HANCOCK COUNTY, MS (WLOX) - <\/p>\n
NASA is facing scrutiny over millions of dollars spent on two rocket test stands at Stennis Space Center. A report in Bloomberg news questions money spent to finish the A-3 test stand project, while a report from NASA's own auditor raises concerns about $350 million spent to refurbish the B-2. <\/p>\n
NASA will soon finish work on the $350 million A-3 rocket test stand. Trouble is, that stand is no longer needed, since the Obama administration canceled the Constellation program, for which the test stand was built <\/p>\n
A Bloomberg news report raises concerns about spending millions to finish what it labels a \"useless structure.\" <\/p>\n
NASA released a statement through Stennis, which says in part: \"As we prepare for the future exploration in a constrained budget environment, the agency is working to ensure we have the right skills, facilities and equipment to execute our missions, and NASA is taking steps to manage its infrastructure.\" <\/p>\n
Mississippi Senator Roger Wicker helped push through the $57 million needed to finish the A-3. <\/p>\n
In a prepared statement he said: \"Stennis Space Center is the nation's premier rocket engine testing facility. It is a magnet for public and private research investment because of infrastructure projects like the A-3 test stand. In 2010, I authored an amendment to require the completion of that particular project, ensuring the Stennis facility is prepared for ever-changing technologies and demands.\" <\/p>\n
NASA's Office of Inspector General raises takes issue with spending $352 million to refurbish the B-2 test stand at Stennis in support of the Space Launch System. <\/p>\n
The 40 page report says NASA ignored its own rules in choosing Stennis, when cheaper alternatives were available sooner in Alabama and California. <\/p>\n
South Mississippi Congressman Steven Palazzo, defends the choice. <\/p>\n
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NASA faces scrutiny over Stennis test stand projects<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" HANCOCK COUNTY, MS (WLOX) - NASA is facing scrutiny over millions of dollars spent on two rocket test stands at Stennis Space Center. A report in Bloomberg news questions money spent to finish the A-3 test stand project, while a report from NASA's own auditor raises concerns about $350 million spent to refurbish the B-2. NASA will soon finish work on the $350 million A-3 rocket test stand. Continue reading