Stennis Space Center

Go behind the scenes of an RS-25 engine install day!

On Sept. 29, teams successfully lifted and installed developmental engine No. 10001 on the Fred Haise Test Stand at NASA Stennis for an upcoming hot fire test.

In this video, Josh Greiner, test director for the stand, shares more about what a developmental engine is and how testing supports @NASAArtemis missions.

Watch the process unfold! ⬇️

Celebrating 65 Years: The 2010s

On October 25, 2026, we hit a major milestone – 65 years since NASA announced it would build a rocket propulsion test site in Hancock County, Mississippi.

History is still being written today as NASA progresses forward with the Artemis program to return American astronauts to the Moon and build a Moon Base to support an enduring human presence on the lunar surface.

This look back at the 2010s features:

➡️ Space Shuttle Endeavor flyover at Stennis in 2012

➡️ RS-25 engine testing for Artemis missions

➡️ Lift and install of replica SLS (Space Launch System) core stage

➡️ Expanded commercial propulsion testing

➡️ Community activities and ribbon cutting for INFINITY Science Center

A great day to @LearnwithNASA! 🚀

On Sept. 30, we welcomed students from Pearl River Community College and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College for a full day of hands‑on exploration as part of NASA's Career and Technical Education Day (CTE) at Stennis Space Center!

Check out the highlights ⬇️

Welcome to NASA 🚀

On Oct. 5, Rodney McKellip, associate director at NASA Stennis, welcomed and officially swore in four new civil servants who will help deliver on NASA’s mission of returning America to the Moon to stay, while strengthening our center’s capabilities.

Congratulations to our newest team members as they begin their journey in support of NASA’s work here at America’s largest rocket propulsion test site.

Celebrating 65 Years: The 2000s

On October 25, 2026, we hit a major milestone – 65 years since NASA announced it would build a rocket propulsion test site in Hancock County, Mississippi.

History is still being written today as NASA progresses forward with the Artemis program to return American astronauts to the Moon and build a Moon Base to support an enduring human presence on the lunar surface.

This look back at the 2000s features:

➡️ Hurricane Katrina impact

➡️One of NASA’s original seven Mercury astronauts, John Glenn, at Stennis

➡️ NASA Mercury astronauts Scott Carpenter and Gordon Cooper with Apollo astronaut Al Worden

➡️1 millionth second of successful test operations for space shuttle main engine

➡️ NASA astronauts Chris Ferguson and Jerry Ross signing autographs

Kristie Foster paved her road to becoming a NASA civil servant with literal miles of dedication.

Her work at the agency’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, supports NASA’s mission to return American astronauts to the Moon, build a Moon Base for an enduring presence on the lunar surface, and ensure American leadership in space.

Foster’s move from a long-time contractor to a civil servant secures critical institutional knowledge after being hired in June under the agency’s workforce directive to restore core competencies.

🔗Full story: nasa.gov/centers-and-fa…

Celebrating 65 Years: The 1990s

On October 25, 2026, we hit a major milestone – 65 years since NASA announced it would build a rocket propulsion test site in Hancock County, Mississippi.

History is still being written today as NASA progresses forward with the Artemis program to return American astronauts to the Moon and build a Moon Base to support an enduring human presence on the lunar surface.

This look back at the 1990s features:

➡️ Propulsion test support for NASA and commercial companies

➡️ Inspiring the next generation

➡️ Views of the center

Welcome to NASA! 🚀

New civil servants were sworn in on Monday, Sept. 21, at NASA Stennis.

Many are moving from contractor roles into federal service; some are joining @NASA for the first time.

All are helping to strengthen our core competencies to meet the moment and deliver on the mission of returning America to the Moon to stay.

Let’s get to work.

During his Sept. 17 visit to NASA Stennis, @NASAAdmin Jared Isaacman recognized several outstanding individuals and teams whose hard work keeps NASA’s mission moving forward.

To honor their contributions, he presented them with challenge coins! 🧵👇

You are invited to observe the Moon with NASA! 🔭

Tonight is International Observe the Moon Night.

