Space Worker Hall of Fame Award

About the Award

The NSCFL Space Worker Hall of Fame honors those who have made significant contributions to our space program in all areas of launch and mission operations including Space Launch Technology, Space Flight Support, Human Spaceflight Advancement, and Space Flight Advocacy and Education.
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No more than a total of 12 honorees in any combination of categories will be selected per year.
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Space Worker Hall of Fame Categories

(Please note that a person may be nominated for only one category.)

Space Launch Technology
For exceptional contributions to the Space Vehicle, Ground Launch or Range Systems, involving hardware, procedures, software and/or technical support that directly contributes to the launching of manned and unmanned payloads in support of United States Space interests.

Space Flight Support
For exceptional contributions to Space Port secondary support necessary to maintain and preserve the capability to launch manned and unmanned payloads into space. This may include facilities, operational support services and employee / environmental programs.

Human Spaceflight Advancement
For exceptional contributions to the direct advancement of human suborbital, orbital or beyond orbital spaceflight technology.

Space Flight Advocacy and Education
For exceptional promotion and advocacy of spaceflight education to the general public.

Nomination and Selection Guidelines

• Nominees should have demonstrated sustained performance in, or currently be in the process of, making significant contributions to enhancing U.S. National Space access, technology, or capability in one of the four categories described above.
• Nominees may be currently employed or retired; alive or deceased.
• Any individual or organization may make a nomination. You do not have to be a member of the National Space Club Florida Committee to make a nomination or to be a nominee.
• Florida residency is not required to receive the award, but the achievements being recognized must have been made while employed in Florida.
• Individuals who have previously received any award other than the Rising Star Award from the NSCFL are not eligible.

Hall of Fame Recipients (2024)

Human Spaceflight Advancement

Brett Raulerson 

Brett has been an integral member of KSC’s Human Spaceflight Program since he began his aerospace career at KSC in 1979. During his 45 years of service, Brett supported 135 Space Shuttle missions, supported the close out of the Space Shuttle program, and continues to support NASA’s Artemis program via the TOSC/COMET contracts.

Brett’s career at KSC began in 1979 working for Martin Marietta/Lockheed Space Operations in Mobile Launcher Operations, spending 17 years progressing from a mechanical technician to the Senior MLP manager. During this period, Brett received a Silver Snoopy Award for his outstanding MLP support to the Shuttle Program. Brett later moved to Senior Manager of VAB Technical Operations with United Space Alliance, a position he held for 17 years. In 2013 Brett moved to the TOSC contract supporting the Artemis Program, spending eight years as a Project Manager supporting ML1 Development, V&V, and Operations. In 2023, Brett accepted a position as the Senior Manager over Ground Systems Support Operations and Maintenance, a position that placed him directly over three departments supporting the EGS, ISS, and LSP Programs.

Tim Reith

Tim began his career in 1991 with Lockheed in Houston working Space Shuttle Orbiter Main Propulsion. He moved to Rockwell in 1993 and then on to Boeing where he became the Main Propulsion Subsystem Manger. He took on additional responsibilities as Orbiter Chief Engineer and Associate Program Manger prior to the Space Shuttle program retirement in 2011.

Tim transitioned to the Commercial Crew Program where he was the Propulsion Systems Design Lead thru 2018. He spent the next six years as the Starliner Subsystem Integration Lead, an Associate Chief Engineer and is currently the Mission Integration & Operations Director. Each of these roles allowed him to participate in his passion for human space flight and to this day he is still amazed we get paid to do this.

Spaceflight Support

Kenneth Joseph

Kenneth moved to Florida from New Jersey in 1969. He moved into the house he grew up in on the day (July 16, 1969) the Apollo 11 mission was launched to the moon. Kenneth graduated from the University of Central Florida in 1981 and started at Kennedy Space Center shortly after the 1st Space Shuttle launch, with United Space Boosters Incorporated (USBI), a division of United Technologies.

Kenneth transitioned to Lockheed Martin on the Shuttle Processing Contract (SPC) in 1984, then to United Space Alliance (USA) where he worked through the last Shuttle launch and through the transition and retirement of the Shuttle fleet in 2013. That same year he transitioned to Jacobs Technology (TOSC) on the Artemis program and is still with Jacobs on the COMET contract. Kenneth recently celebrated his 43rd year at Kennedy Space Center.

Carlos Mata, Ph.D.

Carlos is a distinguished engineer and scientist, currently serving as Chief Technology Officer at Scientific Lightning Solutions (SLS), a leading firm specializing in cutting-edge lightning protection, transient monitoring,

and advanced grounding systems. With over two decades of expertise spanning the US space program, commercial spaceports, DoD facilities, and critical infrastructure worldwide, Dr. Mata is internationally recognized as a pioneering authority in lightning research and protection. He holds a BSEE from Universidad Simón Bolívar and both MSEE and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Florida, where he conducted breakthrough lightning research at the International Center for Lightning Research and Testing (ICLRT).

Dr. Mata’s tenure at Kennedy Space Center led to the development of innovative technologies, including a Monte Carlo Lightning Simulation tool critical to space launch infrastructure. His achievements have earned him the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal, the KSC Engineer of the Year Award, and numerous global recognitions. Dr. Mata’s legacy is further reflected in his extensive publications and leadership roles at international conferences, solidifying his impact on the future of lightning protection and safety systems.

Mike McAleenan

Mike graduated from Rockledge High School in 1982 before entering the Air Force in 1984. He spent the next 19 years providing weather forecasts to support military operations around the world before returning to Florida in 2003 for his assignment with the 45th Weather Squadron at Cape Canaveral. Mike retired in 2007 but continues working launch operations with the 45th Weather Squadron to this day.

