name _______________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ City ___________________________ __________________ State Zip _______________________________________________ email ______________________ _____ __________________ Phone Age Birthdate You must be 18 years of age or older to become a member of the Turtle Club. __ No. of books @ $23.95 ______ Available Spring 2005 __ No.
  • Space Sector Brochure

    Space Sector Brochure

    SPACE SPACE REVOLUTIONIZING THE WAY TO SPACE SPACECRAFT TECHNOLOGIES PROPULSION Moog provides components and subsystems for cold gas, chemical, and electric Moog is a proven leader in components, subsystems, and systems propulsion and designs, develops, and manufactures complete chemical propulsion for spacecraft of all sizes, from smallsats to GEO spacecraft. systems, including tanks, to accelerate the spacecraft for orbit-insertion, station Moog has been successfully providing spacecraft controls, in- keeping, or attitude control. Moog makes thrusters from <1N to 500N to support the space propulsion, and major subsystems for science, military, propulsion requirements for small to large spacecraft. and commercial operations for more than 60 years. AVIONICS Moog is a proven provider of high performance and reliable space-rated avionics hardware and software for command and data handling, power distribution, payload processing, memory, GPS receivers, motor controllers, and onboard computing. POWER SYSTEMS Moog leverages its proven spacecraft avionics and high-power control systems to supply hardware for telemetry, as well as solar array and battery power management and switching. Applications include bus line power to valves, motors, torque rods, and other end effectors. Moog has developed products for Power Management and Distribution (PMAD) Systems, such as high power DC converters, switching, and power stabilization. MECHANISMS Moog has produced spacecraft motion control products for more than 50 years, dating back to the historic Apollo and Pioneer programs. Today, we offer rotary, linear, and specialized mechanisms for spacecraft motion control needs. Moog is a world-class manufacturer of solar array drives, propulsion positioning gimbals, electric propulsion gimbals, antenna positioner mechanisms, docking and release mechanisms, and specialty payload positioners.
  • Colonel Gordon Cooper, US Air Force Leroy Gordon

    Colonel Gordon Cooper, US Air Force Leroy Gordon

    Colonel Gordon Cooper, U.S. Air Force Leroy Gordon "Gordo" Cooper Jr. was an American aerospace engineer, U.S. Air Force pilot, test pilot, and one of the seven original astronauts in Project Mercury, the first manned space program of the U.S. Cooper piloted the longest and final Mercury spaceflight in 1963. He was the first American to sleep in space during that 34-hour mission and was the last American to be launched alone to conduct an entirely solo orbital mission. In 1965, Cooper flew as Command Pilot of Gemini 5. Early life and education: Cooper was born on 6 March 1927 in Shawnee, OK to Leroy Gordon Cooper Sr. (Colonel, USAF, Ret.) and Hattie Lee Cooper. He was active in the Boy Scouts where he achieved its second highest rank, Life Scout. Cooper attended Jefferson Elementary School and Shawnee High School and was involved in football and track. He moved to Murray, KY about two months before graduating with his class in 1945 when his father, Leroy Cooper Sr., a World War I veteran, was called back into service. He graduated from Murray High School in 1945. Cooper married his first wife Trudy B. Olson (1927– 1994) in 1947. She was a Seattle native and flight instructor where he was training. Together, they had two daughters: Camala and Janita Lee. The couple divorced in 1971. Cooper married Suzan Taylor in 1972. Together, they had two daughters: Elizabeth and Colleen. The couple remained married until his death in 2004. After he learned that the Army and Navy flying schools were not taking any candidates the year he graduated from high school, he decided to enlist in the Marine Corps.
  • Original Space Art Purpose

