NASA Wallops Island needs more investment from manufacturing companies to realize potential

WALLOPS ISLAND, Va. – In the most recent Eastern Shore delegation meeting, officials from NASA discussed current issues on the Eastern Shore. NASA wants to build toward economic development on the shore, and with the growth of the flight facility in Virginia, leadership believes it’s a perfect time to break through.

Director of the Goddard Space Flight Center, Dr. Makenzie Lystrup, said they bring in tons of profit to the state. Although she feels they can offer even more.

“The economic impact we bring to Maryland’s economy is about 8.3 billion dollars. We have about 33,000 jobs statewide, and I think that’s fantastic. However, I think we’re punching below our weight.”

Wallops Island Flight Facility is urging manufacturing companies to help. Director Dave Pierce said they have the potential, but need the investment. “We’re working with all our local universities, serving as a pipeline for interns to have an aerospace-ready workforce here on the Eastern Shore.”

Lystrup is challenging delegates to get behind them. “We need to ensure Maryland’s delegation has the eastern shore in mind when we’re talking about the needs of bringing those investments. About 80% of the money that goes into Goddard, goes right out the door.”

NASA hopes to provide the facilities, and universities will provide educated prospects. They need the companies to supply jobs, to open up the aerospace industry. Lystrup believes the state is behind others because of a lack of investment.

“Eventually, there’s sort of critical mass where you’ve got enough companies and university investment, that it becomes a self-sustaining ecosystem.”