NASA's 'Mighty Eagle' Robotic Prototype Lander Aces Major Exam

An excited crowd claps and cheers as the "Mighty Eagle" lands after a successful, 100-foot test Sept. 5. Among those watching the test are, Denise Smithers, in foreground, an executive intern supporting the Marshall Center’s acting director and administrative team; second row, from left, Chris Cianciola, manager of Marshall's Human Exploration Development Office; Daniel Schumacher, manager of Marshall's Science & Technology Office; and Johnny Stephenson, deputy director of Marshall's Office of Strategic Analysis & Communications. On the third row, above Schumacher, are from left, Dale Thomas, associate director (technical) in Marshall's Office of the Director; Ellen Ochoa, deputy director of Johnson Space Center in Houston, and a former astronaut; and Jonathan Pettus, acting associate director of Marshall. (NASA/MSFC/Emmett Given)