Space Center Houston recently came together to honor the incredible achievements of our crew during the Expanding Horizons All-Crew Awards Celebration. The evening was filled with pride, connection, and inspiration as we recognized those who bring our mission and values to life every day.

These awards are more than recognition; they reflect the heart of who we are: Space Enthusiasts, People-Driven, and Champions of Curiosity. Each honoree was selected because their actions advance our mission to reveal how science and humanity power space exploration, while strengthening our crew culture.

2025 Award Winners

Culture in Action Award
Celebrating the crew who bring our values to life
This award honors crew who help create a positive and connected workplace, encouraging others and sparking belonging. Their daily actions and energy reflect our mission and make Space Center Houston a stronger community.
Winners: Haley Muff, Tracina Land, Jared Williams

Champion of Curiosity Award
Recognizing crew who are constantly learning and growing
This award celebrates crew who embrace every opportunity to learn and apply that knowledge to strengthen performance and innovation. Their curiosity builds personal growth while uplifting their teams and advancing our shared goals.
Winners: Carter Renfro, Rochelle Pettaway, Andrew Vargas

People-Driven Award
Recognizing leaders who lift others up
This recognition honors leaders who place crew first, guiding with empathy and creating a culture of respect and trust. Through their actions, they elevate others and embody the people-driven values at the heart of Space Center Houston.
Winners: Alice Ho, Allison Focht, Jorge Portales, Demetres Boyd-Thompson

Rising Star Award
Recognizing the crew who step up and stand out
This award highlights newer crew members who are already making an impact with initiative, energy, and care. Their fresh perspective and dedication point to a strong future for themselves and our organization.
Winners: Aubrey Garmon, Joey Segura, Martha Hernandez

Space Enthusiast Award
Recognizing crew who ignite curiosity through passion and knowledge
This recognition honors the crew whose love for space exploration is authentic and contagious. By sharing their knowledge and excitement, they inspire guests and colleagues alike, deepening our connection to the mission.
Winners: Christopher Carlson, Irwin Stewart, Courtney Scherer

Group Achievement Award
Celebrating meaningful teamwork
Some of our greatest successes happen when teams join forces. This award recognizes groups whose collaboration and shared purpose led to achievements that made a clear, positive impact for Space Center Houston.
Winners: Guest Services Team, Training for Tomorrow Team, Events Team

Sunshine Award
Recognizing a crew member who shines bright
This award honors the crew who bring steady positivity, care, and reliability to others’ experiences. Their actions may be quiet, but their impact is deeply felt throughout our crew community.
Winners: Tracey Martinez, Eric Redeker, Jessica Carlson, Josh Steadman, Susann Glenn, David Cooley

While You Were Sleeping Award
Honoring the crew who keep Space Center Houston moving while the rest of us rest
This recognition celebrates the overnight custodial and security crew whose dedication ensures our facilities are safe, clean, and mission-ready each day. Their behind-the-scenes work reflects pride, consistency, and care.
Winners: Timothy Edwards (Security), Robert Riddle (Custodial)

Distinguished Service Award
Recognizing legacy and commitment
The highest honor at Space Center Houston, this award recognizes crew with 20 or more years of service who have made lasting contributions to our mission and culture. Their commitment and legacy will inspire generations to come.
Winners: Crystal Garza, Brenda Boykins, Angela Case

As we reflect on the celebration, we also look ahead with pride. Each nominee and winner reminds us that together, we are expanding horizons and focused on our shared purpose: bringing people and space closer every day.

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Lovell’s contributions to the U.S. space program are monumental. Selected by NASA as an astronaut in 1962, he served on four pivotal space missions and played a key role in shaping the future of human spaceflight. He was a backup pilot for Gemini 4, a backup commander for Gemini 9, and a backup commander to Neil Armstrong for the historic Apollo 11 lunar landing. 

On December 4, 1965, Lovell and Frank Borman launched aboard Gemini 7, completing a 330-hour mission that included the first successful rendezvous of two manned, maneuverable spacecraft in orbit, a milestone that helped make future Moon missions possible. He later served as Command Module Pilot and navigator on Apollo 8, the first human spaceflight to leave Earth orbit, reach the Moon, and return safely. That six-day journey in December 1968 gave the world its first view of Earth from deep space and remains one of the most profound achievements in exploration. 

As commander of Apollo 13, Lovell led his crew through a life-threatening in-flight emergency with steady resolve, ingenuity, and teamwork. His calm leadership under pressure became a global symbol of resilience and problem-solving, reminding us that even in the face of near disaster, human determination and science can prevail. 

