he Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) and Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex announced today that the 2020 U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame® induction ceremony and gala at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will be postponed due to the unprecedented circumstances related to COVID-19 and in the best interest of our guests and crewmembers. Veteran astronauts Michael E. Lopez-Alegria, Pamela A. Melroy and Scott Kelly, who have all demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in furthering NASA’s mission of exploration and discovery, were selected to receive one of the highest honors in their industry at an official ceremony in May 2020. A new date has not yet been determined.
As always, the health and safety of our employees and guests is the highest priority for Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Additional details will be shared when they are available.
U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction Process and Eligibility
The U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame was spearheaded more than 30 years ago by the six surviving Mercury 7 astronauts. In November 2016, a new U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame opened at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, as part of the Heroes & Legends attraction.
Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens and NASA-trained astronauts who flew as Commander (CDR), Pilot (PLT) or Mission Specialist (MS). They must have orbited the Earth at least once with their first flight at least 15 years prior to and last flight at least five years prior to the election year. Current NASA employees are eligible if they are not under consideration for flight assignment. Payload Specialists may be eligible for the ballot if nominated by the Mission Commander and are endorsed by another U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame astronaut.
