George Nelson Status: Retired 7/13/1950 – Nationality: American Type: Government First Flight: 4/6/1984 Last Flight: 9/29/1988 George Driver “Pinky” Nelson is an American physicist, astronomer, science educator, and a former NASA astronaut. Launches Space Shuttle Challenger OV-099 | STS-41-C Space Shuttle Columbia / OV-102 | STS-61-C Space Shuttle Discovery / OV-103 | STS-26 National Aeronautics and Space Administration Type: Government Abbreviation: NASA Administration: Administrator: Jim Bridenstine Founded: 1958 Launchers: Space Shuttle | SLS Spacecraft: Orion Country: USA The 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.