His accolades include being named USAF/Army Forecaster of the Year in 1992; Best Company Grade Officer in US Forces, Japan in 1999; Best Weather Officer in US Air Forces, Europe in 2000 and 2001; Air Force Association Best Space Crew Award 2006; Air Force Space Command Weather Civilian of the Year in 2008 and 2017; 45th Space Wing Civilian of the year in 2009 and 2018; and most recently he was a member of the 45th Weather Squadron’s best military forecasting team in 2024.

Marianne Rigolini’s

Marianne’s KSC career began in 1989 when she joined Rockell International supporting the Space Shuttle program as a member of the Information Technology (IT) team automating the Thermal Protection System Facility. For 35 years, her leadership, intelligence and engaging personality have made her an instrumental contributor to NASA’s Human Spaceflight Programs. In her current role as Manager of the Management Information Systems/IT for Aerodyne Industries on the Consolidated Operations, Management, Engineering and Test contract, Marianne is responsible for some of the most critical IT aspects. She has led 70+ joint combined contractor/government teams to modernize the IT environment and is responsible for cost/schedule/performance for the $3M annual IT budget.

Marianne also created a structure and framework enabling easy delivery of insight portals as well as contract deliverables and authored the IT Change Control Board Charter and documented standardized process to disposition new IT requirements. Her impact and influence cannot be overstated – and she has received a plethora of honors during her career. She received Aerodyne’s President’s award for leadership, a Teamwork Award for support to the Command, Control & Communication Transition Team, and her team was presented the Best of KSC Software Award for development of the Secure Notification Application that tracked COVID‐19.

Mark S. Sorensen 

Mark has over 40 years of experience in managing and ensuring execution excellence in both military and space programs. Mark holds a B. S. and M.S. Mechanical Engineering from the Missouri University of Science and Technology as well as a M.S. Space Systems from the Florida Institute of Technology. Mark started his career with McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis developing advanced manufacturing techniques for various US Air Force contracts. He transferred to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida and for 19 years supported the International Space Station (ISS) program development in various capacities, including leading the final assembly, test, and pre-launch operations for the 3A (STS-92), 4A (STS-97), 7A.1 (STS-105), UF1 (STS-108), UF2 (STS-111) and ULF1.1 missions.

Mark served as the ISS Chief Engineer at the KSC from 2004 to 2008 providing technical leadership for the pre-launch build and test of the ISS elements and other space endeavors. In 2009, he transferred to serve as a Chief Engineer on the Army’s Brigade Combat Team Modernization program leading efforts for qualification and operational readiness testing at White Sands Missile Range. Mark returned to the ISS program in 2012, serving as deputy director for the ISS Vehicle Sustaining Engineering Team and director of the Integrated Logistics Support team. Mark transferred to the Commercial Crew Transportation System program in 2014 and as the Crew Module IPT Lead led the build, test, and delivery of the Starliner spacecraft at KSC Florida. In this role he delivered the Pad Abort Test, Environmental Qualification Test, OFT, OFT2 and CFT vehicles for their successful test/mission campaigns. Mark is a recipient of the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal and 2 NASA Stellar Awards amongst other accolades.

Space Launch Technology

Kevin Ahrens

Kevin was born in 1961, in Omaha Nebraska. Family moved to Titusville in 1964 when his father worked the Gemini and Apollo programs, He graduated from Astronaut High School in1979 and graduated from UCF in 1983 with an Electrical Engineering degree. He worked Ground Support Systems for Space Shuttle program from 1984 to the end.

As a member of the launch team, he supported 130 Shuttle launches. Kevin led the design, development and implementation for the technology improvement of the Ground Support Systems communication to

the Launch Control Center for the Shuttle program. This included hardware and software. Kevin currently working Artemis program.

Stephen Anstey 

Stephen began his launch career underwater. In 1976, with a BSEE from WPI, he joined GE Ordnance Systems in Pittsfield MA as a Field Engineer. GE supplied launch equipment and trainers for the Trident submarine. After working in Bangor, WA, Charleston, SC, Virginia Beach, VA, Groton, CT and Newport News, VA, he transferred to Florida in 1983 with his wife, Teresa, to support the GE equipment during US and British test launches at sea. In 1987, he started my land-based launch career with the 19 Trident II test launches from Launch Complex 46 and its initial launches at sea.

In 1989, Stephen joined the Aerospace Corporation in support of the new Titan IV A. He began as a Guidance System and Ground Launch Systems Engineer. After an MS in Engineering Management from FIT, he was promoted to a Senior Project Leader and the Aerospace Anomaly Team Coordinator for launches. In that position, he supported Titan launches through the Titan IV B fly-out from Vandenberg in 2005. Stephen maintained that position on the Atlas program supporting the last blockhouse launch from Launch Complex 36 and the first Atlas V launch. He continued on Atlas until his retirement in 2021.

David P. Floyd

David’s 37-year career at KSC began while he was attending the University of Central Florida and was selected to work on a McDonnell Douglas-sponsored senior programming project involving defect analysis. The project was a success, led to a job offer in the Engineering Development Lab. In addition to McDonnel Douglas, David served with Boeing, I-Net, Dynacs Engineering, ASRC, SGT, and ERC, where he supported the Test and Operations Support Contract as an Associate Chief Engineer (ACE) – Electrical. David continued in that role as he transitioned to Aerodyne Industries in 2023 on the Consolidated Operations, Management, Engineering & Test contract. As an ACE, David supports and provides leadership throughout the engineering design process.

