Statement by Sen. Ted Cruz Regarding NASA’s Decision To Award Lunar Lander Program Management to Marshall Space Flight Center

“I am deeply disappointed in the announcement today by NASA Administrator Bridenstine. Johnson Space Center was the lead Center for the lunar lander program during Apollo – the last time the United States landed astronauts on the Moon and brought them back safely to Earth – and remains the lead Center in human spaceflight to this day. While the Marshall Space Flight Center’s expertise in rocketry and propulsion is unquestioned, the responsibility for managing the next lunar lander should rest with the Center with the history and experience in manned spaceflight – the Johnson Space Center. As NASA moves forward with their plans I will use every tool at my disposal to ensure the Johnson Space Center remains the crown jewel in human space exploration.” – Sen. Ted Cruz