WASHINGTON – Alabama’s entire congressional delegation joined in resolutions to honor the 65th anniversary of the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville.
U.S. Rep. Dale Strong, R-Huntsville, led the House resolution to mark 65 years since the NASA center was founded on July 1, 1960. Since its creation, MSFC has played a key role in developing rockets to send astronauts to the moon and space. It now employs more than 6,000 employees.
“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,” Strong said in a statement.
The Huntsville operation has led the way for space innovation from Saturn V to Artemis missions, Space Flight Center Director Joseph Pelfrey said.
“Together, we are making history, driving American excellence, and reaching for the stars — and we’re just getting started,” he said in a statement.
All of the state’s delegation expressed their pride in the work NASA has pioneered in Alabama.
“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,” Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Saks, said in a statement. “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 celebration of MSFC brought lawmakers together on both sides of the aisle.
“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,” Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Birmingham, said in a statement.
U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., led the Senate resolution with the support of fellow Alabama Sen. Katie Britt. He shouted out the talented scientists, technicians, and support staff who dedicate their careers to supporting NASA missions.
“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,” Britt said in a statement.
Senate Republicans on the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee proposed boosting funding for space centers, including Marshall. The plan also allocates funding to space programs that are the cornerstone of NASA’s presence in Huntsville. If President Donald Trump’s budget bill becomes law, the MSFC would get $100 million for infrastructure repairs and upgrades.