David supports critical Integrated Engineering Review Boards, Problem Resolution Boards, System Architect Reviews, Design Certification Reviews, etc. Playing such integral roles throughout his career have led to numerous commendations, including NASA Space Flight Awareness (SFA) Launch Honoree, SFA Honoree, SFA Team Award for Hazardous Gas Detection, Center Director’s Gold Dollar Club, NASA Software of the Year Runner-up, and a General Manager’s Team Award for supporting the Artemis I mission.

Don Lovelace 

Don was born in Norfolk, Virginia and grew up in Charleston, South Carolina. He graduated from Clemson University and was commissioned a US Army Officer through ROTC in 1983. Don served four years of Army active duty prior to accepting a Payload Mechanical Engineering job with Lockheed at the Kennedy Space Center in 1987. Don’s primary function was to install Payloads and Spacecraft into the Space Shuttle Payload Bay at launch pads 39A and 39B. Don became the Lead of the Payload Mechanical group and eventually the Supervisor of the Payload Mechanical department with United Space Alliance until the last Space Shuttle mission in 2011. Don worked Shuttle Transition and Retirement with United Space Alliance until the Shuttle Program ended in 2013.

Don was hired as a Senior Manager by the Jacobs Space Operations Group in 2013 and was promoted to Deputy Director Space Flight Processing in 2021. Don provided JSOG operations senior management to NASA’s Launch Services Program, International Space Station Program, and Artemis Program until he retired in August 2024. Don continued his Army career for 26 years in the Army Reserves while working at KSC and retired as a Colonel in 2013 from the Florida Army National Guard.

James A. Stephenson

James for more than 35 years has provided critical Logistics support for NASA’s Human Space Flight Programs. With dogged determination, he quickly rose through the ranks to become a Lead of Transportation, Packing and Crating (TP&C), where he was responsible for handling, storing, transportation and shipping NASA hardware domestically and internationally. Jim transitioned from TP&C to Customer Support Representative, where he ensured the planning and execution of arriving hardware, payloads, and critical ground support equipment for domestic and international partners and its delivery to the next launch provider.

Jim advanced to his current position as a Flow Manager for Vehicle Hardware Processing and Commercial Host Role Support for Aerodyne Industries on the Consolidated Operations, Management, Engineering & Test contract. He is responsible for planning, integrating, and managing flight hardware and resources for processing Orbital Replacement Units manifested for the International Space Station. He implements customer support requirements and integrates activities into the daily workflow of the Space Systems Processing Facility.

Hall of Fame Recipients (2023)

Patrick Adkins began his aerospace career in the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Ordnance Aircrewman in VP-62 anti-submarine maritime patrol squadron. He joined the space program in 1985 as a Quality Assurance Inspector for the Space Shuttle, supporting 117 flights until the end of the program with STS-135 in 2011. Patrick served as a member of the Mishap Investigation Team of first responders in Texas after the loss of Columbia and its crew. He has supported 29 uncrewed launch campaigns and has served as a Quality Assurance Specialist for the Artemis program.

Teresa Annulis is a 2^nd generation KSC worker, with a sister and two sons also working there. Since the 1960s, her family has supported the Mercury and Apollo programs. Her career began as a Fuel Cell & Power Reaction System Distribution (PRSD) engineer. She transitioned to Test Conductor in 1990, serving as Landing Lead and Responsible Organization Representative (ROR) for launch countdown operations, and as OTC for seven Space Shuttle launches. She has supported the Artemis program with management and problem solving for launch pad integration.

Tom Clark began his career in Marine Corps aviation, which led to a position with Lockheed at Vandenberg in 1984 as a cryogenic technician for the Space Shuttle’s West Coast program. Tom advanced into engineering and transferred to KSC, where he held leadership positions in support of over 100 Space Shuttle launches. Tom joined ERC in 2013 and in 2017 and was promoted to manage cryogenic and pneumatic systems. In 2021 he was promoted to Senior Manager for Propulsion and Avionics. He recently transitioned to the COMET contract, working for Aerodyne.

Randal Coppola retired from the Army and transitioned to Brevard County as a docent at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Museum. He used the GI Bill to learn media production and began making space-related historical videos showcasing the Cape’s culture and technological achievements. Randal provides context for hundreds of visitors to the spaceport’s historical sites and has shared videos and discussion of the Cape’s history at venues throughout Florida, from libraries to nursing homes. He worked to add a Space History section to the Cape Canaveral Library, and spent hundreds of hours assisting in the Space Force Museum Archives.

Eric Duffin has supported the Space Shuttle, ISS, and Artemis programs at KSC for 36 years. With degrees in Applied Physics, Computer Science, and Space Technology, he led pivotal engineering and design teams during his KSC career, focusing on Solid Rocket Booster testing, thrust vector control systems, SRB retrieval operations for the Space Shuttle, and systems within the Space Station Processing Facility. He joined Aerodyne under the TOSC contract, leading Artemis Flight Avionics, Communications and Tracking through the successful launch of Artemis I in 2022.

Ira Erteschik began working for Martin Marietta at KSC in 1981 on the Space Shuttle External Tank Thermal Protection System. He transitioned to Lockheed Martin and United Space Alliance as an ET TPS Engineer and Orbiter Project Engineer. Ira managed the Shuttle/Payload Project Engineering organization from 1999 through the end of the Shuttle program, and then joined Jacobs to manage the Requirements & Process Integration organization on the TOSC and COMET contracts, supporting Exploration Ground Systems, Space Launch System, Orion, ISS, and the Launch Services Program (LSP).

Joe Hamilton began his career at MIT Draper Lab working on the Apollo and Poseidon guidance systems; he also performed structural analysis on Hubble Space Telescope designs. At Northrop he was responsible for mechanical design and structural/thermal analysis for a military Space Shuttle mission. Joe started working at KSC in 1990 performing reliability and independent assessments for the ISS and various Shuttle systems, working for United Space Alliance safety and mission assurance. For the last 15 years Joe has been a member of the NASA Flight Pressure Systems team.

