Jefferson Reporter

U.S. Senator Katie Britt: ‘We Must Continue to Invest’ in Important Marshall Space Flight Center Programs

May 31, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 31, 2024 — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) recently participated in a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies hearing regarding the Fiscal Year 2025 National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) budgets. The hearing featured testimony from NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan.

In her line of questioning, Senator Britt began by praising NASA Marshall Space Flight Center’s newest director, Joseph Pelfrey, as well as Marshall’s entire team of staff members and vendors who support day-to-day operations and missions that advance research, space exploration, and critical national security priorities.

Senator Britt highlighted the important programs led by NASA’s center in Huntsville, including the Space Launch System (SLS), Human Landing System (HLS), and Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP). She advocated for continued investment in these programs after supporting funding in the Fiscal Year 2024 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act enacted earlier this year.

Additionally, Senator Britt questioned Administrator Nelson on whether he believed NASA has adequate resources to ensure the Artemis II mission does not experience further delays. He affirmed that Artemis II is currently “meeting all the milestones” to maintain its scheduled launch date of September 2025.

Senator Britt also noted her concerns with aspects of NASA’s Vision 2040 initiative. She emphasized the importance of allowing NASA centers like Marshall Space Flight Center to retain “direct oversight” over their programs. Administrator Nelson agreed to inform Senator Britt of additional Vision 2040 updates stating that Alabama is “inextricably entwined in the success of NASA.”

A transcript of Senator Britt’s line of questioning follows:

BRITT: Thank you so much Chairwoman Shaheen and Vice Chair Moran for having the subcommittee hearing to discuss NASA and the National Science Foundation’s FY25 budget request. [I] certainly appreciate the two of you being here in front of us today.

I want to take this opportunity to express my thanks and appreciation to the civil servants, suppliers, contractors—all [of whom] work tirelessly to continue supporting missions at Marshall Space Flight Center.

I want to note for the record that I have [absolute] full faith and confidence in Marshall’s newest director, Director Joseph Pelfrey. He has done a tremendous job and I’m excited to continue working with him.

Administrator Nelson, I understand budget realities and fiscal constraints when formulating this budget request. Thank you for continuing funding several key priorities at Marshall critical for carrying out many missions—the Space Launch System, Human Landing System, Nuclear Thermal Propulsion—I am greatly appreciative and look forward to working with you on each one.

We must continue investing in these important programs. Thank you Chairwoman Shaheen and Vice Chair Moran for your commitment ensuring they are properly funded.

Maintaining Artemis mission schedule is imperative ensuring we beat China back to moon. Earlier this year NASA revealed various safety/hardware issues delayed Artemis II mission until September 2025—nearly one year behind schedule.

I appreciate NASA's diligence addressing these issues specifically heat shield in Orion spacecraft where crew will be housed; astronaut safety/well-being is utmost priority—thank you making sure it remains so.

Administrator question: Are you properly resourced addressing safety/hardware issues ensuring Artemis II can safely launch without further delay?

NELSON: I assure we will not launch until ready; tough choices had been made—in exploration budget we're down half billion dollars but will manage within it; still scheduled September '25 meeting all milestones while examining unusual heat shield occurrences—we won't fly till ready.

BRITT: Thank you Mr.Administrator if anything delaying further would love commitment continuing conversation—ensuring awareness doing our best prioritizing safety/staying on time.

Another question vein—as daughter small business owners understand uncertainty negatively impacts little guy most—considering industrial base SLS many suppliers very small companies; argue hardworking folks mostly Alabamians backbone continued success across country especially SLS.

Associating myself nearly out time Sen.Peters comments emphasizing small businesses' importance maintaining industrial base capabilities/supply chains irreplaceable knowledge/skills critically important considering delays providing continuous work opportunities;

Switching gears briefly discussing Vision2040 bringing into21st century retaining skilled workforce/recruiting best/brightest talent;

However concerned several aspects recommending program managers overseeing critical programs report directly headquarters; strongly believe responsible centers should retain direct oversight/responsibilities long-term success;

Mr.Administrator requesting increased transparency receiving commitment informing any additional recommendations before implementation?

NELSON: Well course

BRITT: Thankyou

NELSON: Recommend talking Joseph Pelfrey concerning flying off other states;

Program office Washington Moon-Mars similar during Apollo centralizing everything together;

Suppliers-Artemis85 companies Alabama supplying amount $2.7billion annually about14% total budget;

Including24000 direct employees integral part happening/successfully entwined Moon-Mars program

BRITT: Grateful indeed proud state works committed continuing progress thanking deeply;

May conclude Madam Chairwoman acknowledging out-time Director Panch associating myself w/Chairwoman Shaheen/Sen.Reed/Sen.Heinrich EPSCoR Track-1 concerns appreciating grace associating deeply held concerns similarly;

Video line questioning found here high-quality media video downloadable here###