Richard HiebStatus: Retired 9/21/1955 – Nationality: American Type: Government First Flight: 4/28/1991 Last Flight: 7/8/1994Richard James Hieb is a former NASA astronaut and a veteran of three space shuttle missions. He was a mission specialist on STS-39 and STS-49, and was a payload commander on STS-65.LaunchesSpace Shuttle Discovery / OV-103 | STS-39Space Shuttle Endeavour / OV-105 | STS-49Space Shuttle Columbia / OV-102 | STS-65National 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.