HANCOCK COUNTY, MS (WLOX) - <\/p>\n
It was an event in Hancock County that could one day send men further into space than ever before. Monday afternoon the ribbon was cut for a new program to test rocket components for SpaceX, a commercial space flight company. The test program is an important step towards the future of space travel. <\/p>\n
It's high tech gadgetry that will test rockets that could eventually blast astronauts to Mars. <\/p>\n
\"SpaceX and others like them, with the help of NASA, will one day take man to Mars and bring him back safely, but you know and I know they are going to have to pass through Hancock County to get there,\" said Governor Phil Bryant. <\/p>\n
Work crews have spent the past several months modifying the E-2 test stand at Stennis Space Center. The stand will test a methane powered rocket engine. Company leaders say there will be nothing else like it in the world. <\/p>\n
\"What looks like a modest E-2 test stand, but actually it's going to be one of the most capable high pressured test facilities on the planet,\" said SpaceX President and COO, Gwynne Shotwell. <\/p>\n
Rep. Steven Palazzo, who is chairman of the congressional space subcommittee, says it's partnerships between NASA and commercial companies like SpaceX that will help the nation regain space superiority. <\/p>\n
\"Most Americans have no idea we are currently paying the Russians $70 million a seat to maintain a U.S. presence on the International Space Station. U.S. leadership in space is not just a matter of national pride but a matter of national security,\" said Palazzo. <\/p>\n
Initially, SpaceX will employ a handful of people at Stennis, but the company hopes to increase its staff as the need for its product grows. <\/p>\n
SpaceX hopes to send its first manned flight to Mars within the next 13 to 15 years. <\/p>\n
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SpaceX opens doors at Stennis<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" HANCOCK COUNTY, MS (WLOX) - It was an event in Hancock County that could one day send men further into space than ever before. Monday afternoon the ribbon was cut for a new program to test rocket components for SpaceX, a commercial space flight company. Continue reading