Jon McBrideStatus: Retired 8/14/1943 – Nationality: American Type: Government First Flight: 10/5/1984 Last Flight: 10/5/1984Jon Andrew McBride is a retired American naval officer and aviator, fighter pilot, test pilot, aeronautical engineer, and a former NASA astronaut.LaunchesSpace Shuttle Challenger / OV-099 | STS-41-GNational 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.