American space exploration used to be powered solely by the federal government, but private industry is pioneering many of today’s breakthroughs. Mississippi’s John C. Stennis Space Center has successfully navigated this change. For decades, its researchers performed thousands of tests for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, or NASA. As the private space industry has grown, Stennis Space Center remains the nation’s premier rocket engine testing facility. Today, it is home to several private companies creating the rockets for modern missions.

In Congress, I have supported the Stennis Space Center’s transition to this new era of space exploration. When the Obama administration paused the construction of a new rocket engine test stand at Stennis, I rallied the support needed to finish the project. The decision paid off. Today, that stand is leased by an aerospace company, bringing jobs and adding to the innovation ecosystem in Mississippi. This year, I have advanced several bills that are set to continue this trend.

Modernizing Stennis Test Facilities

Most Mississippians are familiar with this summer’s reconciliation legislation, which extended tax cuts, improved energy and border security, and made a down payment on our national defense rebuild. A lesser-known section of that law made investments in space exploration. In that provision, Congress extended funding for the Artemis program, which is NASA’s initiative to return humans to the moon. The Stennis Space Center tests all rocket engines for the Artemis program. In the reconciliation law, I secured funds that will help modernize the site’s testing infrastructure. Those improvements will continue making Stennis Space Center an attractive location for NASA and private industry.

Continuing NASA’s Rocket Testing Program

I have also been working to ensure Mississippi’s space assets are prioritized in this year's appropriations process. In negotiations with my colleagues, I won support for funding to continue NASA’s rocket propulsion testing program. That funding was ultimately approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee. It will complement the infrastructure updates made possible by this summer’s reconciliation law.

Keeping Stennis Central in NASA Planning

Congress regularly passes a bill that sets policy direction for NASA. My colleagues and I have been drafting the latest version of that legislation. Throughout our deliberations, I have been fighting to include two items that would ensure more job creation for the Stennis Space Center.

The first item, a bill titled the Engine Testing for Exploration Act, would require NASA to continue rocket testing at Stennis Space Center. This legislation would provide certainty for future activities at the site. It is similar to a proposal that would give the Johnson Space Center responsibility for spacesuit and extravehicular activity programs. The Engine Testing for Exploration Act would bring that same certainty to Mississippi.

The second effort would help support the Stennis Space Center after the end of the Artemis program. The bill, called the Building Out Optimized Space Testing (BOOST) for Engines Act, would require the NASA Administrator to keep modernizing Stennis Space Center’s rocket engine testing infrastructure. Private aerospace companies continually develop new systems, and each can require updated testing structures. The BOOST for Engines Act would help Stennis Space Center accommodate new kinds of engines.

These initiatives would help sharpen Mississippi’s competitive edge in today’s evolving space industry. Stennis Space Center was integral to the success of 20th century space flight, and it is proving its relevance in our day. I expect the site to continue creating jobs, attracting talent, and keeping our state on the forefront of space exploration.