Continuously uncovering curiosities for humankind, NASA is on the forefront of space exploration and the evolving art of flight. Established in 1958, NASA is headquartered in Washington, D.C. with 10 field centers spread throughout the United States. In response to the world’s race to uncover the mysteries of space, NASA launched 135 missions between 1981 and 2011, all lifting off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Hawaii has been an instrumental player in NASA’s space travels, from being a key part of landing a man on the moon to being a first port of call for astronauts returning home from the moon. The global Spacecraft Tracking and Data Network, comprising numerous tracking stations throughout the world, facilitated communications with the first orbiting astronauts involved in Project Mercury. Located in Kōkee State Park on the Garden Isle of Kauai, the station first served Project Mercury, then the Gemini Program. Today, the station is used for NASA’s Goddard Crustal Dynamics Project and the US Naval Observatory. While NASA’s main training base, The Johnson’s Center is located in Houston, Texas, the Big Island’s lava fields are another prime training spot. The volcanic terrain simulates what a mission to Mars would look like. While the mainland is home to NASA’s headquarters and numerous field centers, Hawaii serves as an integral part of NASA’s endeavors, facilitating and aiding in space travel.
1” X 1” METAL VINTAGE AVIATION LAPEL PIN
Made with sturdy die cast metal
Decorated with colorfast hard enamel
Heavy duty back post and claps for secure fastening