Join us from wherever you are: science.nasa.gov/moon/observe-t…

We love you back, and love the views that come with contributing to America's return to the Moon!

Welcome to Mississippi!

Celebrating 65 Years: The 1980s

On October 25, 2026, we hit a major milestone – 65 years since NASA announced it would build a rocket propulsion test site in Hancock County, Mississippi.

History is still being written today as NASA progresses forward with the Artemis program to return American astronauts to the Moon and build a Moon Base to support an enduring human presence on the lunar surface.

This look back at the 1980s features:

➡️ Naming the site to its current name
➡️ Test operations supporting Space Shuttle Program
➡️ Community outreach activities

The attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, were a national tragedy that resulted in a staggering loss of life and a significant change in American culture. Each year, we pause to remember.

nasa.gov/feature/nasa-r…

Celebrating 65 Years: The 1970s

On October 25, 2026, we hit a major milestone – 65 years since NASA announced it would build a rocket propulsion test site in Hancock County, Mississippi.

History is still being written today as NASA progresses forward with the Artemis program to return American astronauts to the Moon and build a Moon Base to support an enduring human presence on the lunar surface.

This look back at the 1970s features:

➡️ Testing for NASA’s Space Shuttle Program

➡️ Supporting America’s first experimental space station, Skylab

➡️ Formation of the NASA Stennis Federal City

Here is an update on @blueorigin's progress as we work to support the company’s New Glenn rocket testing, advance @NASAArtemis missions and return America to the Moon

NASA Stennis Director Christine Powell, right, participates in a panel discussion during the Mississippi Aerospace and Defense Symposium on Sept. 4. in Flowood, Mississippi.

The conversation focused on collaboration between government entities such as the Department of War, and related federal partners, in operation at NASA Stennis.

Pictured with Powell, left to right: Jace Ponder, director, Governor’s Office of Military Affairs, Mississippi Development Authority (moderator); Dr. William Burnett, Director, National Data Buoy Center; Dr. Joe Calantoni, Senior Executive Service Technical Director, U.S. Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command.

The annual symposium is co-hosted by Mississippi Enterprise for Technology and Defense Alliance of Mississippi. It brings together industry, government, academia, and defense leaders to talk about aerospace, defense, space technology, workforce, and economic development in Mississippi.

NASA Stennis is America’s largest rocket propulsion test site and functions as a federal city with tenants supporting a wide range of missions, from propulsion testing to information technology and oceanography.

The U.S. Navy has a significant presence here, and several aerospace and technology companies and agencies are also located at NASA Stennis.

Artemis II crew brings Moon Joy to NASA Stennis! 🚀

NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen visited us on Thursday, Sept. 3, to celebrate the historic @NASAArtemis II test flight around the Moon.

As the first astronauts to fly aboard NASA’s Orion spacecraft, the crew traveled farther in space than humans have ever before.

During their visit to Stennis, they stopped at the Fred Haise Test Stand, where rigorous RS-25 engine testing ensures our astronauts fly safely on NASA’s SLS rocket.

The crew thanked everyone for tackling hard challenges and reminded us during an employee event: “You put humans in space.”

Today provided a great reminder for all: Whether you work at America’s largest rocket propulsion test site or look up at the Moon from your backyard, you are a part of America’s return to the Moon.

And the Artemis II mission is just the beginning!

Next comes Artemis III with a mission intended to demonstrate integrated operations between the Orion spacecraft and test versions of commercial human landing systems before Artemis IV returns astronauts to the lunar surface.

Celebrating 65 Years: The 1960s

On October 25, 2026, we hit a major milestone – 65 years since NASA announced it would build a rocket propulsion test site in Hancock County, Mississippi.

History is still being written today as NASA progresses forward with the Artemis program to return American astronauts to the Moon and build a Moon Base to support an enduring human presence on the lunar surface.

This look back at the 1960s features:

➡️ President John F. Kennedy setting the national goal of sending humans to the Moon and returning them safely

➡️ Site construction to begin Mississippi’s largest construction project at the time

➡️ Saturn V rocket stage testing that carried humans to the Moon during Apollo

Tune in today 🇺🇸