Highlights of the Lagniappe March 2024 Edition include:
- NASA’s Stennis Space Center Capitol Day
- Progress in RS-25 Engine Testing for Artemis Missions
- Celebration of an Autonomous Systems Mission Accomplishment at NASA Stennis
The transition from February to March energizes the Gator, and for a good reason!
These weeks underscore the current golden age of space exploration, with NASA spearheading discoveries that captivate the global audience.
A historical moment was marked on Feb. 22 as America recommenced lunar expeditions after over 50 years, courtesy of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative. The Intuitive Machines’ Odysseus lander touched the Moon’s South Pole, pioneering a path for future commercial and Artemis missions aimed at lunar, Martian, and further space ventures.
Artemis missions rely heavily on NASA Stennis, which has several RS-25 engine tests slated for March. These tests are critical for the upcoming launches of NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket.
NASA Stennis is showcasing collaboration with commercial entities through the ASTRA (Autonomous Satellite Technology for Resilient Applications) project, destined for an imminent launch on Sidus Space’s LizzieSatTM satellite.
In March, during Women’s History Month, NASA honors the impactful contributions of women, exemplified by a Stennis employee’s significant achievements in computer science and certification.
As spring ushers in, it isn’t only the sun that shines but also the radiant prospects of the present space exploration era which we are privileged to experience and enjoy.
Late February saw top figures from NASA’s Stennis Space Center and the NASA Shared Services Center informing state authorities in Jackson, Mississippi, about new developments at the annual Capitol Day.
A crucial milestone was achieved on February 15 between NASA’s Stennis Space Center and Sidus Space, Inc., for the center’s first in-flight autonomous systems software mission on the Sidus Space LizzieSatTM satellite.
An integral RS-25 hot fire test was successfully conducted on February 23 and 29, at Stennis Space Center, confirming the readiness of the engines for the future Artemis SLS launches, emphasizing the importance of these tests for Artemis V and the continuation of the lunar exploration legacy.
Rae Anderson’s journey from a passionate computer science enthusiast to a certified and valued member of the NASA Stennis team demonstrates the unexpected and rewarding career paths at NASA.
Interested readers can access the monthly publication Lagniappe by contacting the Stennis Space Center Office of Communications, managed by Lacy Thompson (editor), Bo Black (contributing editor), and photographer Danny Nowlin.
For monthly Lagniappe subscriptions, send your name, location, and email address to ssc-office-of-communications@mail.nasa.gov.
FAQ Section
- How can I subscribe to NASA’s Lagniappe publication?
To subscribe to Lagniappe, email your name, location, and email address to ssc-office-of-communications@mail.nasa.gov.
- What is the significance of the RS-25 engine tests?
These tests are crucial for certifying the RS-25 engines for use in the Space Launch System for future Artemis missions.
- What was the purpose of the Odysseus lander’s mission?
Odysseus’s mission under NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative aimed to enable future commercial deliveries and human missions to the Moon.
- Who can I contact for more information about the news from NASA’s Stennis Space Center?
You can contact the Office of Communications at NASA’s Stennis Space Center at 228-688-3333 or by email at ssc-office-of-communications@mail.nasa.gov.
Conclusion
The March 2024 Lagniappe publication encapsulates a pivotal moment in space exploration history with NASA at the forefront of innovative missions and groundbreaking achievements. As spring dawns, the space community and the public alike can revel in the advancements and continued exploration that lie ahead. The dedication and expertise at NASA’s Stennis Space Center are clear, pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the universe for future generations.