Today, Rep. Van Epps Celebrates the Anniversary of NASA’s Founding
Today, Rep. Van Epps Celebrates the Anniversary of NASA’s Founding.
Today, Rep. Van Epps released the following message in celebration of NASA’s founding. As a member of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, Rep. Van Epps is focused on ensuring the United States remains at the forefront of innovation, particularly in space technology. With an abundance of commercial investments in NASA and the space industry, Tennessee is helping lead the space race. Currently, Tennessee has $224.2 million in economic output due to NASA contracts alone. There are 26 Tennessee suppliers that contribute to NASA’s Artemis program, and more Tennessee companies support the Kennedy Space Center.
Watch Rep. Van Epps’ message by clicking above or here.
On July 29th, we celebrate the birthday of NASA, an agency that has embodied one of the most powerful qualities of the American spirit: the belief that there is always something greater ahead.
For generations, NASA has reminded us of what is possible when Americans come together with a common purpose. It represents the dreamers who looked up at the night sky and wondered what lay beyond, the engineers who turned impossible ideas into reality, and the astronauts who climbed into rockets knowing they were carrying the hopes and aspirations of an entire nation.
When Americans first reached the Moon, we did more than plant a flag. We showed what a free people can accomplish when we refuse to accept the impossible.
That moment reflected something deeply woven into the American character. We are a nation of explorers. A nation of builders. A nation that has always looked beyond the horizon and asked, “What’s next?”
The story of NASA is the story of American perseverance. It is found in every scientist working late to solve a problem, every student inspired to pursue a career in science and engineering, and every astronaut who looks back at our beautiful planet and sees the incredible nation we are blessed to call home.
From the Moon landings to the discoveries of the Hubble Space Telescope, and from exploring Mars to the Artemis program preparing for humanity’s return to the lunar surface, NASA has expanded our understanding of the universe and strengthened our belief in what America can achieve.
As we celebrate NASA’s birthday, we remember the generations of Americans who made these achievements possible. We honor their courage, their creativity, and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of human knowledge.
But we also look forward. The next great discoveries are waiting. The next generation of explorers is ready. And the next chapter of America’s story in space is still being written.
Because the spirit that carried us to the Moon is the same spirit that has carried our nation forward for nearly 250 years: a belief that tomorrow can be better than today, that challenges can be overcome, and that when Americans set our sights on a goal, there is no limit to what we can accomplish.
Happy birthday to NASA. May we continue reaching higher, dreaming bigger, and taking one small step for mankind.