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<\/figure>NASA\u2019s Stennis Space Center began with a single mission \u2013 to test Apollo rocket stages to carry humans to the Moon. Moving forward, the site has a renewed vision \u2013 to evolve as a unique, multifaceted aerospace and technology hub.<\/p>\n
It also has a clear blueprint for getting there.<\/p>\n
The NASA Stennis Strategic Plan 2024-2028, available online at nasa-stennis-strategic-plan-2024-2028.pdf<\/a>, outlines goals and objectives in five critical areas \u2013 propulsion, the federal city, autonomous systems, range operations, and workforce development. For the center, the overarching focus is to align itself with the NASA mission, adapt to the changing aerospace and technology landscape, and grow into the future.<\/p>\n \u201cA famous quote I really like says, \u2018The best way to predict the future is to create it,\u2019\u201d NASA Stennis Center Director Rick Gilbrech said. \u201cWe are committed to doing just that by embracing the possibilities and seizing the opportunities before us. We want to ensure the road to space, and innovation continues to go through Mississippi for the benefit of all.\u201d<\/p>\n Much has changed in the aerospace and technology world since NASA and NASA Stennis were established more than 60 years ago. Thanks in large part to NASA\u2019s involvement, commercial space has flourished and continues to grow. Technology moves at a breakneck speed.<\/p>\n NASA Stennis has mirrored the nation\u2019s space program, testing engines and propulsion systems for all three U.S. human space exploration eras \u2013 Apollo, space shuttle, and now, SLS (Space Launch System). Along the way, the site also grew into a federal city with about 40 resident companies, agencies, and entities on site. More recently, it emerged as a leader in working with commercial aerospace companies, both large and small.<\/p>\n It now seeks to take the next step by building on past success, using its skilled workforce and unique infrastructure and location to attract new tenants onsite, and expanding into such areas as autonomous systems and range operations.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have the chance to invent the future of NASA Stennis, and we have to be very strategic about it,\u201d said Duane Armstrong, manager of the NASA Stennis Strategic Business Development Office. \u201cThe new plan is our guide to help make sure we are aligning ourselves with the NASA mission and the needs of our commercial partners.\u201d<\/p>\n Key goals in the plan include: (1) transforming into a multi-user propulsion test enterprise; (2) growing as a sustainable and long-term federal city; (3) designing intelligent and autonomous aerospace systems and services; (4) utilizing its unique range location and infrastructure to support the testing and operation of uncrewed air, land, and marine systems; and (5) cultivating and optimizing the NASA Stennis workforce for the future.<\/p>\n \u201cThere is a lot of change likely in the years ahead, and we have to rethink our role and how we can continue to provide value,\u201d Armstrong said. \u201cThis plan will serve as a framework to guide our actions and decisions.\u201d<\/p>\n In six decades, NASA Stennis has grown into a powerful economic engine while also meeting challenges head-on and negotiating change. The challenge \u2013 and opportunity \u2013 now, Armstrong said, is to adapt to an evolving aerospace and technology landscape, connect people to purpose, and open a world of new possibilities.<\/p>\n C. Lacy Thompson
Stennis Space Center, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
228-363-5499
calvin.l.thompson@nasa.gov<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\nDiscover More Topics from NASA Stennis<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n