Marianne Idzi has devoted 40 years to supporting our nation’s space programs in the Air Force and at aerospace contractors. Her career began in 1984 with the Air Force supporting launch, early orbit, and monitoring operations of the GPS constellation. She advanced at the Eastern Range to become a Range Control Officer and Range Operations Director in support of 35 DoD, NASA, commercial launches. Marianne served at the Pentagon, working to integrate space control requirements into operational baselines and war-fighting support plans. Currently at Aerodyne, she supports NASA’s International Space Station and Launch Services Program.

Brent Maney spent 29 years of federal service between active duty and civil service. He supported the Space Shuttle as an Air Force pararescue man in the late 1990s. He also trained joint special operations and medical forces around the world. Brent currently acts as the Department of Defense human spaceflight support, medical plans, and programs manager, where he coordinates medical support around the globe for rescue, recovery, and medical evacuation of NASA and NASA-sponsored astronauts in the new era of human spaceflight.

Shelby Roberts has been part of NASA’s human spaceflight program since 1988. He started at KSC as an Orbiter Airframe Engineer before transitioning to the Liquid Oxygen (LOX) Engineering group in 1996, advancing to LOX System Lead Engineer. Shelby played a role in 109 Shuttle missions, maintaining a leadership role as he transitioned into Artemis. For Artemis, his group re-certified the LOX systems at Launch Pad 39B, performed verification and validation of the new Mobile Launcher systems, and developed new cryogenic loading procedures for the launch campaign. Shelby was honored with numerous awards including the Launch Director’s Hall of Fame award.

Ed Sikora started at KSC with Rockwell International just after STS-3 with the Space Shuttle Main Engine Group. He worked as Application Software Team Lead developing scripts to support MPS/Engine Console Operators. Edward earned an MS in Computer Science from Florida Tech (having previously obtaining a BS in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Florida) and an MBA from Webster University while working toward the close of the Space Shuttle program as a System Specialist. His career path led him through QinetiQ, Vencore, and currently ERC, where he supports the TOSC/COMET contract and the Artemis program.

Josh Sterritt began his career at KSC in 1979 as a propulsion engineer, advancing through various technical leadership positions, culminating with Principal Engineer for Space Shuttle Cryogenic Propulsion in 1998. He supported 124 of the 135 Space Shuttle missions from the propulsion console in the Prime Firing Room. Following Shuttle retirement, John worked within the Ground Operations Capabilities contract providing cryogenic expertise for the Space Launch System (SLS). In 2013, he transitioned to the TOSC and then COMET contracts, continuing to support Artemis as the SLS Main Propulsion Systems Specialist.

Hall of Fame Recipients (2022)

Human Spaceflight Advancement

Roy Freeman

Roy began his career in 1984 for the Boeing Company (heritage Rockwell Aerospace) working the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite program. He transferred to Cape Canaveral AFS (CCSFS) in 1987 to support the launches for 28 GPS Block II &IIA satellites on the Delta II launch vehicle. He worked at Schriever AFB, CO from 1994 to 2006 performing GPS BII/IIA On-orbit Operations. In 2006, he returned to CCSFS, FL to support 12 GPS Block IIF satellite launches from 2006 to 2016. As of 2016, he currently works for the Boeing Commercial Crew Transportation System Program Communication & Tracking System Test Engineering. Roy and his wife Fran reside in Rockledge.

Ruth Gardner

Ruth moved to Cocoa Beach in 1989 and began her career with NASA at KSC. For the next 26 years she spent her days dedicated to advancing the U.S. Space Program. Her highly successful project management accomplishments led her into progressively responsible positions in the ISS and Payload Processing communities. In her first major role as the Airlock Element Manager for the ISS, she designed an organizational structure that bridged the gaps between the flight element design center and KSC’s test and checkout requirements. By valuing the different perspectives of others, she was able to facilitate communication and successfully bring out the best in everyone around her. Ruth received numerous awards throughout her career, including the Presidential Rank Meritorious Executive Award, NASA Exceptional Service Medal, NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal, and Outstanding Woman Engineer by the Society of Women Engineers. In December 2006, Ruth’s leadership was recognized by KSC and Agency leadership when she was appointed to the Senior Executive Service. As the Agency embarks on its newest adventure with Artemis, Ruth’s contributions endure as she was instrumental in selecting the Mobil Launcher design concept that will launch the first three missions. Last October we lost Ruth to metastatic breast cancer. Her family, friends, and colleagues are honored that her hard work and life’s dedication has been recognized with acceptance into the Space Worker Hall of Fame.

Space Flight Advocacy and Education

Luis Berrios

Working as a Design/Public Affairs Specialist for the Communication and Public Engagement Directorate for the past 18 years, has allowed Luis to help inspire the next generation of explorers through experiential outreach at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. He is part of a passionate, creative outreach team that designs, plans, and produces, powerful story-driven guest experiences, that emotionally connect the excitement of humankind’s greatest adventure, the daring exploration of space. Luis enjoys seeing ideas come to life from conceptual sketches to exciting finished immersive productions for exhibits, experiences, and content development. His work helps make NASA cool, relevant, and accessible to everyone by humanizing technology and evoking emotional connections about technical information. The NASA story is a “people” story. Examples of KSC projects include Shuttle Launch Experience, Space Shuttle Atlantis, Forever Remembered, Ad Astra Per Aspera, A Rough Road Leads to the Stars, Journey to Mars: Explorers Wanted, Touring Shuttle Columbia Safety Exhibit, Beans and Cornbread Tribute Exhibit, and the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center. “Don’t just communicate, fascinate.

