Strong leads Alabama delegation in celebrating Marshall Space Flight Center’s 65th anniversary

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Dale Strong, with the support of Alabama’s entire congressional delegation, led a resolution today commemorating the 65th anniversary of the Marshall Space Flight Center and reaffirming continued support for the Center’s mission, programs, and workforce.  

“Marshall Space Flight Center is a pillar of North Alabama, and the road to space runs straight through the Rocket City,” said Strong (R-Huntsville). “From the Apollo missions to the Shuttle program, and now to the Space Launch System and everything in between, the United States’ leadership in space cannot happen without Marshall Space Flight Center.” 

The bipartisan, bicameral resolution was led in the Senate by Sen. Tommy Tuberville.

“From helping put the first man on the moon to the Artemis I mission, Huntsville’s Marshall Space Flight Center has led the way in space exploration for the last 65 years,” said Tuberville (R-Auburn). “This is because of the talented scientists, technicians, and support staff who’ve poured their heart and soul into earning Huntsville the title of ‘Rocket City.’

“I’m tremendously proud to represent a state that’s home to this world-renowned facility, and I look forward to seeing MSFC continue to lead the way in space exploration as we look to Artemis II and beyond.” 

On July 1, 1960, nearly 4,000 employees from the Army Ballistic Missile Agency at Redstone Arsenal swapped their Army badges for NASA credentials, joining the space race to beat the Soviet Union to the moon. At the same time, Redstone transferred roughly 1,900 acres to NASA, and the Marshall Space Flight Center was born.  

Since then, MSFC has led the development of every NASA rocket designed to carry humans into space and continues to lead efforts to return Americans to the Moon. The center has played a pioneering role in propulsion systems and hardware development, space and materials science research, advanced manufacturing, and life support systems, advancing nearly every aspect of space exploration. 

 “For 65 years, the Marshall Space Flight Center has led the way in American space innovation — from launching Saturn V to powering Artemis and beyond,” said Marshall Space Flight Center Director Joseph Pelfrey. “We’re proud to call Huntsville, Alabama our home, and we’re deeply grateful to Congressman Strong and our entire congressional delegation for their steadfast support.

“Together, we are making history, driving American excellence, and reaching for the stars — and we’re just getting started,”

• “I’m proud to join my Alabama colleagues in recognizing the 65th anniversary of the Marshall Space Flight Center. For over six decades, the Marshall Space Flight Center has propelled America’s leadership in space,” said Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise). “From putting a man on the Moon to pioneering the next chapter of deep space exploration through the Space Launch System and the Artemis program, the Marshall Space Flight Center continues to embody the best of American ingenuity and innovation. The men and women at Marshall represent the kind of commitment and excellence that make our state and nation great, and I’m proud to join this resolution recognizing them for their help in advancing the future of human spaceflight.”
• “Marshall Space Flight Center represents the very best of American innovation and engineering. It also stands as a powerful example of the contributions Alabama makes to our nation and the world,” said Rep. Shomari C. Figures (D-Mobile). “I am proud to join Rep. Strong and my colleagues in the delegation in honoring the legacy of this institution and the extraordinary men and women whose work continues to shape the future of space exploration.”  
• “I was proud to join my colleagues and all Alabamians in celebrating the Marshall Space Flight Center’s 65^th anniversary,” said Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Weaver). “The Marshall Space Flight Center has played a pivotal role in establishing Alabama as a cornerstone of space innovation. In its 65 years, this center has played key roles in the Apollo Program, the Hubble Space Telescope, the International Space Station, and the Artemis program, among many others. As Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and a proud Alabamian, I cannot express how much this center has contributed to this country and this state.” 
• “For 65 years, the Marshall Space Flight Center has stood as a symbol of American ingenuity, exploration, and innovation. From the earliest days of the space race to today’s cutting-edge advancements, this center has played a vital role in our nation’s space story,” said Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville). “It continues to inspire future explorers and stands as a testament to what America can achieve when we reach for the stars.” 
• “For 65 years, the Marshall Space Flight Center has played a pivotal role in U.S. space flight research and innovation. From developing the Saturn V rocket, leading the Skylab project, supporting the International Space Station, the Hubble Space Telescope, and spearheading development of the Space Launch System and NASA’s most powerful rocket since Saturn V, the Marshall Space Flight Center has made itself indispensable and placed Alabama on the map as a headquarters for space exploration,” said Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover). “Congratulations to the engineers, scientists, technicians, and support staff who have made the Marshall Space Flight Center what it is today. I look forward to seeing how the center continues to advance NASA’s mission. Thank you to Representative Strong for his leadership on this resolution.” 
• “The Marshall Space Flight Center has been at the core of American aeronautics and space exploration for the past 65 years,” said Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham). “MSFC continues to be a point of pride for our state from the creation of the Apollo program to today’s low-orbit technology impacting every American’s daily life.” 
• “I couldn’t be prouder to recognize the 65th anniversary of Marshall Space Flight Center along with our entire Alabama delegation. The U.S. space program is vitally important, and Alabama and MSFC continue to play an integral role in redefining the boundaries of human imagination and the heights of human achievement,” said Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery).  “As the incredible men and women at MSFC continue to make historic leaps that fuel a new age of American excellence in space exploration, I will continue to ensure that this groundbreaking work is supported now and long into the future.”