SSC: Future of space exploration

Stennis Space Center, near Mississippi's Gulf Coast, is the nation’s premier rocket testing facility with a 125,000-acre buffer zone. Adjacent to the buffer is Stennis International Airport (KSA) with an 8,500-foot runway rated for the world’s largest aircraft. “Few communities offer the assets and expertise that is available in Hancock County,” said Janel Carothers, Chief Economic Development Officer for Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission (HCPHC). “For 60 years, the path to space has started in Hancock County.” Some of the more innovative aerospace companies have footprints in the county: Aerojet Rocketdyne, Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Relativity Space, Rolls-Royce, Boeing and Tyonek Services Group. SpaceX, Virgin Orbit, Blue Origin, Ursa Major, Launcher and Firehawk also take advantage of the rocket testing infrastructure. In 2021, SSC rocket engine testing featured 11 test campaigns, including seven NASA-led projects, on eight test stands. The year’s activity totaled 434 tests and 7,341 seconds of cumulative firing time, according to NASA. Because of its acoustical buffer zone, Stennis has the ability to conduct rocket engine and stage testing year around without disturbing neighbors. As a result, Stennis is on the front end of future of space exploration. (Source: Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission 04/01/22) Hancock County is the cornerstone of Mississippi’s aerospace industry | Hancock County News and Events (portairspace.com)