*Courtesy of Relativity
AEROSPACE
Hancock County soars as the cornerstone of Mississippi's aviation and aerospace industry. This strategic location boasts a rich legacy dating back to the development of the NASA Stennis Space Center for testing the Saturn V engines that propelled the Apollo astronauts to the moon.
Fast-forward to today, Hancock County excels, not only in aerospace, but also in aviation at Stennis International Airport. With a growing unmanned aerial systems (UAS) cluster, Stennis International Airport is emerging as a hub for UAS training and flight testing.
*Courtesy of Relativity
CLUSTER STATISTICS
95.00
LOCATION QUOTIENT
2,767
EMPLOYMENT
10
AEROSPACE ORGANIZATIONS
Relativity Space is significantly expanding its operations at NASA's Stennis Space Center. The company is currently overhauling the historic A-2 test stand for testing its new Terran R rocket. Additionally, Relativity Space is constructing the "R Complex" to house multiple new test stands and propellant farms.
This strategic investment will support the development and testing of Relativity's next-generation rockets, creating high-skilled jobs and driving economic growth for the region. With plans for new office space and a vehicle hangar, Relativity's long-term commitment to Stennis solidifies its position as a leader in commercial space industry.
Rocket Lab has established a significant presence at NASA's Stennis Space Center, where it is developing and testing the Archimedes engine for its upcoming Neutron rocket. The Archimedes Test Complex, strategically located within the Center's A3 Test Complex, leverages existing infrastructure to support the rigorous testing demands of this powerful engine.
By choosing Stennis, Rocket Lab capitalizes on the center's rich history in rocket propulsion, world-class facilities, and skilled workforce, accelerating the development of its reusable launch vehicle and solidifying Mississippi's role as a leader in rocket propulsion development.
*Courtesy of Aerojet Rocketdyne
Aerojet Rocketdyne’s state-of-the-art engine assembly facility at Stennis Space Center is the birthplace of the RS-25 engines powering NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS).
While the first four Artemis missions utilized refurbished Space Shuttle Program engines, a rigorous certification process culminating in 2024 has cleared the way for production of entirely new RS-25 engines.
These advanced powerhouses will debut on the Artemis V mission, propelling human exploration deeper into space.
MORE THAN
ROCKET PROPULSION
Beyond the main role of rocket propulsion testing, Stennis Space Center is home to a diverse group of aerospace and defense companies including Rolls Royce, Lockheed Martin, and Evolution Space.
The center's existing infrastructure, coupled with its strategic location within the 125,000-acre acoustic buffer zone, offers a unique advantage for these companies. This vast buffer zone enable rigorous engine testing without disturbing nearby communities, making Stennis an ideal location where companies can balance their development needs with environmental considerations.
From manufacturing satellite components to testing commercial aviation engines, Stennis Space Center and Hancock County continue to propel the commercial space industry.
 Skydweller Aero Test Flight 1Skydweller Aero prepares plane for a test flight. |  Skydweller Aero Test Flight 2Skydweller Aero prepares the plane for a test flight. |  CV22 Fast Rope Training |
|---|---|---|
 C130 Plane at Stennis International Airport |  RS-25 Flight Engines |  Rolls Royce Aerospace Industry |
 Lockheed MartinNasa Stennis Space Center Facility |  Relativity Space A2 Test Stand Rendering |  Lockheed MartinLockheed Martin employees assemble aerospace parts at its Nasa Stennis Space Center facility. |
 Aeon R TestRelativity Space tests its Aeon R engine. |  Aeon R Engine TestRelativity Space tests its Aeon R engine. |  Rocket Lab Ribbon CuttingRocket Lab cuts the ribbon at the A3 Test Stand at Nasa Stennis Space Center. |
 Rocket Lab A3 Test Stand |  Rocket Lab A3 Test StandRocket Lab prepares to test its Archimedes engine. |  Rocket Lab A3 Test Stand |
 Rocket Lab A3 Test StandA worker prepares for an engine test of Rocket Lab's Archimedes engine. |  Rocket Lab A3 Test StandThe Rocket Lab team gathers for a photo with its Archimedes engine before its first hot fire test. |  Rocket Lab Archimedes EngineThe Archimedes engine is installed at the A3 test stand. |
UNMANNED SYSTEMS
Pearl River Community College offers comprehensive unmanned aerial systems (UAS) coursework delivered at the new Aviation Aerospace Workforce Training Academy, located at Stennis International Airport. Students benefit from hands-on training in a real-world aviation environment, gaining practical experience with the latest UAS technology. Pearl River's curriculum is designed to provide a solid foundation in UAS operations, regulations, and data analysis, preparing graduates for successful careers in this dynamic industry.
Skydweller Aero is a pioneering aerospace company specializing in long-endurance, solar-powered unmanned aircraft systems. A testament to their innovative spirit, Skydweller achieved a historic milestone on March 21, 2024, with the successful completion of the first uncrewed flight from Stennis International Airport. This groundbreaking accomplishment propels the industry forward in revolutionizing aerial capabilities for a wide range of applications.
AVIATION MAINTENANCE
Tyonek Native Corporation offers aviation maintenance solutions through its subsidiary, Tyonek Services Group (TSG). TSG occupies multiple aircraft hangars at Stennis International Airport. Their FAA-certified technicians provide a full spectrum of maintenance and repair services for both rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft, from routine inspections to complex modifications. TSG caters to government and commercial clients alike, upholding the highest standards of safety and quality.
EXISTING CLUSTER
