NASA: No problem in Mississippi

In 1961, NASA had a problem. It had selected a large area in Hancock County, Miss., to build its propulsion test site. The problem would require relocating more than 600 not-so-happy families with the news of the moves. On Nov. 1, 1961, leaders gathered in one a local Hancock community to meet with residents. It was pivotal, Dr. Rick Gilbrech, director of NASA’s Stennis Space Center, wrote in an op-ed in response to the release of the NASA Economic Impact Report of FY19. NASA called on residents to trust that all would be for the best. It was the cornerstone for an invaluable partnership between Stennis - the nation’s largest rocket propulsion test site - and local communities. Both have grown and worked together for almost six decades. NASA released its newly-commissioned Economic Impact Report of 2019 that takes a credible look at the space agency and what it means to the nation. The economic impact of NASA in the report can only be described as “comprehensive.” All 50 states see economic benefits from NASA and its research, development, and space exploration. Overall, NASA generated a total economic output of more than $64B in FY-19, supported 312,000-plus jobs and almost $7B in federal, state, and local tax revenues. For the Magnolia State, it has benefitted with 3,633 jobs (11th among states); an economic output of $570.5M (11th among states); 493 jobs directly related to NASA’s Moon to Mars efforts (9th among states); and a Moon to Mars economic output of just more than $77M (11th among states). Mississippi stands on the front lines of NASA’s missions, especially as Stennis tests the engines and propulsion systems for the new Space Launch System rocket that will power those Moon to Mars missions of tomorrow. (Source: NASA op-ed 10/02/20) https://www.nasa.gov/centers/stennis/news/press-release/nasas-economic-impact-is-comprehensive-and-life-changing