Washington, DC– Rep. Pete Olson (R-Sugar Land) today congratulated the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Rice University for their successful collaboration on human space exploration. Fifty years ago, NASA’s then Administrator, James E. Webb, decided to build the NASA Manned Space Center in Houston on land that was deeded to the government by Rice. This partnership ultimately resulted in NASA calling Houston the home of Mission Control.

"Fifty years ago today, NASA and Rice University came together to embark on a project that would change U.S. history forever. Houston has been the leader in human space exploration for five decades, an impressive and admirable record that would not be in place without NASA and Rice University’s collaboration. Although I am concerned about the current Administration’s commitment to a real and robust human spaceflight mission, I am confident that we will rise to the challenge and get America back in space.

“Congratulations to NASA for fifty years of excellence in human space venture and to Rice University for allowing Houston to be at the forefront of our American space program. I will continue to work toward keeping Houston, and therefore America, the leader in space.”

To celebrate this anniversary, Rice and partners are hosting the Rice NASAversary, a week-long set of events from September 9 to 16.  More information on the events can be found here.

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Media Contact: Melissa Kelly

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