When asked why no one from the Texas delegation showed up at this event (despite being invited) @JimBridenstine punted and deferred to the members of Congress.
— NASA Watch (@NASAWatch) August 16, 2019
FYI @SenTedCruz @RepBrianBabin WRT claims that @NASA_Johnson is center of expertise in human lunar landers based on Apollo experience: that design & operations happened 50 yrs ago. Apollo human expertise left JSC long ago. All remaining expertise now sits in @NASA storage boxes. pic.twitter.com/K8qdJSBpTp
— NASA Watch (@NASAWatch) August 16, 2019
"I am disappointed by the decision from NASA to not place the lunar lander program management at the Johnson Space Center (JSC)," said Babin. "Marshall Space Flight Center does tremendous work for our nation's space program, but the knowledge base and skill set for this task unquestionably resides at JSC where the Apollo lunar lander program was successfully managed."
"As NASA moves forward with their plans I will use every tool at my disposal to ensure the Johnson Space Center remains the crown jewel in human space exploration."
Cruz, Cornyn, Babin Call On NASA to Award Lunar Lander Program to Johnson Space Center
"In response to a news report that NASA will designate the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, to lead the development of the human-classed lunar lander for the Artemis program over the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas - which has served as NASA's lead center for human spaceflight for more than half a century - U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) along with Rep. Brian Babin (R-Texas) today urged NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine to reconsider his decision and refrain from an official announcement until an official briefing is held."