Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

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Patti Grace Smith's leadership helped shape the future of commercial spaceflight. As former head of the FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation, she championed innovation, opened new frontiers, and left an enduring mark on aerospace history. Join us as we celebrate her legacy and look back on June 21, 2004, when she stood on-site for the historic launch of SpaceShipOne and presented the FAA’s very first Commercial Astronaut Wings—a milestone moment for the emerging commercial space industry.

• Explore milestones: faa.gov/america250
• Watch the full America 250 playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5vHkqHi51DQK_dpFWRewkk87hn6W4S-0

#America250 #PattiGraceSmith #CommercialSpace #FAA #AviationHistory #FlightPath250 #SpaceExploration