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Explore Lagniappe for October 2024 featuring<\/strong>: <\/strong><\/p>\n The news in September about the historic NASA Stennis ASTRA (Autonomous Satellite Technology for Resilient Applications) payload mission brings wonderful encouragement to this \u2018ol Gator!<\/p>\n I know great potential when I see it, and the continuation of the center\u2019s first-ever in-space autonomous systems payload mission aboard an orbiting satellite with Sidus Space, Inc. has just that.<\/p>\n The historic mission highlights the can-do attitude shared by all at NASA Stennis.<\/p>\n The center has a storied history of pushing the boundaries for what is possible. If there is a way to get something done, the folks at NASA Stennis will discover it.<\/p>\n ASTRA is no different and represents a first in this particular space (pun intended!) of autonomous systems work at NASA Stennis.<\/p>\n This is a first step toward fulfilling part of the center\u2019s strategic plan to design autonomous systems to help accelerate the development of intelligent aerospace systems and services for government and industry.<\/p>\n Such work could contribute to enhanced efficiency, improved safety, scalability to meet demands, and much more. The potential is ASTRA-nomical. See what I did there?<\/p>\n Potential is not developed over night, which makes ASTRA even more intriguing. The mission could run for up to four years while gathering valuable data along the way.<\/p>\n The ASTRA mission is an exciting leap forward for NASA Stennis to learn what is possible and perhaps open doors for a future that unlocks new frontiers.<\/p>\n One thing this Gator has learned to be true is the brighter the future, the more we must believe in ourselves, and I believe in the NASA Stennis Autonomous Systems Laboratory team.<\/p>\n > Back to Top<\/strong><\/p>\n NASA\u2019s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, announced Wednesday it will continue its historic in-space autonomous systems payload mission aboard an orbiting satellite through a follow-on agreement with Sidus Space, Inc.<\/p>\n For almost 60 years, NASA\u2019s Stennis Space Center has tested rocket systems and engines to help power the nation\u2019s human space exploration dreams. Completion of a critical water system infrastructure project helps ensure the site can continue that frontline work moving forward.<\/p>\n > Back to Top<\/strong><\/p>\n > Back to Top<\/strong><\/p>\n Bridget Moody has the future in mind every day she works for NASA\u2019s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.<\/p>\n > Back to Top<\/strong><\/p>\n > Back to Top<\/strong><\/p>\n Lagniappe is published monthly by the Office of Communications at NASA\u2019s Stennis Space Center. The NASA Stennis office may be contacted by at 228-688-3333 (phone);\u00a0ssc-office-of-communications@mail.nasa.gov\u00a0(email); or NASA OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS, Attn: LAGNIAPPE, Mail code IA00, Building 1111 Room 173, Stennis Space Center, MS 39529 (mail).<\/p>\n The Lagniappe staff includes: Managing Editor Lacy Thompson, Editor Bo Black, and photographer Danny Nowlin.<\/p>\n\n