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Alabama Senate proclaims Feb. 25, 2025, Space Day; Marshall, Rocket Center and industry leaders recognized
Summary
The Alabama Senate read and adopted a joint resolution proclaiming Feb. 25, 2025, as Space Day, with remarks from state lawmakers and space-industry and educational leaders highlighting the state's aerospace contributions and STEM outreach.
The Alabama Senate on Feb. 25 read and adopted a joint resolution proclaiming Feb. 25, 2025, as Space Day in Alabama and recognized representatives from NASA, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and industry partners.
The resolution, sponsored by Senator Gavan and others, notes Alabama's role in rocket propulsion, STEM outreach and the presence of suppliers to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center across the state's congressional districts. Senator Gavan asked that the measure be read and recognized visiting NASA and industry guests in the gallery.
Dr. Kimberly Robinson, director of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, thanked the Senate for supporting the center and said the center has a statewide economic impact and workforce role. "We are telling the story to hundreds of thousands of people every year to let them understand our rich history and also to inspire the next generation," Robinson said. She noted the center is a state agency, credited Wernher von Braun with helping establish it and said the House had just passed an update to the center's enabling legislation.
Scott Hall of Teledyne Brown Engineering and Joseph Pelfrey, director of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, each addressed the chamber, praising Alabama's aerospace workforce and partnerships. Astronaut Dr. Larry DeLucas described using space experience to engage students in STEM, saying "Space is a fantastic way to excite students about science and technology." The resolution lists Alabama-born astronauts and recounts Marshall Space Flight Center's six-decade history.
The resolution concludes that the legislature proclaims Feb. 25, 2025, as Space Day; it was signed by Patrick Harris, secretary of the Senate, and Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth. Members of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center board and other guests stood in the gallery during the ceremony.
The recognition cited the Alabama aerospace student internship program, STEM outreach and the state's partnerships among academia, industry and government as factors in building a future workforce.