    Original Space Art Purpose

    Original Space Art Purpose of Illustrate the precision and beauty of two of America’s premiere space artists. Scope Paul & Chris Calle All material are original sketches and paintings created by Paul and Chris Calle. When a choice of cachets was available, artwork that most closely replicated the postage stamp was chosen. Plan Project Mercury 1959-1963 Project Gemini 1962-1966 Project Apollo 1961-1975 “They really wanted to send a dog, but they decided that would be too cruel.” Alan Shepard In 1962 NASA Administrator Jim Webb invited artists to record the strange new world of space. Of the original cadre, Paul Calle, an illustrator of science fiction book covers, joined Robert McCall and six others and began to sketch. As commissioned artists they received $800 and access to draw a blossoming manned space program. Over the years the NASA Art Program would include the works of pop artist Andy Warhol, photographer Annie Leibovitz, and American illustrator Norman Rockwell. Paul Calle remained associated with NASA from Mercury through Gemini, Apollo, and the Space Shuttle. Over the years, he helped guide his son Chris to become a serious artist in his own right. Paul would design over 50 stamps for the Post Office Department and the US Postal Service including the Gemini space twins in 1967 and the First Man on the Moon issue of 1969. To beat the Soviets in putting a man in space, the US Air Force selected nine pilots Chris collaborated with his father on two space stamps to celebrate the 25th for Man In Space Soonest (MISS).
  • The John Glenn Story – 1963

    The John Glenn Story – 1963

    Video Transcript for Archival Research Catalog (ARC) Identifier 45022 The John Glenn Story – 1963 President Kennedy: There are milestones in human progress that mark recorded history. From my judgment, this nation’s orbital pioneering in space is of such historic stature, representing as it does, a vast advancement that will profoundly influence the progress of all mankind. It signals also a call for alertness to our national opportunities and responsibilities. It requires physical and moral stamina to equal the stresses of these times and a willingness to meet the dangers and the challenges of the future. John Glenn throughout his life has eloquently portrayed these great qualities and is an inspiration to all Americans. This film, in paying tribute to John Glenn, also pays tribute to the best in American life. [Introductory Music] Narrator: New Concord, Ohio wasn’t on many maps until February 20, 1962. It came to fame in a single day with an American adventure that history will call the John Glenn Story. Fashioned in the American image, this pleasant little city typifies a nation’s ideal way of life. A man might make a good life here in the circle of family and friends. And a boy might let his imagination soar. [Music] He might explore the wonders of the wide world all about him, life’s simple mysteries. With bright discovery daily opening doors to knowledge, he can look away to distant places, to exciting adventures, hidden only by the horizon and the future. Like this boy, like boys everywhere, young John Glenn dreamed of the future as he looked to far away new frontiers – why he might even learn to fly.
  • Celebrate Apollo

    Celebrate Apollo

    National Aeronautics and Space Administration Celebrate Apollo Exploring The Moon, Discovering Earth “…We go into space because whatever mankind must undertake, free men must fully share. … I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to Earth. No single space project in this period will be more exciting, or more impressive to mankind, or more important for the long-range exploration of space; and none will be so difficult or expensive to accomplish …” President John F. Kennedy May 25, 1961 Celebrate Apollo Exploring The Moon, Discovering Earth Less than five months into his new administration, on May 25, 1961, President John F. Kennedy, announced the dramatic and ambitious goal of sending an American safely to the moon before the end of the decade. Coming just three weeks after Mercury astronaut Alan Shepard became the first American in space, Kennedy’s bold challenge that historic spring day set the nation on a journey unparalleled in human history. Just eight years later, on July 20, 1969, Apollo 11 commander Neil Armstrong stepped out of the lunar module, taking “one small step” in the Sea of Tranquility, thus achieving “one giant leap for mankind,” and demonstrating to the world that the collective will of the nation was strong enough to overcome any obstacle. It was an achievement that would be repeated five other times between 1969 and 1972. By the time the Apollo 17 mission ended, 12 astronauts had explored the surface of the moon, and the collective contributions of hundreds of thousands of engineers, scientists, astronauts and employees of NASA served to inspire our nation and the world.