Eddie Ellegood

Edward began his career as a space industry economist in the Florida Department of Commerce, while there he served as staff to a Governor’s Commission on Space, which recommended that the state take a larger role in developing the space industry. He moved from Tallahassee to the Space Coast in 1990 to start-up the Spaceport Florida Authority (now Space Florida) as the nation’s first space transportation authority. In 2001 he transitioned to start-up the Florida Space Research Institute as a spinoff of the Spaceport Authority. After FSRI and the Spaceport Authority were dissolved to make way for Space Florida in 2006, he joined Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University as a Space Policy Analyst and Director of Aerospace Development. He has since worked with Starfighters Aerospace, Saalex Corp., SimIS Corp., and currently ICF Corp. He serves on the board of the National Space Club, Florida Committee, and publishes the weekly FLORIDA SPACErePORT newsletter

Space Flight Support

Al Studt

Al Studt began his career at Kennedy Space Center in 1990 by transferring from EG&G Rotron to EG&G Florida. Starting off in fire alarms, he quickly moved into fire suppression and was responsible for 70+ specialized Halon 1301 fire systems in support of the Shuttle Program for more than 86 missions. Starting with BOC, Al also supported JBOSC, ISC and BOSS contracts and is presently the Lead Engineer in Fire & Protective Systems as well as the Teammate Principle for Aerodyne Industries. In parallel, Al has also been in the volunteer fire service for 39 years, serving locally with Canaveral Fire Rescue as a Lieutenant and Marine Fire Instructor at Port Canaveral. After 9/11, Florida formed urban search & rescue teams and Al was a founding member of Task Force 4 as a Communications Specialist and later cross-trained into Structures Specialist. He deployed to Hurricane Katrina in Mississippi, the Berkman Garage collapse in Jacksonville, and the recent Champlain Towers collapse in Surfside. He was voted Task Force 4 Member of the Year in 2015. Al became a national advocate, author, and instructor for the U.S. National Grid coordinate system and after many years brought it to KSC where he won an Innovation award and funding to place Emergency Location Markers on KSC in 2018. Al and his wife Lori live in Port St. John and enjoy time away in Tennessee and North Carolina with family

Brenda Wall

Brenda Wall has over 30 years of experience in range safety and system safety, beginning her career in Houston working Shuttle range safety analysis and operations. She has supported NASA, DoD, and FAA with reliability and safety analysis on a wide variety of vehicles spanning manned space flight and reusable launch vehicles to Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Brenda has conducted risk and hazard analyses to ensure mission success and to protect both people and high-value assets during flight operations. She is currently supporting the NASA Agency Range Flight Safety Manager in policy and requirements development while accomplishing unique or challenging range safety hazard and risk analyses across the Agency. She is also an active participant in the Range Commanders Council’s Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Committee. Brenda generates range flight safety training material and is a NASA-approved course instructor. NASA awarded Brenda a Silver Achievement Medal for outstanding leadership, dedication, and significant contributions to NASA’s Range Flight Safety Program. Brenda enjoys living on Merritt Island with its abundant wildlife and recreational areas.

Lynda Thompson

Lynda M. Thompson has been an integral member of KSC’s Human Spaceflight Program since she began her aerospace career in 1979. For the next 43 years, Lynda supported 135 Space Shuttle missions (1981-2011), was honored for ensuring retention of critical support equipment and documentation for NASA (2011-2013) and supports NASA’s Artemis Program (2013 – present). Lynda’s illustrious career began with Rockwell International, and later transitioned to Lockheed Space Ops and United Space Alliance, where she was honored with her first Space Flight Awareness Award, Quest Quarterly Award, a Quest Performance Award, and a Quest Peer Recognition Award. During Transition and Retirement, she was honored with a NASA Group Achievement Award. Since 2013 she has provided key leadership as a Lead Associate Engineer for Ground Systems Support for Aerodyne Industries on the Test and Operations Support Contract, where she was honored with a second Space Flight Awareness Award, two TOSC Director’s Awards, and a Volunteer Award. She provides leadership for the Maximo Administrative Team, initiates and updates Operating Procedures, analyzes data and publishes Key Process Indicator Metrics, analyzes and integrates customer requirements to generate technical products, and translates technical requirements to aid in the design of new applications. A highly experienced and multi-talented teammate supporting NASA’s most prominent programs, Lynda is a leader who has made a substantial impact at KSC. Lynda and husband Dennis have 10 children and live in Cocoa with daughter Ryleigh and currently provide foster care for two young children

Melquiades (Mike) Lopez

Mike Lopez graduated from Merritt Island High, earned a degree in Aerospace Engineering Technology from Miami-Dade Community College, and received a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from Barry University. He started his KSC career in 1979 as an Electrical Technician with Bendix fabricating/installing wiring harnesses for the Shuttle Boosters. Mike has over 40 years of experience in the operations and maintenance of GSE and facilities, including 25 years in the operations management capacity. He became Section Supervisor of the Power Generator Shop where he coordinated the maintenance and operations of Xenon searchlights at KSC and remote Trans-Atlantic Landing Sites. During this period, he won the KSC Center Director Gold Dollar for process improvements for saving significant money replacing the aging fleet of Xenon lights used to support Shuttle, Titan, Atlas, and Delta launches. He was then promoted to the position of Facilities/Equipment Maintenance Manager where he led 100+ various craft employees to include supervisors, electricians, generator mechanics, HVAC mechanics, protective system technicians, crane operators, and System Maintenance Engineers. Today, as the O&M Technical Operations Manager on the BOSS contract, Mike is responsible for all KSC O&M of the high voltage power grid, low voltage systems, HVAC systems, Fire Alarms/Security systems, and the 10-megawatt emergency power plant which is an instrumental part in providing backup power for the Artemis program

