FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	Contact: Margaret Wicker
May 7, 2007	(202)224-6414

WASHINGTON, D.C. – NASA announced today its plan to build a new engine test stand at the John C. Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, said Senators Thad Cochran and Trent Lott. 

The announcement represents an estimated $175 million investment in the Stennis Space Center and serves to support the Constellation Project, NASA’s plan to return the United States to the Moon and eventually to Mars.  The new stand at Stennis will test NASA’s J-2X engines, which will be used in the second stage of the Ares I launch vehicle. 

“This announcement is mutually beneficial for NASA, Mississippi and the nation in promoting the United States’ goal of returning man to the moon,” Senator Cochran said.  “The new test stand will allow Stennis Space Center to continue its historically significant role in NASA’s rocket engine testing and remain a prominent hub of technical activity and skilled jobs in Mississippi.  NASA benefits by utilizing the talented workforce at Stennis whose knowledge and skills, developed over the years since the Apollo era, have made Stennis the leader in rocket engine testing that it is today.”

Senator Lott Said:  “This decision helps cement Stennis Space Center’s future as the nation’s premier rocket testing facility.  Stennis Space Center is indeed a catalyst for Mississippi’s job growth, particularly as part of our state’s growing aerospace industry.  The research and development activity taking place at Stennis certainly complements Mississippi’s effort to provide more high-tech, skilled employment opportunities for Mississippians.”  

NASA has not initiated a project of this magnitude has not been initiated at the Stennis Space Center since the mid-1960s, during the Apollo era.  Testing of the J-2X engine is set to begin in December of 2010.