Richard N. RichardsStatus: Retired 8/24/1946 – Nationality: American Type: Government First Flight: 8/8/1989 Last Flight: 9/9/1994Richard Noel “Dick” Richards is a retired American naval officer and aviator, test pilot, chemical engineer, and a former NASA astronaut. He flew aboard four Space Shuttle missions in the 1980s and 1990s.LaunchesSpace Shuttle Columbia / OV-102 | STS-28Space Shuttle Discovery / OV-103 | STS-41Space Shuttle Columbia / OV-102 | STS-50Space Shuttle Discovery / OV-103 | STS-64National 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.