Paul Espy

For more than 35 years, Paul Espy has been one of the most decorated KSC employees, earning NASA’s and his organization’s highest commendations while leading the most visible ground support equipment projects. Since 2013, he has served as a Project Manager for Aerodyne Industries supporting the Test and Operations Support Contract. Paul managed the development and completion of the Mobile Launcher, Vehicle Assembly Building Platforms, and Pad B mods. He also led 20-Year Life Extension Upgrades for the Crawler Transporters to mitigate obsolescence and support heavy-lift requirements for the Artemis Program. Paul’s KSC career began in 1987 supporting the Shuttle Program as an Engineer with United Space Alliance (USA). He was responsible for management of construction contracts for the modification and upgrades of major facilities. While with USA, Paul received NASA’s Space Flight Awareness Award and a Silver Snoopy Award, the astronauts’ recognition of excellence. In 2016, Paul received Aerodyne’s highest honor – the President’s Award – for the successful completion of crawler upgrades in excess of $17M. He also earned a KSC Group Achievement Award for implementing a design solution for the Ignition Overpressure Protection and Sound Suppression Prototype Testing for Artemis II. In 2018, Paul was also honored with the Space Coast Public Service Award for administering CPR to save the life of a co-worker. Paul has two children, Addison and Marrin, and resides in Titusville with his wife Teresa

Tom Hendricksen

Tom Hendricksen was born and raised in New Jersey and moved to Florida in 1987 to attend the Florida Institute of Technology where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Throughout his career at KSC, his focus has been to help KSC operational activities perform in the most environmentally responsible manner in support of the main mission of providing access to space. He began his professional career in 1993 working as an environmental consultant supporting the KSC Remediation Office. In 2001, he was hired as an environmental scientist on the Joint Base Operations and Support Contract which began his career 20+ year career supporting KSC environmental programs in a full-time capacity. Since then, he has worked on several successor medical and environmental contracts serving in different capacities starting as project manager, then as a manger overseeing regulatory compliance and sampling activities, and finally to his current position as Director of Environmental Services under the NASA Environmental and Medical Contract. Tom is married to his wife Cheryl of 27 years, and they reside in the Suntree area of Melbourne. Together they have two adult sons, Aaron and Tyler, who reside outside the Space Coast area

Space Launch Technology

Howard Schindzielorz

After graduating from WVU, Howard started his space career with Lockheed Space Operations Company (LSOC) in 1988 as a hypergolic systems engineer on the Shuttle program. In 1991 he transitioned from LSOC to NASA/KSC. In 1996 he accepted a system safety engineer position with the USAF, 45 SW/Range Safety office on Titan IV, Shuttle, and Atlas II/III/V programs. In 2000, he returned to NASA/KSC and the shuttle program as a liquid oxygen system engineer, before returning to the 45 SW/Range Safety office for good in 2002. Hhe worked as a systems safety and Flight Termination Systems (FTS) engineer until 2004, when he became Chief of the 45 SW/Range Safety FTS office. From 2008-2021, Howard was the Chief Engineer of the 45 SW/Range Safety office. During his space career Howard worked on 351 space missions from CCAFS/KSC plus additional suborbital and SLBM test launches including Ares 1X, Orion capsule Ascent Abort-2 test and Dragon capsule in-flight abort test. He led the 45SW/Range Safety office through development and inaugural flights of 3 major programs (Atlas V, Falcon 9 and X37-B/OTV) as well as two manned spaceflight programs (Dragon and CST-100 capsules). He also worked on 5 major space launch mishap accident investigations/return-to-flight activities including Titan IV/A-20, Falcon 9/CRS-7, Falcon 9/Amos-6 and Dragon static fire anomalies. Most significantly, Howard led the development and implementation of Autonomous Flight Safety Systems at the Eastern Range

John McClelland

He grew up watching Apollo launches as a child, and in 1987, John McClelland began his KSC career as an Instrumentation Engineer. For 35 years, he has gone above and beyond helping co-workers achieve perfection in a field that demands nothing less. John devoted 24 years supporting the Space Shuttle Program with Lockheed Space Operations Co. and United Space Alliance as a Space Shuttle Main Engine Avionics Engineer and Test Project Engineer. He joined Aerodyne Industries on the Test and Operations Support Contract supporting NASA with the Space Launch System in March 2013. John’s technical leadership and contributions have been recognized with some of NASA’s most prestigious awards. He earned NASA’s Space Flight Awareness Award for both Individual and Team, NASA’s Silver Snoopy, and in May 2022 was recognized with NASA’s Silver Group Achievement Award for the successful development of launch console displays, software, procedures, and training in support of Artemis I. NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems honored him with a Go the Extra Mile Award for his support training SLS Core Stage Engine concepts to Marshall Space Flight Center personnel. Such support is nothing new for John – he has done it for more than three decades. A highly respected leader at KSC; John is willing to impart his wisdom and experience to ensure success for all. John lives in Viera with wife, Bonnie, and son, Ryan. Son Kyle attends the University of Florida in Gainesville

