James Dutton Status: Retired 11/20/1968 – Nationality: American Type: Government First Flight: 4/5/2010 Last Flight: 4/5/2010 James Patrick “Mash” Dutton, Jr. is a NASA astronaut pilot of the Class of 2004 (NASA Group 19), and a former test pilot in the US Air Force with the rank of Colonel. Launches Space Shuttle Discovery / OV-103 | STS-131 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.