NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket, with its core stage built in New Orleans and its engines assembled and tested in Mississippi, is designed to launch astronauts to the Moon, ensuring that the United States remains at the forefront of space exploration. However, the Administration’s recent budget proposal threatens to terminate this vital program after just three flights, a decision that could have far-reaching consequences for our local economy and our nation’s strategic and technological future.
More than 20 companies in Louisiana and Mississippi support building the SLS rocket and its companion Orion crew-carrying spacecraft, which is also on the Administration’s chopping block. Our members can tell you firsthand that the employees in the region are passionate about their work supporting these programs. Each time an SLS engine roars to life during testing at NASA’s Stennis Space Center, the men and women across the Gulf Coast are proud to make it happen.
NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility and Stennis Space Center are two of the largest employers in the region. SLS and Orion create thousands of high-quality jobs for engineers, scientists, mechanics, technicians, machinists, support staff, and other skilled workers. Federal dollars for these programs cascade through the local economy, supporting local businesses and promoting interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) among our students. Additionally, these programs draw hundreds of additional workers and tourists to the area, benefiting hotels, restaurants and other regional businesses.
The cancellation of the SLS and Orion programs will bring all of these economic benefits to a screeching halt; jobs will go elsewhere, local business will suffer and years of technological progress in the area will be reversed.
From a broader perspective, SLS and Orion, which together form the backbone of NASA’s Artemis program, are crucial for maintaining U.S. leadership in space. China has made no secret of its ambition to dominate in space, with plans for regular crewed Moon missions by 2030. By phasing out the SLS and Orion well before a replacement system is ready, the United States risks ceding this critical ground to rival nations. It would be a grave mistake to land on the Moon on the third Artemis flight but then be unable to return for a decade or more.
SLS and Orion performed flawlessly during their first flight in 2022, and the integration and assembly of the vehicles for the next two missions are progressing smoothly. Significant work is already underway on hardware, including brand new SLS engines that will need to be tested at Stennis, as well as future core stage elements. However, this hardware could be scrapped in favor of unproven systems if the Administration’s budget proposal is approved by Congress.
Canceling SLS and Orion after just three flights is strategically and economically unsound, as well as detrimental to America’s long-term goals in space exploration. The SLS is essential for maintaining U.S. leadership in space, driving economic growth, and paving the way for future missions to Mars. It is imperative that we continue to support and invest in this critical program to ensure a bright and prosperous future for American space exploration and the Gulf Coast region.
During the week of May 19, members of Partners for Stennis & Michoud met in D.C. with our colleagues from across the country as part of a national coalition, Citizens for Space Exploration. During a few days, we met with every member of Congress to let them know of our support for their efforts to continue to robustly fund the NASA budget and keep SLS & Orion powering America’s future in space.
Mississippi and Louisiana are blessed with a strong and well-respected Congressional delegation. We know they are working to keep our jobs protected and the nation’s leadership position secure in the race for space.
Partners for Stennis & Michoud is a two state is a coalition of Mississippi and Louisiana citizens and businesses who advocate for the support and growth of these two NASA assets.
The views expressed by contributors are their own and not the views of SuperTalk Mississippi Media.