Lawrence (Larry) Maggie

Prior to Lawrence Maggie’s career as a NASA Quality Assurance Specialist at Kennedy Space Center, he served four years in the United States Air Force and three years in the United States Army Reserves as an aircraft technician, lead, and flying crew chief. Larry’s first civilian civil service position was with the Department of Defense working at New Cumberland Army Depot in Pennsylvania. There, he served as an aircraft technician for seven years, working on fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. The depot was tasked with rebuilding and major overhauls of all series and types of Army aircraft. Larry started his aerospace career at NASA in 1987 as a NASA Quality Assurance Specialist in the manned space flight program working on the Shuttle Transportation System from STS 27 to STS 135 There, he was required to interface on many aspects of the STS system: shuttle, boosters, tanks, engines, and ground support systems as a Quality Assurance Specialist. Larry retired from government service with NASA in 2008 and has worked for two NASA contractors since, Millennium Engineering and Integration and APT Research Inc. Maggie currently supports APT Research with the NASA Orion Artemis Program for manned flight as a Quality Assurance Specialist

Robert Myers

Robert Myers was born in Baxley, Georgia and grew up in Jacksonville Florida. He graduated from Florida Junior College in Jacksonville and attended University of Florida in the mid 70’s. Robert began his career at Westinghouse in Jacksonville building Floating Nuclear Power Plants. Unfortunately, the concept lost its investors, and he was laid off in late 1977. The Space shuttle program was ramping up in 1977-78 and he was hired by Boeing Services International. Robert worked in the Cranes, Doors, and Platforms section. In 1982 an opening in the Crawler Transporter section became available and he was able to transfer to that section. Robert trained for about a year as a cab operator, along with system responsibilities for Crawler mechanical systems. Once he gained the cert for driver, he moved onto JEL Operator and finally Control Room Engineer. Robert has operated and maintained the Crawler Transporter through 133 Space Shuttle rollouts, the Constellation program, and now Artemis with the Space Launch System. The Crawler Transporter and Kennedy Space Center has made for a wonderful and interesting career and he is proud to be a part of it

Waymon (Chuck) Rake

As Manager of the Flight Electrical & Pyro Engineering Team for Aerodyne on the Test and Operations Support Contract at KSC, Chuck Rake’s team is responsible for some of the most critical aspects of the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft. Chuck leads engineers in several technical disciplines, including pathfinders for Level 1 Firing Room certifications, field-testing technical processing procedures, and spaceflight application software development, verification, and validation to support the Multi-Payload Processing Facility, Mobile Launcher, and vehicle test, checkout and launch of the Artemis Program. Chuck’s team success is due to his keen ability to utilize the strengths of each teammate, develop skills where necessary, and create a culture of trust and fairness, essential components for a group supporting critical tasks. He has 32 years’ experience leading teams on highly visible technical projects. Chuck joined United Space Alliance in 1990 as an Engineer supporting the Shuttle Program. He eventually became Systems Specialist of the Flight Electrical team that supported the Electrical Power Distribution and Control systems for the entire Space Shuttle fleet. Chuck was honored with NASA’s Space Flight Awareness Award in 2018 for outstanding leadership and dedication to Artemis I engineering planning and execution activities. Chuck and his wife Candy live in Titusville

Past Hall of Fame Recipients (2021)

Past Hall of Fame Award Recipients (2019)

• Ralph Rohloff
• Mike Chappell
• Randy Stalnaker
• Leslie Lake

• Matthew “Matt” Woodings
• Elizabeth Allen
• Stuart Warren

• William “Bill” Dowdell

• Joe Mayer
• LaDonna Neterer
• Jerry Moyer
• Diane Matthews

Space Flight Support

James Baker

James has held positions including Space Utilization Specialist and Planner/Estimator and assumed responsibilities as Event Logistics Support Planner in Work Control and Mission Support offices providing coordination to NASA, commercial partners, contractors, and other Federal Agencies, supporting Special Events and manned, commercial and DOD launches at KSC. James was awarded the Silver Snoopy in 2012 and resides in Merritt Island with his wife Yvonne.

George Broyles

George started at KSC after the Air Force, working BOC and JBOSC, while also serving the National Guard. Promoted to Branch Manager, Facilities Maintenance, he was also assigned as FSEU Hurricane Coordinator, supporting KSC response and recovery efforts. George continues in that role with ISC/AECOM, receiving an MS from UCF and a PMP from PMI. Originally from FL, George lives in Titusville with his wife Jessica.

Steven Dean

Steven was born and raised in Brevard County, holds a Bachelor Degree from Embry Riddle, and works as a Senior Manager with ERC on TOSC. Steve’s 35-year career at KSC has extended through the Shuttle, Ares and now the Space Launch System programs where he was leads, motivates and inspires team members. He lives in Cocoa with his wife Cheryl; they have two children and three granddaughters.

 

Frank “Clay” Flinn

Clay Flinn is the Atlas Program Launch Weather Officer for the 45^thWeather Squadron at CCAFS. He served as Meteorologist, Senior Instructor Missile Combat Crew Commander, and Acquisition Corp Program Manager, taught high school physics, and was the Weather Squadron’s instrumentation integrator. Clay, born in LA, resides in Merritt Island with his wife Barbara. He earned a BS from The Citadel, completed the Meteorology Program from St. Louis University, and earned an MS from USC.

Pam Krueger

Pam, born and raised in IL, started her career as a structural engineer supporting nuclear power plants. She moved to the Space Coast in 1988, providing engineering services on the Launch Base Support contract at CCAFS then with JBOSC at CCAFS/KSC. She is a Registered PE and is the ISC Division Manager for Engineering/Project Integration at AECOM. Pam and her husband Gary reside in Merritt Island and have two grown children, Alison and Ken.

Elizabeth “Betty” Muldowney

Betty, a Florida native, has 39 years at KSC. As a member of the Standing Accident Investigation Board, she was a first responder for the Columbia accident. During the end of the Shuttle program, she assisted in employee transition. Betty has held positions with Vencore and Abacus and is currently the Director of Safety, Health and Mission Assurance for ASRC on KIAC. She holds a BS and multiple certs. Betty resides in Orlando with wife Julie and their doodles, Marshall & Mattie.

