December 23, 2024

Astronaut Hall of Fame: NASA Honors Three Astronauts Who Represent the American Character

Exploration 46 Commander Scott Kelly on a December 21, 2015, spacewalk. Credit: NASA
This past weekend, NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, along with fellow veteran astronauts Michael López-Alegría and Scott Kelly, were inducted into the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame. As the conscripts of the 2020 class, they signed up with the 99 individuals who presently hold that this renowned honor. Astronauts López-Alegría, Melroy, and Kelly were picked as inductees in 2020. Their induction event was held off, permitting us to securely honor their achievements with household, good friends, and the NASA labor force at Kennedy Space Center.. As I stated throughout my remarks, “Astronauts cement Americas reputation as a beacon of discovery.” These 3 giants personify the American character as explorers, travelers, and pioneers..
I hope you will view this incredible induction event and read my remarks.

Scott Kelly did just that. Michael López-Alegría would go on to carry out ten spacewalks, holding the longest all-time EVA period record amongst NASA astronauts. That is the power NASA. As they discover about the legacies of these astronauts, they will be motivated. Perhaps they will one day join the NASA household as a professional or mathematician.

NASA Administrator Nelsons Remarks as Prepared.
Great early morning. John Zarrella, thank you for serving as Master of Ceremonies. Thank you for covering the space program for years..
There are websites that signify the bold spirit of the American character. The Kennedy Space Center is among those places..
It is a location where unthinkable missions are accomplished by remarkable individuals..
Pioneers, explorers, and travelers have actually graced these premises for almost 60 years. Its a fitting home for the Astronaut Hall of Fame..
Astronauts cement Americas credibility as a beacon of discovery..
Today, we gather to honor 3 famous astronauts: Michael López-Alegría, Pamela Melroy, and Scott Kelly..
From this spiritual site, these three pioneers propelled upward. They broke barriers and set records.
Today, we are inducting a trailblazer who wished to play with aircrafts, not dolls. As a young girl, she was amazed by the sky. She imagined flying amongst the clouds. Well, she sure did. Pam Melroy worked as the Pilot on two objectives and the Commander on another. And if I might include, NASA is blessed to have a visionary leader like Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy..
Today, we are also inducting an adventurer who was raised in New Jersey. His moms and dads were cops officers. They pushed him to serve his community as a lifesaver throughout high school. They motivated him– and his twin brother– to pursue lofty goals. Scott Kelly did simply that. When he invested 340 days aboard the ISS, he motivated the world. And we understand Scott is proud that he and his brother, Senator Mark Kelly, were the first loved ones to become astronauts in NASAs history..
Today, we are inducting an explorer who immigrated from Spain when he was a young kid. Michael López-Alegría would go on to perform 10 spacewalks, holding the longest all-time EVA duration record amongst NASA astronauts.
We honor these 3 astronauts today for their amazing accomplishments in space. But lets likewise learn from their goals..
Each of these people has a distinct story. However each ventured into the cosmos as a NASA astronaut..
This firm brings people together for the benefit of humankind. That is the power NASA. We combine. We find. We motivate..
Americans and individuals from worldwide will continue to pertain to this museum. Much of them will be children … members of a new generation– the Artemis generation..
As they discover about the traditions of these astronauts, they will be inspired. Perhaps they will one day sign up with the NASA household as a technician or mathematician. Maybe they will walk on the Moon … or take humankinds next huge leap and venture to Mars..
There are unlimited possibilities due to the fact that of the endless inspiration found in this museum of giants..
Michael, Pam, and Scott, congratulations on this well-earned acknowledgment..
Thank you for daring us to keep looking up and pushing outward into the unknown..
God bless you..