HANCOCK COUNTY, Miss.–More business could be ahead for Mississippi’s Stennis Space Center in Hancock County, thanks to a proposal passed in the U.S. Senate Tuesday that would require the Federal Aviation Administration to look into using existing NASA facilities, like Stennis, for future commercial space flight technology development.
In other words, they have to find out if it’s cheaper and more efficient to use places like Stennis.
“I am pleased that the Senate has recognized the need to consider using existing NASA facilities, such as Stennis Space Center, for commercial space launch testing,” said Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.). “Strengthening the commercial-public space partnership would help maximize the use of tax dollars by making the most of proven test facilities.”
Wicker’s proposal is included in the “Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act,” S. 1297. The bill was passed unanimously by the Senate last night.
Specifically, the measure would direct the Secretary of Transportation and the FAA to include an assessment of how existing test facilities can be used in future licensing activities. The report to Congress would also examine ways to streamline licensing and permitting processes of both launch and reentry vehicles.