Rikki Ojeda

Rikki began his Shuttle career in Palmdale working Build and Modifications, worked Launch Site Activation of Vandenberg SLC 6, then returned to Florida serving as Vehicle Operations Chief on Discovery. NASA awarded Rikki a Public Service Medal for the Columba Recovery effort. He is currently a Division Manager for AECOM. Raised in Titusville, Rikki is a second-generation KSC employee and resides on Merritt Island with his wife Kathy.

Human Spaceflight advancement

Darrell Holloway

Darrell, originally from MO, began his career in Space Shuttle for Lockheed Space Ops. He transferred to Lockheed Martin Astronautics working the Titan IVB and returned to Shuttle as the USA LCC Manager, serving for 12 years until last flight. He currently works as Boeing Stages’ LCC development lead and SME. Darrell and his wife Valerie reside in West Melbourne.

Space Launch Technology

Mark Jonas

Mark began his 35-year career in launch vehicle and ground systems designs for Lockheed and ULA. He was part of the team responsible for the design operations at Launch Complexes 37, and 41 at CCAFS and Launch Complexes 2W, 3E, and 6 at Vandenberg. Mark was a contributor to nearly 200 Atlas IIA, IIAS, Atlas III, Atlas V, Delta II, and Delta IV ELV missions for National Security, NASA, and Commercial customers. Mark resides in Titusville with his wife Donna.

Daniel Jones

Dan, a true Floridian, and UCF grad, moved to Brevard County for the surf and started his career in the space industry working Shuttle, Titan, Delta II, and Atlas III & IV Programs. He currently works the Omega Program for Northrop Grumman. Dan lives in Cocoa Beach with his wife Donna and is the proud father of 4 children, Deirdre, Colleen, Dan III, and Ariane. He is looking forward to teaching his four grandchildren to surf.

Mike McQuaig

Mike, born and raised in Florida, received an EE degree from UF and started his career with GE on the Navy’s Trident D5 missile program transferring to CCAFS for the D5 flight test program. Completing his FIT Master’s degree, Mike transitioned to The Aerospace Corporation for ground, flight control and guidance systems on the Atlas (II/III/V) and Delta (II/III/IV) programs until 2017. After 42 years and over 450 launches, he retired to travel the world with his wife Brenda.

Steven Riley

Steve has worked for Martin Marietta, Lockheed Martin, and ULA during his career. His work resulted in the launch of the first Atlas V Evolved ELV mission. Steve was an integral part of the team responsible for design and daily operations of ULA Space Launch Complexes at CCAFB and Vandenberg. Steve’s involvement led to over 200 successful Titan, Atlas, and Delta missions. Steve resides in Titusville with his wife Janet.

Ricky Serfozo

Rick started his career at KSC as a technician on the Space Shuttle Program. He supported all 135 Space Shuttle launches, the Ares I-X launch, and several Delta IV launches. Rick most recently supported the Space Launch Systems program. He retired as the KSC Site Director for Northrop Grumman at the Booster Fabrication Facility in 2018. Originally from Ohio but raised in Florida, Rick resides in Cape Canaveral with his wife Sherry.

Robert “Bob” Warner

Bob was born and raised in Nebraska then joined the Air Force. He retired as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal specialist and started work at CCAFS in 1997. Bob has worked at KSC and CCAFS for the last 21 years in Pad Safety and Explosive Safety supporting the Shuttle, Titan, Delta, Atlas, SpaceX, Navy and many other DoD programs. He currently works for Millennium Engineering and lives in Cocoa with his wife of 38 years Sun.

Human Spaceflight advancement

Rikki Ojeda

Rikki Began his Shuttle career in Palmdale California working original Build and Modifications for Rockwell, and worked Launch Site Activation of Vandenberg SLC 6, before returning to Florida where he serviced as Vehicle Operations Chief for 24 missions on OV-103 Discovery. NASA awarded Rikki a Public Service Medal for contributions made in the Texas Columba Recovery effort.

He is currently a Division Manager for AECOM on the ISC Contract. Rikki was raised in Titusville and is a second-generation KSC employee. He currently resides on Merritt Island with his Wife Kathy.

​

2017
​
​Human Spaceflight Advancement

Kevin M. Berry
Cathy Dibiase, RN
Debra Kral

Space Flight Support

James T. McCarthy
Steven Murray
Michael Runion
Kenneth C. Walla

Space Launch Technology

Bubba Herman
Peter Klonowski
Jack Lyle
Ken Smith
Michael Storm

​ 2016
​
Human Spaceflight Advancement
Doug Perdomo
Roberta Wyrick
​
Space Launch Technology
James Carleton
Steve Gersten
Paul Krause
Patrick McCarthy
James Taylor
Richard Zeitler
​
Space Flight Support
Joan Hines
John Muzzy
Katherine Winters
​
Space Flight Advocacy and Education
Lance Erickson
William Fletcher
Roger McCormick
​
2015
​
Human Spaceflight Advancement
John Cipolletti
​
Space Launch Technology
Van Bullington
Charlene Carr
Larry Clark
G. Wayne Finger
Lee Friedell
Fred Jankowski
Lou Marrero
Grady McCorquodale
James Melton
​
Space Flight Support
Bill Carr
Bob Humeniuk
Todd McNamara
Johnny Middleton

2014

Human Spaceflight Advancement
Mark Brave
Butch Cabe
Janet Rawlins

Space Flight Support
Gene Beckett
Merle Ellet
Dori Swift
Art Waite

Space Launch Technology
Pedro Medelius
Terrence Smith
Michael Wyckoff

Space Flight Advocacy and Education
Herb Yamada
Terry White