MIKE LYNAUGHPHOTOGRAPHY
A tight telephoto detail shot of the nose cone and flight deck windows of Space Shuttle Atlantis (OV-104) on Launch Pad 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on July 7, 2011.

A photojournalist’s view of America’s space program

NASA

The Space Shuttle era, Artemis and the people, places and spacecraft that shaped America’s journey beyond Earth.

Five photographic stories. One continuing journey into space.

From the final Space Shuttle missions to the emerging Artemis era, these galleries document historic launches, landmark events and the places where America’s space story is preserved.

01 · NASA

Space Shuttle Era

The closing chapter of NASA’s Space Shuttle program, including the launches of STS-133 and STS-135 and detailed studies of the orbiters that defined an era.

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NASA’s Space Shuttle Discovery (OV-103) dramatically lifts off from Launch Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on February 24, 2011.NASA’s Space Shuttle Discovery (OV-103) sits illuminated on Launch Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on the eve of its final mission, STS-133, to the International Space Station.Space Shuttle Atlantis (OV-104) begins its vertical climb and clears the launch tower at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on July 8, 2011, at 11:29 a.m.Astronauts Commander Steve Lindsey leading the STS-133 crew in their orange Advanced Crew Escape Suits (ACES) as they walk out to the iconic NASA Astrovan outside the Operations and Checkout Building at Kennedy Space.A tight telephoto detail shot of the aft section of Space Shuttle Atlantis (OV-104) sitting on the Mobile Launcher Platform at Launch Pad 39A on July 7, 2011.A wide horizontal view of Launch Pad 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on July 7, 2011, featured behind a perimeter fence decorated with a "Space Flight Awareness - GO ATLANTIS!" banner.

02 · NASA

Artemis

NASA’s return to the Moon through the Artemis program, documented as a continuing photographic project that will grow with future missions.

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A horizontal telephoto photograph capturing NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket on Launch Pad 39B against a deep indigo dawn sky.A detailed close-up photograph of the Artemis I Orion spacecraft and service module showing hardware and thermal protection systems.A photograph captured from the NASA Press Site highlighting the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft on Launch Pad 39B at sunrise.A wide landscape photograph capturing vibrant coral and peach sunrise clouds reflecting across the glassy Turning Basin.A wide interior group photograph showing NASA personnel, engineers, and media representatives posed directly in front of the Artemis I Orion spacecraft stack.A wide three-quarter photograph of the 525-foot Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) towering over the NASA Press Site lawn.

03 · NASA

Discovery’s Final Flight

Space Shuttle Discovery’s final journey aboard the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, its arrival in Northern Virginia and its last moments before entering the Smithsonian’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.

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A head-on action shot of NASA’s modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA 905) on final approach to Washington Dulles International Airport on April 17, 2012.A medium portrait photograph capturing former astronaut and U.S. Senator John Glenn speaking at the Smithsonian podium at the Steven F.A wide-angle formation photograph capturing NASA’s Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA 905) ferrying Space Shuttle Discovery (OV-103), escorted by a NASA T-38 Talon chase plane.A wide-angle landscape photograph capturing Space Shuttle Discovery (OV-103) parked outdoors at the Steven F.A telephoto profile photograph capturing Space Shuttle Discovery (OV-103) moving past a large crowd of spectators and media at the Steven F.A wide-angle interior photograph capturing Space Shuttle Discovery (OV-103) head-on as she is towed through the open doors of the James S.

04 · NASA

Honoring John Glenn

A special commemoration marking the 50th anniversary of John Glenn’s historic Friendship 7 orbital flight and his enduring place in American space history.

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An intimate tight portrait photograph capturing former astronaut and U.S.A medium landscape photograph capturing legendary astronaut and U.S. Senator John Glenn standing at a NASA-branded podium as he delivers his speech.A close-up photograph capturing legendary astronaut and former U.S. Senator John Glenn gesturing with his hand near the microphone as he speaks to attendees.A medium close-up portrait photograph capturing former NASA astronaut Steve Lindsey—pilot of the STS-95 mission with John Glenn—smiling while addressing participants at the microphone.A centered medium-close portrait photograph capturing Annie Glenn, advocate and wife of astronaut Senator John Glenn, wearing a vibrant red jacket and gold necklace while seated in the audience.A medium close-up photograph capturing NASA astronaut Mike Foreman (right) speaking into the microphone with animated hand gestures, while fellow astronaut Gregory H.

05 · NASA

Beyond the Launch Pad: Exploring America’s Space Program

NASA facilities, visitor centers, museums, historic spacecraft and landmarks that preserve and share the broader story of America’s space program.

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An interior museum photograph showing visitors admiring the authentic Space Shuttle Atlantis (OV-104) at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida.A horizontal outdoor telephoto photograph capturing the rear perspective of a NASA Northrop T-38N Talon jet lined up in front of a NASA Gulfstream II transport aircraft on the apron at the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF).A vertical interior photograph looking down the entrance of the James S.A wide interior photograph showing an angled view of the authentic consoles and tracking display from the original Mercury Mission Control Center on exhibit inside the Heroes & Legends attraction at NASA's Kennedy Space.A horizontal portrait photograph of Apollo 11 moonwalker and U.S.An interior museum photograph showing the authentic, flown Gemini 9A (Gemini IX-A) spacecraft capsule on display under blue atmospheric lighting inside the Heroes & Legends attraction at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.