On May 18, 1969, NASA launched Apollo 10, the final test mission that paved the way for the first Moon landing just a month later. As Alabamians remember the 56th anniversary of this historic event, the state’s influence in space exploration continues to grow, rooted deeply in its past and future with NASA.

While Apollo 10 launched from Cape Kennedy in Florida, much of the mission’s backbone was built in Huntsville. The massive Saturn V rocket that carried astronauts Thomas Stafford, John Young, and Eugene Cernan was designed and tested at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama. The rocket’s guidance systems, including the instrument unit, were also produced in Huntsville, according to NASA’s Apollo 10 mission documentation.

Related: With Meink confirmation as Secretary of the Air Force, moving Space Command on horizon

Today, Marshall Space Flight Center remains a hub for cutting-edge innovation. An article by NASA stated that the Marshall Space Flight Center is leading the development of the Space Launch System (SLS), the rocket that will carry astronauts back to the Moon as part of NASA’s Artemis program. Engineers at Marshall are also heavily involved in 3D printing technology for space applications, rocket engine testing, and space station operations.

NASA reports that its operations in Alabama touch all 67 counties through research, education, and economic partnerships. The agency currently maintains over 50 active agreements with institutions and businesses across the state, including the University of Alabama System, Auburn University, Alabama A&M, and the University of North Alabama.

Alabama’s influence on space and defense is expected to expand further. Following the confirmation of Frank Calvelli Meink as the new Secretary of the Air Force, momentum is building to relocate U.S. Space Command from Colorado Springs to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville—a move long backed by multiple presidential administrations and military assessments.

“The 21-category selection speaks for itself,” said Rep. Dale Strong (R-Huntsville), referring to the thorough evaluation process that previously named Huntsville as the top choice.

With Meink now confirmed, officials expect a final decision favoring Alabama could soon follow.

As Alabama reflects on its contributions to the Apollo era, it also stands at the forefront of the next generation of American space exploration, ready to support missions not just to the Moon, but eventually to Mars and beyond.

Sherri Blevins is a writer for Mountain Valley News and a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].