Kathryn P. HireStatus: Retired 8/26/1959 – Nationality: American Type: Government First Flight: 4/17/1998 Last Flight: 2/8/2010Kathryn Patricia “Kay” Hire is a NASA astronaut and Captain in the U.S. Navy Reserve who has flown aboard two Space Shuttle missions.LaunchesSpace Shuttle Columbia / OV-102 | STS-90Space Shuttle Endeavour / OV-105 | STS-130National 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.