Millie Hughes-Fulford Status: Deceased 12/21/1945 – 2/4/2021 Nationality: American Type: Government First Flight: 6/5/1991 Last Flight: 6/5/1991 Millie Elizabeth Hughes-Fulford was an American medical investigator, molecular biologist and former NASA astronaut who flew aboard a NASA Space Shuttle mission as a Payload Specialist. Launches Space Shuttle Columbia / OV-102 | STS-40 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.