Byron K. LichtenbergStatus: Retired 2/19/1948 – Nationality: American Type: Government First Flight: 11/28/1983 Last Flight: 3/24/1992Byron Kurt Lichtenberg, Sc. D. (born February 19, 1948) is an American engineer and fighter pilot who flew aboard two NASA Space Shuttle missions as a Payload Specialist. In 1983, he and Ulf Merbold became the first Payload Specialists to fly on the shuttle.LaunchesSpace Shuttle Columbia / OV-102 | STS-9Space Shuttle Atlantis / OV-104 | STS-45National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationType: Government Abbreviation: NASA Administration: Administrator: Jim Bridenstine Founded: 1958 Launchers: Space Shuttle | SLS Spacecraft: Orion Country: USAThe National Aeronautics and Space Administration is an independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal government responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and aerospace research. NASA have many launch facilities but most are inactive. The most commonly used pad will be LC-39B at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.