Weldon Encouraged by NASA’s Announcement of Kennedy Space Center’s Role in Returning Americans to the Moon

(Washington, DC) – In a positive development, NASA announced today the addition of new roles and workload for Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Under the plan, KSC will assume new roles in America’s return to the moon. Specifically, KSC will have responsibility for the Lunar Lander assembly, and KSC will take the lead in the process of using lunar resources and energy to support the lunar mission as well as the lunar surface habitat. The announcement today demonstrates a commitment by NASA to the KSC workforce and should translate into hundreds of jobs at KSC as NASA begins transitioning from Shuttle to Constellation. The fact that KSC has been selected to play a lead role in these projects is a tremendous development and continues to reinforce the importance and value of KSC.

“I am pleased that NASA is considering the value of KSC and is using it in pivotal roles in our pursuit of returning the United States to the moon,”said Rep. Dave Weldon. “For years KSC workers have performed exceptionally in keeping the United States the leader in space exploration and technology. I am heartened that NASA realizes this and is making a commitment toward new roles and jobs at KSC.”

The announcement by NASA highlights the importance of funding in the FY 2008 NASA appropriations bill, currently under consideration in Congress. Rep. Weldon is leading the House effort to reimburse NASA for $1 billion in Return-to-Flight costs incurred following the Shuttle Columbia disaster. If this $1 billion is retained in the final FY 2008 NASA appropriation, some of these workload additions that NASA announced may begin earlier than planned. Congressman Weldon’s efforts to build a coalition to preserve this $1 billion reimbursement received broad bipartisan support from 16 Democrats and 17 Republicans, representing districts in 10 states. This funding is essential to keeping NASA moving forward following the 2005 Columbia tragedy.