MS space grant applications

On March 13, 1969, the crew manning NASA’s Apollo 9 returned to Earth after a 10-day orbital mission. It was the first successful manned flight of a Lunar Module. Nearly 50 years later, NASA continues to fund space grant consortium programs in every state to promote space exploration. Applications for the Mississippi Space Grant Consortium are due Friday. According to its mission statement, the Mississippi Space Grant Consortium not only enhances and furthers the study, development and practice of aerospace science and technology, but also fosters education and career building for science, mathematics, engineering and technology (STEM) professions. The MSSGC was founded in 1991 when NASA awarded grants to the University of Mississippi, Jackson State University, University of Southern Mississippi and Mississippi State University. Another gateway for STEM career opportunities is the Graduate Research Fellowship Awards. Currently, fellowship awards are $20,000 a year with an option to re-apply and renew for up to three years. Between eight-to-10 students are awarded the fellowship annually. (Daily Mississippian 03/22/17)