  • Astronaut Buzz Aldrin: Armstrong on the Surface

    EXPLORER A4 THE PRESS OF ATLANTIC CITY MONDAY, JULY 20, 2009 The 40th anniversary of Apollo 11 Apollo 15 Apollo 17 Apollo 11 Apollo 12 Apollo 14 Apollo 16 About Apollo 11 The $20 billion Apollo moon land- ing program led to six successful Saturn V moon landings. The first was on July 20, 1969. Three astronauts rocket were on the Apollo 11 mission. Command Michael Collins remained in orbit module: around the moon while Neil Three seats Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin flew the lunar lander to the moon’s surface. Service Armstrong was the first man to walk module: on the moon. An automat- Fuel and ed television camera rocket engine broadcast him step- Associated Press photo ping onto the lunar The second man to walk the moon, Buzz Aldrin planted an American flag on July 20, 1969. surface and saying, “That’s one small step Lunar for man, one giant leap lander for mankind.” Minutes later, Aldrin joined Astronaut Buzz Aldrin: Armstrong on the surface. They took soil and rock sam- ples, set up experiments and planted an American flag with a steel wire to hold it aloft in the absence of wind. N.J.’s man on the moon Third stage The Apollo program rocket: would send astronauts to One engine the moon five more By DAN GROTE times. On some of those For The Press, 609-272-7234 missions, astronauts One of New Jersey’s most famous sons has used a “lunar rover” to walked on the moon, served our country drive across the during the KoreanWar, had an award crafted moon’s surface.
  • Apollo Space Suit

    Apollo Space Suit

    APOLLO SPACE S UIT 1962–1974 Frederica, Delaware A HISTORIC MECHANICAL ENGINEERING LANDMARK SEPTEMBER 20, 2013 DelMarVa Subsection Histor y of the Apollo Space Suit This model would be used on Apollo 7 through Apollo 14 including the first lunar mission of Neil Armstrong and Buzz International Latex Corporation (ILC) was founded in Aldrin on Apollo 11. Further design improvements were made to Dover, Delaware in 1937 by Abram Nathanial Spanel. Mr. Spanel improve mobility for astronauts on Apollo 15 through 17 who was an inventor who became proficient at dipping latex material needed to sit in the lunar rovers and perform more advanced to form bathing caps and other commercial products. He became mobility exercises on the lunar surface. This suit was known as famous for ladies apparel made under the brand name of Playtex the model A7LB. A slightly modified ILC Apollo suit would also go that today is known worldwide. Throughout WWII, Spanel drove on to support the Skylab program and finally the American-Soyuz the development and manufacture of military rubberized products Test Program (ASTP) which concluded in 1975. During the entire to help our troops. In 1947, Spanel used the small group known time the Apollo suit was produced, manufacturing was performed as the Metals Division to develop military products including at both the ILC plant on Pear Street in Dover, Delaware, as well as several popular pressure helmets for the U.S. Air Force. the ILC facility in Frederica, Delaware. In 1975, the Dover facility Based upon the success of the pressure helmets, the Metals was closed and all operations were moved to the Frederica plant.
  • Complex Garment Systems to Survive in Outer Space

    Complex Garment Systems to Survive in Outer Space

    Volume 7, Issue 2, Fall 2011 Complex Garment Systems to Survive in Outer Space Debi Prasad Gon, Assistant Professor, Textile Technology, Panipat Institute of Engineering & Technology, Pattikalyana, Samalkha, Panipat, Haryana, INDIA [email protected] Palash Paul, Assistant Professor, Textile Technology, Panipat Institute of Engineering & Technology, Pattikalyana, Samalkha, Panipat, Haryana, INDIA ABSTRACT The success of astronauts in performing Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) is highly dependent on the performance of the spacesuit they are wearing. Since the beginning of the Space Shuttle Program, one basic suit design has been evolving. The Space Shuttle Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) is a waist entry suit consisting of a hard upper torso (HUT) and soft fabric mobility joints. The EMU was designed specifically for zero gravity operations. With a new emphasis on planetary exploration, a new EVA spacesuit design is required. Now the research scientists are working hard and striving for the new, lightweight and modular designs. Thus they have reached to the Red surface of Mars. And sooner or later the astronauts will reach the other planets too. This paper is a review of various types of spacesuits and the different fabrics required for the manufacturing of the same. The detailed construction of EMU and space suit for Mars is discussed here, along with certain concepts of Biosuit- Mechanical Counter pressure Suit. Keywords: Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA), spacesuits, Biosuit-Mechanical Counter pressure Suit Tissues (skin, heart,
  • 2018 Annual Report San Diego Air & Space Museum Connections Mission Statement

