When we think about NASA and space exploration, it can be easy to assume that work happens far away from Arkansas. But a recent legislative meeting showed there may be significant opportunities for our state in America’s next chapter of space exploration.
This week, the House and Senate Education committees and the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology heard from Joel Graham, associate administrator for NASA’s Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs. The discussion focused on NASA’s plans for a sustained presence on the moon and how Arkansas businesses, universities, researchers, and students could contribute.
NASA representatives emphasized that building a presence on the moon will require expertise from many different industries. Think of building a house. You need electrical systems, plumbing, communications, power, materials and technology. NASA will need many of those same capabilities, only in a far more challenging environment.
Arkansas is already contributing. Three companies in our state currently support the Artemis mission. NASA representatives also discussed supply chain challenges and said Arkansas businesses could help fill critical needs.
There are opportunities for our students as well. Several interns from Arkansas have worked with NASA, and the agency expects continued demand for engineers, computer engineers, and expertise in areas such as nuclear technology.
There may be a student sitting in an Arkansas classroom today who has never considered that a career in the space industry could be within reach.
What NASA learns by living and working on the moon can lead to technologies that benefit us here on Earth. And the work required to get there can create opportunities here at home.
Arkansas has the talent, businesses, universities, and workforce to be part of that effort. If you are interested in learning how your business can support the mission, we have posted a link at arkansashouse.org. The next giant leap may happen on the moon, but Arkansas can help make it possible.
