WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), Mary Landrieu (D-La.), and David Vitter (R-La.) on Wednesday introduced a resolution honoring the 50th anniversary of the John C. Stennis Space Center.  The resolution recognizes Stennis Space Center’s economic impact to the Gulf Coast region.

On October 25, 1961, NASA formerly announced plans to establish a testing facility in Hancock County.  Today, Stennis employs more than 5,000 and is home to approximately 30 federal, state, academic, and private organizations.

“Stennis has played an integral role in making America a leader in aerospace technology and space exploration,” said Wicker.  “What began as a test facility for the Apollo program has become a vibrant federal city of economic growth.  For 50 years, countless men and women have contributed to Stennis’ outstanding legacy and continue to inspire America’s next generation of scientists and engineers.”

“Our resolution allows the Senate and the nation to celebrate the golden anniversary of the Stennis Space Center, its remarkable achievements in the U.S. space program and its growth into a ‘Federal City’ with broad public and private scientific assets.  These strengths bode well for its continued and leading role in improving America’s national security, technological advances and future in space,” Cochran said.  “I am proud that Mississippi is home for this remarkable facility.”

“The hard-working experts at Stennis are dedicated to continuing NASA’s success as the space mission transforms,” Sen. Landrieu said.  “Looking forward at NASA’s future missions, I am encouraged by the critical role Stennis and the Michoud Assembly Facility will play in the development and testing of the Space Launch System. That innovative public/private partnership makes Stennis a prominent focal point for science excellence for our region and the nation.”

“On behalf of  the Stennis-Michoud Aerospace Corridor Alliance I helped create with economic development agencies in Louisiana and Mississippi in 2008, I want to congratulate Stennis and its employees on their 50th anniversary,” Vitter said. “The economic development centered on the unique capacities at Stennis and Michoud that has benefited the region cannot be understated.”

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