Propulsion: SSC "critical" for NASA

Sen. Thad Cochran, R-Miss., says he's "gained assurances" that Stennis Space Center will have a robust future as a testing facility whether or not Congress agrees to the sweeping changes proposed for NASA by the Obama administration. Cochran questioned NASA Administrator Charles F. Bolden Jr. about Stennis during a hearing to review the FY2011 budget request for the space agency. Bolden stressed the need for a "robust testing program" and pointed to $312 million for commercial space testing, some of which will take place at Stennis. Bolden also noted ongoing work to retrofit the A-3 test stand at Stennis and the overall need to test space engine propulsion and Heavy Lift Vehicle systems. "Stennis is critical," Bolden testified. (Source: Mississippi Business Journal, 04/26/10)