posted 12-29-2024 04:05 PM               

Members of the public are encouraged to visit the official tribute website to the life of President Carter. This site includes the official online condolence book as well as print and visual biographical materials commemorating his life.

At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Oct. 1, 1978, President Jimmy Carter, hand on waist, is briefed on preparations for the first space shuttle launch by center director Lee Scherer. To the left of Carter is NASA Administrator Robert Frosch.

This is a present from a small distant world, a token of our sounds, our science, our images, our music, our thoughts, and our feelings. We are attempting to survive our time so we may live into yours. We hope someday, having solved the problems we face, to join a community of galactic civilizations. This record represents our hope and our determination, and our good will in a vast and awesome universe.

Although Carter was known to favor NASA’s science missions over launching astronauts, he saw value in moving forward with the space transportation system. As he told Ars Technica in 2016:

I was not enthusiastic about sending humans on missions to Mars or outer space. But I thought the shuttle was a good way to continue the good work of NASA. I didn't want to waste the money already invested.

During a 2002 visit to Kennedy Space Center, former President Jimmy Carter (center) receives a special presentation from Center Director Roy D. Bridges Jr. With Carter is his wife, former first lady Rosalyn Carter.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said in statement:

President Carter was the pinnacle of a public servant, dedicating his life to making our world a better place. He showed us each and every person has the power to make a difference.

From providing for those in need, protecting the environment and championing civil and human rights, President Carter was a good man who always strove to do what was right. He embodied the very best of humanity and his life and legacy are an example to the United States and the world.