Alphonso V. Diaz is a notable figure in the history of NASA, having served in various leadership roles throughout his career. Diaz first joined NASA as a cooperative education student at Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. He chose to join NASA to help finance his education at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Diaz's career at NASA was marked by significant contributions and leadership roles. He was part of a team that conducted an assessment of the NASA Agency-wide Applicability of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board Report in 2004.

Claire L. Parkinson is a prominent researcher in the field of oceanography and climate science, with a particular focus on sea ice dynamics and its implications for global climate change. Over the course of her distinguished career, Parkinson has authored and co-authored an extensive array of publications, ranging from 1981 to 1988 and beyond, that delve into the intricacies of sea ice, ocean currents, and their environmental impacts. Parkinson's scholarly contributions are well-documented through her numerous research articles and studies.

David Fraine is a seasoned maritime professional with a career spanning over 25 years on the MV Liberty and MV Freedom Star. His role as the first officer on these unique vessels was instrumental in the operation of the Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) recovery ships. Fraine's experience extends beyond the helm, as he was also responsible for maintaining the ships in the challenging tropical climate of the Florida coast. His duties included the cross-training of crew members, ensuring a versatile and adaptable team.

Dr. Dixon Butler, the Founder and President of YLACES, serves as a consultant to a diverse range of organizations, including government agencies, non-profits, foundations, and corporations, offering his extensive knowledge in various science-related fields. His areas of expertise encompass science and information system management, satellite mission planning, STEM and environmental education, budget and appropriations, remote sensing, energy, environmental, nuclear, science, and space policy.

Ivy F. Hooks is a distinguished figure in the field of aerospace engineering, with a career that has spanned several decades and has included significant contributions to the United States' space program. Born and educated in Houston, Texas, Hooks earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics in 1963, followed by a Master of Science degree in Mathematics in 1965, both from the University of Houston. Hooks began her illustrious career at NASA's Manned Spacecraft Center, which later became the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.

Dr. Jack Kaye stands as a prominent figure in the field of Earth System Science, particularly within the context of NASA's mission to understand and protect our home planet. His career, marked by a series of leadership roles, reflects a deep commitment to advancing the scientific understanding of Earth's complex environmental systems. As the Associate Director for Research of the Earth Science Division at NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Dr. Kaye has been instrumental in guiding research that spans the gamut from atmospheric chemistry to land-use changes.

Jack Funk was a renowned aeronautical engineer who made significant strides in the field of astromechanics and spacecraft technology. His career spanned across two of the most influential space agencies in the United States - the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Funk's work at NACA and later at NASA was marked by his innovative approach and dedication to advancing the field of aeronautics.

General James A. Abrahamson is a retired United States Air Force general who served as a fighter pilot and a test pilot. His background is in technical program management, with his first program in the U.S. Air Force being the Spacecraft Project Officer on the Vela Nuclear Detection Satellite Program, a satellite built by TRW Inc. intended to detect any nation that was cheating in space on the Space Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. Abrahamson also served as the program manager for the F-16 development program, which was a great success.

James Green hails from Burlington, Iowa, a town situated on the Mississippi River. Growing up as a "river rat," he enjoyed water skiing and catfish catching. His passion for astronomy ignited during high school when an enthusiastic chemistry teacher, Mr. Vinson, initiated an after-school astronomy class, providing access to a 12-inch refractor telescope. Green delved into astrophotography and even had his work featured in "Sky and Telescope" magazine.

John Fischbeck is a seasoned professional who has made significant contributions to the field of space exploration, particularly in the SRB Recovery Ships project at the Kennedy Space Center. His career is marked by his involvement in the challenging and innovative task of retrieving solid rocket boosters from the ocean. Fischbeck's work has not only involved technical expertise but also unique experiences such as dealing with a Russian trawler and the salvage operation after the Challenger disaster.