Special Event

In 2016, the Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security-Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx, spacecraft launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station to collect samples from the asteroid named Bennu. On September 24, 2023, OSIRIS-REx returns to Earth with these samples in tow to help us better understand how planets formed a life began, as well as learn more about asteroids that could impact Earth. Join us in commemorating OSIRIS-REx’s return with a special guest speaker in Journey To Mars launched by United Launch Alliance.

Tim Dunn, NASA's senior launch director for the Launch Services Program, will give a presentation at 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM and will offer insights into his role in planning and executing launch campaigns for NASA's science and robotic spacecraft. Be sure to bring your questions!

Plus, watch live coverage from our Rocket Garden of the spacecraft landing at the Utah Test and Training Range in Utah's West Desert, where scientists will be waiting to retrieve it.

This event is included with admission.

BUY ADMISSION

Learn more about the OSIRIS-REx mission.

Tim Dunn
Senior Launch Director for Launch Services Program

Tim Dunn serves as the NASA senior launch director for the Launch Services Program (LSP) at NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center, Florida. In this role, he oversees the planning, execution, and management of launch campaigns for NASA-managed science and robotic spacecraft using various launch vehicles. With a background that includes his tenure as LSP's certification manager, Dunn spearheaded the coordination of technical teams to ensure the certification of NASA's next-generation rockets. He authored the Certification Implementation Strategy, streamlining the process for contractors to present vehicle qualification data. Since 2011, Dunn has held the position of LSP's launch director, successfully leading the NASA launch team in various significant missions, including Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory, Jason-3, OSIRIS-REx, Mars InSight lander, Solar Orbiter, Landsat-9, and Surface Water and Ocean Topography.