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NASA, Alabama officials celebrate new science research center's leap from drawing board to reality
The National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC) - a venture that brings together researchers and educators - made its official leap from the drawing board to reality today as the center celebrated the grand opening of its core facility in Huntsville, Ala.
Photo: NSSTC core facility in Huntsville (NASA)
The National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC) — a venture that brings together researchers and educators — made its official leap from the drawing board to reality today as the center celebrated the grand opening of its core facility in Huntsville, Ala.
Art Stephenson, director of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, and Dr. Frank Franz, president of the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), co-hosted today's ceremony at the NSSTC. Leading the ribbon cutting were Alabama dignitaries including U.S. Rep. Bud Cramer of Alabama's 5th Congressional District.
A partnership with the Marshall Center, universities and federal agencies, the NSSTC is a clearinghouse for cutting-edge research in space science, Earth sciences, information technology, optics and energy technology, propulsion, biotechnology and materials science and supports NASA's mission of advancing and communicating scientific research.
Stephenson welcomed attendees, including educators, scientists and representatives from local industry. "Our success is dependent upon bringing resources together to meet the demands of an ever-changing world," Stephenson said. "We have set out to create a research center designed to revolutionize science and technology."
The NSSTC was formed with NASA and the State of Alabama through the Space Science and Technology Alliance — a group of six research universities, including the University of Alabama in Huntsville; Alabama A&M University in Huntsville; Auburn University in Auburn; the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa; the University of Alabama at Birmingham; and the University of South Alabama in Mobile.
"The NSSTC brings together extraordinary resources from NASA, Alabama research universities, and industrial partners to create world-class research teams in targeted areas of space science and technology," said Dr. Frank Franz. "UAH is proud of the support and achievements it has given to NASA and Marshall Space Flight Center in the past. We're honored to play a significant role in enhancing participation of our sister campuses in the future. Working together, we can create great opportunities and great successes."
"The possibilities are unlimited for the National Space Science and Technology Center," said U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama. "The NSSTC is the ultimate combination of the finest researchers and educators, with cutting-edge resources and technology. This is a great moment for the State of Alabama and for Marshall Space Flight Center."
Today's ceremony is the culmination of a process that began in 1995, when NASA Administrator Daniel Goldin advocated establishing a new science institute in Huntsville. In August 2000, the partnership to operate the NSSTC was formally endorsed and an agreement signed by Stephenson and Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman — an event also attended by Franz and Cramer.
"The National Space Science and Technology Center has been one of my top priorities and our federal investment into this project demonstrates our continued commitment to ensuring the success of this unique partnership," said Cramer. "This center has the potential of boosting science and technology education across the state. I believe in this project and its ability to keep Alabama at the leading edge of science and space research."
A venture for pooling talent and resources in pursuit of new knowledge, the NSSTC also fosters the education of the next generation of scientists and engineers, with educators gaining experience, while undergraduate and graduate students participate in the cooperative research.
The core facility is located in a 120,000 square-foot (11,148 square-meter) facility on Sparkman Drive in Cummings Research Park, with an 80,000 square-foot (7,432 square-meter) laboratory annex planned for later this year. At full capacity, the center will house approximately 450 people from NASA, other government agencies, academia and private industry. In addition, virtual capabilities are located throughout the state and nation at partner facilities.
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