Beyond the missions, Lovell’s legacy lives on in how he inspired generations to look up, dream big, and explore further. His story continues to be a powerful touchpoint at Space Center Houston, where more than one million visitors learn about the challenges and triumphs of human spaceflight. 

We are deeply grateful for his service, courage, and commitment to advancing our understanding of space. Captain Jim Lovell brought people and space closer together, and for that, we salute him. 

The post Honoring the Legacy of Jim Lovell Commander of Apollo 13 and Spaceflight Pioneer  appeared first on Space Center Houston.

On June 3, 1965, Gemini IV launched from Cape Kennedy, Florida—but history was made in Houston. This mission was the first U.S. spaceflight controlled by NASA’s brand-new Mission Control Center, now the Johnson Space Center.

Over four days in orbit, astronauts James McDivitt and Ed White circled Earth 62 times. During that flight, Ed White stepped outside the spacecraft and floated freely in space for 23 minutes, marking the first American spacewalk. Tethered to the Gemini IV capsule, White’s pioneering moment opened the door for future extravehicular activities and deeper space exploration.

Beyond the spacewalk, Gemini IV pushed boundaries:

• It tested how humans perform during long-duration spaceflight (98 hours).
• It attempted a complex space rendezvous (though ultimately aborted).
• It carried out 11 scientific experiments, from Earth photography to radiation studies.
• Gemini IV was a turning point, proving that human spaceflight wasn’t just possible; it was evolving. And with Houston at the helm, a new era had begun.

Want to see a piece of that history up close?

At Space Center Houston, guests can view an actual spacesuit in our Starship Gallery, just like the one worn by Ed White during his iconic spacewalk—the first by an American. You can also explore exhibits that highlight Houston’s pivotal role in spaceflight history, including the legacy of Mission Control. Don’t just read about it—step into the story.

The post Celebrating the Anniversary of Gemini IV appeared first on Space Center Houston.

A legacy of flight fueled by curiosity

April 12 marks the anniversary of STS-1, the first flight of the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1981. Among those behind the scenes of that historic mission was Stewart McAdoo, who served in NASA’s Mission Planning and Analysis Division (MPAD). Today, he continues to share his knowledge and passion as a volunteer at Space Center Houston.

We asked McAdoo questions about his role in STS-1 and how he continues to champion curiosity through his work with guests.

On April 12, 1981, the day of the STS-1 launch, you stood at the threshold of a new chapter in human spaceflight. As someone who helped bring space and people closer together that day, what do you remember most vividly from the experience?

McAdoo: It was, for us who worked on the design and expected operation of the shuttle, a feeling of exhilaration that our planning work was going to be a success.

STS-1 was more than a launch—it marked the debut of a reusable space vehicle and the beginning of a vision for long-term human spaceflight. What did it mean to you to be part of a moment that revealed how science and humanity together can power exploration beyond Earth?

McAdoo: I worked in MPAD. It was a changeover for all of us, from contributing to the design and planning for how to operate to actually operating the vehicle. I worked on various configurations and operations, especially rendezvous and proximity operations with other vehicles.

You worked alongside a dedicated team of engineers, mission planners and support crew to overcome enormous challenges. What made that crew so unique—and how did your experience reflect the value of being people-driven in a time of such incredible innovation?

McAdoo: You make it sound so very special. For those of us in MPAD, it was gratifying that we finally had a vehicle, and now we had to work on how to use it. Remember, most of us were involved in a much more challenging project, Apollo.

Space Shuttle Columbia’s launch represented decades of curiosity, perseverance and bold thinking. As a champion of this kind of progress, what moments stand out to you as proof that asking “what if” can lead to something truly extraordinary?

McAdoo: We in MPAD, especially the Advanced Mission Design Branch, were happy to see the vehicle we helped configure actually get to flying. Then, we had to work out how to use it.

As someone who witnessed and contributed to a turning point in space history, what message would you share with today’s explorers—those inspired by the past and looking to a future shaped by wonder, ingenuity and purpose?

McAdoo: I think the message is never to think something can’t be done. We worked through several configurations, adjusting the design mostly to fit budget limitations.

Today, as a volunteer at Space Center Houston, you continue to inspire others with your story and presence. What motivates you to stay involved, and how do you see your role in championing curiosity for new generations of space enthusiasts?

McAdoo: I volunteer to share my experiences with the space program, particularly Apollo, with those who wonder how Saturn V and Apollo worked. Most people I speak with at Rocket Park weren’t alive when Apollo flew. I also answer questions about the shuttle near the cockpit of the mockup atop the 747 to help visitors understand how it worked. There’s a huge lack of understanding about manned spaceflight; I want to do my part to correct that.

Ready to share your own love of space? Learn more about our Volunteer program.

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