Mark L. PolanskyStatus: Retired 6/2/1956 – Nationality: American Type: Government First Flight: 2/7/2001 Last Flight: 7/15/2009Mark Lewis “Roman” Polansky is an American aerospace engineer and research pilot and a former NASA astronaut. Polansky received the nickname “Roman” as a joke, because he shares a last name with director Roman Polanski. He flew on three Space Shuttle missions: STS-98, STS-116, and STS-127.LaunchesSpace Shuttle Atlantis / OV-104 | STS-98Space Shuttle Discovery / OV-103 | STS-116Space Shuttle Endeavour / OV-105 | STS-127National 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.