MOREHEAD – U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) and NASA Administrator Bill Nelson visited Morehead State University’s Space Science Center on Friday during the inaugural ASTRA-CON event, celebrating the future of space science. They also served as keynote speakers for MSU’s annual McBrayer Presidential Lecture Series. 
 
Congressman Rogers, who chairs the House Appropriations Subcommittee that funds NASA, invited Administrator Nelson to see MSU’s satellite tracking stations, which are part of NASA’s network. Rogers has requested an earmark for nearly $10 million to advance the current satellite tracking stations for future NASA activities. 
 
“I’m incredibly proud of the accomplishments at Morehead State University, and especially their efforts to help the United States lead the charge back to the Moon,” said Congressman Rogers, Dean of the House. “I’ve had the opportunity to meet some of our nation’s greatest space explorers, including Sally Ride, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin. When I see the work that MSU’s space science students are accomplishing, I can’t help but wonder who the next great NASA explorers will be.”

Several MSU Space Science graduates have been hired by NASA and Rajant Corporation in Morehead. 
 
Former U.S. Senator Bill Nelson was sworn in as the 14^th NASA Administrator in 2021 after dedicating more than four decades in public service. In 1986, he flew on the 24^th flight of the Space Shuttle Columbia, orbiting Earth for six days. 
 
“I am grateful for the leadership of Congressman Rogers that is creating new opportunities in Southern and Eastern Kentucky and helping the United States lead in space,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “NASA’s partnerships throughout the state prove there is no limit to American ingenuity, and nothing is beyond our reach if we do it together. Our collaboration is inspiring the Artemis generation to lead in science, technology, and research that will help take NASA back to the Moon and onward to Mars.” 
 
For more information about Congressman Rogers’ work in Washington and at home in Kentucky, visit halrogers.house.gov.