HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Aug 24 -- A new National Space Science and Technology Center at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center has come a step closer to fruition. Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman has endorsed the enterprise and has pledged $2 million in state money for the new center, with an additional $2 million to follow. Last year the US Congress pledged support for the facility and agreed to match state funds with a $4 million grant, at the recommendation of Sen. Richard Shelby and Rep. Bud Cramer of Alabama.
The National Space Science and Technology Center will offer opportunities for collaboration between scientists from NASA, private industry, other federal agencies and universities from around the world. We not only need to get to space faster, better and cheaper, but we need to do research the same way, said Frank Rose, director of the Marshall Center's Science Directorate. We are creating a national resource where we can reduce expenses and maximize scientific return by sharing facilities and ideas. A place where we can make discoveries that will make a difference in the lives of the American people.