    2018 Annual Report San Diego Air & Space Museum Connections Mission Statement

    2018 ANNUAL REPORT SAN DIEGO AIR & SPACE MUSEUM CONNECTIONS MISSION STATEMENT VISION VALUES The San Diego Air & Space Museum, one of the world’s The San Diego Air & Space Museum adheres to impeccable premier air and space-themed science center and professional standards as it preserves, interprets, educates museum, inspires our next greatest generations to achieve and shares its rich aviation and space resources: excellence in their lives by challenging their innate human • To act as exceptional stewards on behalf of the general pioneering spirit and encouraging the necessary risk- public and earn the trust of our donors and members taking required to achieve global innovation success. by caring for our collections. Interpret our collections MISSION accurately and use society’s generosity in a beneficial PRESERVE…INSPIRE…EDUCATION…CELEBRATE! manner conducive to the spirit of excellence on behalf of the common good for all. PRESERVE significant artifacts of air and space history and technology. • To inspire an interest in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and innovation, as well as history. INSPIRE excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Inspire the necessary risk-taking in future generations to ensure continued exploration of the outer bounds of EDUCATE the public about the historical and social what can be. significance of air and space technology and its future promise as a pathway to advanced innovations. • To educate through public outreach and engagement. CELEBRATE aviation and space flight history and • To honor the legacy of aviation and space flight technology. technology and the men and women who forged the path for others to emulate.
  • January 2017 AEROSPACE

    January 2017 AEROSPACE

    AEROSPACE January 2017 44 Number 1 Volume Society Royal Aeronautical JANUARY 2017 NEWSPACE START- UPS AIM FOR ORBIT BREXIT – TAILWIND OR TURBULENCE? VIRTUAL HELICOPTER DESIGN www.aerosociety.com REDRESSING THE BALANCE RECRUITING MORE FEMALE PILOTS Have you renewed your Membership Subscription for 2017? Your membership subscription is due on 1 January 2017 and any unpaid memberships will lapse on 31 March 2017. As per the Society’s Regulations, all How to renew: membership benefits will be suspended where Online: a payment for an individual subscription has Log in to your account on the Society’s www.aerosociety.com not been received after three months of the website to pay at . If you due date. However, this excludes members do not have an account, you can register online paying their annual subscriptions by Direct and pay your subscription straight away. Debits in monthly instalments to October. Telephone: Call the Subscriptions Department +44 (0)20 7670 4315 / 4304 We don’t want you to lose all of your on membership benefits, which include: Cheque: Cheques should be made payable to • Your monthly subscription to AEROSPACE the Royal Aeronautical Society and sent to the magazine Subscriptions Department at No.4 Hamilton • Use of your RAeS post nominals as Place, London W1J 7BQͭ UK. applicable Direct Debit: Complete the Direct Debit • Over 400 global events yearly mandate form included in your renewal letter • Discounted rates for conferences or complete the mandate form online once you • Online publications including Society News, have logged into your account by 16 January. blogs and podcasts BACS Transfer: • Involvement with your local branch Pay by Bank Transfer (or by • Networking opportunities BACS) into the Society’s bank account, quoting your name and membership number.
  • PDF Document Download

    PDF Document Download

    “We choose to go to the moon ...” President John F. Kennedy’s commitment to landing an astronaut “on the Moon and returning him back safely to the Earth” was particularly audacious considering when he fi rst voiced the challenge, only one American had been in space for a grand total of 15 minutes and 28 seconds. Here is a look back at some of the milestones NASA and its astronauts reached on their way to the Moon. Learn more by visiting the John F. Kennedy Presidential 2 Library & Museum at www.jfklibrary.org 3 Only in the Sixties The Sixties could be described in words Charles To put President Kennedy’s proclamation in pers- Sadly, Gordon Cooper’s Faith 7 mission was the last Dickens had written just over a century before the pective, it is useful to remember that he made the of NASA’s manned space fl ights to take place in decade began: “It was the best of times, it was the speech only 16 months after America’s fi rst manned President Kennedy’s lifetime. worst of times ... “ space flight and seven months after John Glenn became the fi rst American to orbit the Earth. NASA’s While John F. Kennedy would not live to see his It was a time of stark contrasts. On one hand, it was four manned fl ights had each lasted less than fi ve dream realized, his challenge stimulated the imagi- an era of enormous political and social unrest. On the hours. In fact, NASA had only been established four nations of people from every nation and motivated other, it offered unparalleled scientifi c advancement years earlier.