U.S. Senator Katie Britt Joins Alabama Delegation in Celebrating Marshall Space Flight Center’s 65th Anniversary
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) joined Alabama’s entire Congressional delegation in introducing a resolution commemorating the 65th anniversary of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and reaffirming continued support for the Center’s mission, programs, and workforce.
“I couldn’t be prouder to recognize the 65th anniversary of Marshall Space Flight Center along with our entire Alabama delegation. The U.S. space program is vitally important, and Alabama and MSFC continue to play an integral role in redefining the boundaries of human imagination and the heights of human achievement,” said Senator Britt. “As the incredible men and women at MSFC continue to make historic leaps that fuel a new age of American excellence in space exploration, I will continue to ensure that this groundbreaking work is supported now and long into the future.”
On July 1, 1960, nearly 4,000 employees from the Army Ballistic Missile Agency at Redstone Arsenal swapped their Army badges for NASA credentials, joining the space race to beat the Soviet Union to the moon. At the same time, Redstone transferred roughly 1,900 acres to NASA, and the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) was born.
Since then, MSFC has led the development of every NASA rocket designed to carry humans into space and continues to lead efforts to return Americans to the Moon. The center has played a pioneering role in propulsion systems and hardware development, space and materials science research, advanced manufacturing, and life support systems, advancing nearly every aspect of space exploration.
“From helping put the first man on the moon to the Artemis I mission, Huntsville’s Marshall Space Flight Center has led the way in space exploration for the last 65 years. This is because of the talented scientists, technicians, and support staff who’ve poured their heart and soul into earning Huntsville the title of “Rocket City,” said Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.). “I’m tremendously proud to represent a state that’s home to this world-renowned facility, and I look forward to seeing MSFC continue to lead the way in space exploration as we look to Artemis II and beyond.”
“Marshall Space Flight Center is a pillar of North Alabama, and the road to space runs straight through the Rocket City,”said Representative Dale Strong (AL-05). “From the Apollo missions to the Shuttle program, and now to the Space Launch System and everything in between, the United States’ leadership in space cannot happen without Marshall Space Flight Center.”
“I’m proud to join my Alabama colleagues in recognizing the 65th anniversary of the Marshall Space Flight Center. For over six decades, the Marshall Space Flight Center has propelled America’s leadership in space,” said Representative Barry Moore (AL-01). “From putting a man on the Moon to pioneering the next chapter of deep space exploration through the Space Launch System and the Artemis program, the Marshall Space Flight Center continues to embody the best of American ingenuity and innovation. The men and women at Marshall represent the kind of commitment and excellence that make our state and nation great, and I’m proud to join this resolution recognizing them for their help in advancing the future of human spaceflight.”
“I was proud to join my colleagues and all Alabamians in celebrating the Marshall Space Flight Center’s 65thanniversary,” said Representative Mike Rogers (AL-03). “The Marshall Space Flight Center has played a pivotal role in establishing Alabama as a cornerstone of space innovation. In its 65 years, this center has played key roles in the Apollo Program, the Hubble Space Telescope, the International Space Station, and the Artemis program, among many others. As Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and a proud Alabamian, I cannot express how much this center has contributed to this country and this state.”
“The Marshall Space Flight Center has been at the core of American aeronautics and space exploration for the past 65 years,” said Representative Terri Sewell (AL-07). “MSFC continues to be a point of pride for our state from the creation of the Apollo program to today’s low-orbit technology impacting every American’s daily life.”
This resolution was led in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representative Strong.
Senator Britt has been a strong champion for Marshall Space Flight Center’s continued success. “The SLS rocket—the most powerful in world history—is the only rocket currently capable of taking astronauts and large cargo directly to lunar orbit in a single launch. We will need multiple solutions and capabilities for assured access to space, especially given the threat of the Chinese Communist Party,” stated the Senator earlier this year.
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