{"id":603718,"date":"2024-02-01T10:31:44","date_gmt":"2024-02-01T15:31:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/?post_type=press-release&p=603718"},"modified":"2024-02-01T10:31:45","modified_gmt":"2024-02-01T15:31:45","slug":"statement-from-nasas-jennifer-kunz-at-spacecom-50th-space-congress","status":"publish","type":"press-release","link":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/statement-from-nasas-jennifer-kunz-at-spacecom-50th-space-congress\/","title":{"rendered":"Statement from NASA\u2019s Jennifer Kunz at SpaceCom, 50th Space Congress"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\"><div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\"><div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-fit \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jennifer-kunz.jpg\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1410\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jennifer-kunz.jpg?w=2048\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jennifer-kunz.jpg 6204w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jennifer-kunz.jpg?resize=300,207 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jennifer-kunz.jpg?resize=768,529 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jennifer-kunz.jpg?resize=1024,705 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jennifer-kunz.jpg?resize=1536,1057 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jennifer-kunz.jpg?resize=2048,1410 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jennifer-kunz.jpg?resize=400,275 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jennifer-kunz.jpg?resize=600,413 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jennifer-kunz.jpg?resize=900,620 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jennifer-kunz.jpg?resize=1200,826 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jennifer-kunz.jpg?resize=2000,1377 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" loading=\"eager\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Jennifer Kunz, associate director, technical, at NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, participates in a virtual Town Hall meeting on Jan. 13, 2022, for Kennedy employees. <\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA\/Kim Shiflett<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Jennifer Kunz, associate director technical of NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, released the following statement after speaking Thursday at the SpaceCom \/ 50th Space Congress in Orlando, Florida.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cNASA\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/humans-in-space\/nasa-details-strategy-behind-blueprint-for-moon-to-mars-exploration\/\">Moon to Mars strategy rests on three pillars<\/a>: pursuing science to better understand the universe and our origins; inspiring the next generation to achieve the seemingly impossible; and building on American preeminence in science, technology and exploration while strengthening economic and diplomatic ties with other nations. Kennedy is proud to be at the forefront of helping achieve the agency\u2019s ambitious Moon to Mars Objectives for the benefit of all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cMost people know Kennedy for launching rockets, but our spaceport also is home to new technologies needed to establish a sustained human presence on the Moon and exploration throughout the solar system. Today, Kennedy teams are working on the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/specials\/artemis\/\">Artemis<\/a> campaign, which will return humans to the lunar surface after more than 50 years. Kennedy is the only place on Earth where the SLS rocket is fully assembled prior to launch. Once built, the rocket, spacecraft, and ground systems will undergo rigorous testing and validation in preparation for launching astronauts further and deeper in space than ever before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cEngineers also are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/exploration-research-and-technology\/\">developing technologies<\/a> that our astronauts will need on the lunar surface. These include 3D printing capability to build structures on the Moon; rovers, and instruments to find water, minerals, and other resources to help sustain a long-term presence; and electrodynamic dust shield technologies that repel the abrasive Moon dust and protect vehicles and sensitive equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cKennedy\u2019s plant researchers continue working hard to find new ways to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/exploration-research-and-technology\/growing-plants-in-space\/\">grow food in space<\/a> to supplement the diets of astronauts with key nutrients. And as we advance these technologies, we also administer a number of programs that enable university researchers to help solve other key Moon to Mars challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhile we focus on Moon and Mars, NASA continues to enable the growth of the commercial space sector. Beyond supporting Artemis, our industry and international partners make it possible to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/humans-in-space\/commercial-space\/commercial-crew-program\/\">launch crews<\/a> and conduct critical research on the International Space Station. We also rely on commercial expertise to launch many of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/kennedy\/launch-services-program\/\">robotic science missions<\/a> that study the Earth, the solar system, and beyond.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAs we stand at the dawn of a new age of space exploration, I can\u2019t wait to see the innovations and advancements to come. We often hear that \u201cspace is hard,\u201d and we at Kennedy take great inspiration from our history, which is full of stories of NASA engineers solving seemingly impossible problems. As we make the next giant leap to the Moon and Mars, Kennedy Space Center is proud to do our part to advance science, inspire the Artemis Generation, and strengthen America\u2019s standing in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kunz\u2019s biography is available <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/people\/kennedy-biographies-kunz\/\">online<\/a>, and file images are available from NASA\u2019s image library in <a href=\"https:\/\/images.nasa.gov\/details\/KSC-20230502-PH-KLS01_0033\" rel=\"noopener\">vertical<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/images.nasa.gov\/details\/KSC-20220113-PH-KLS01_0027\" rel=\"noopener\">horizontal<\/a> formats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information about Kennedy Space Center, visit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/kennedy\">www.nasa.gov\/kennedy<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>-end-<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Patti Bielling<br>Kennedy Space Center, Florida<br>321-501-7575<br><a href=\"mailto:amanda.griffin@nasa.gov\">patricia.a.bielling@nasa.gov<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Jennifer Kunz, associate director technical of NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, released the following statement after speaking Thursday at the SpaceCom \/ 50th Space Congress in Orlando, Florida. \u201cNASA\u2019s Moon to Mars strategy rests on three pillars: pursuing science to better understand the universe and our origins; inspiring the next generation to achieve the [...]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":498,"featured_media":603994,"template":"","meta":{"nasa_hds_core_meta_l10n":"en-US","nasa_hds_core_meta_article_editor":"33","nasa_hds_core_meta_article_contacts":["498"],"nasa_hds_core_meta_article_topic":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_linked_locations":["283571"],"nasa_hds_core_meta_article_related_articles":[],"hds_migrate_meta_pr_release_id":"24-001","hds_migrate_meta_pr_release_type":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_location_x":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_location_y":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_gallery_images":[]},"categories":[2862,13004,3784],"news-tags":[],"internal-terms":[],"coauthors":[11764],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"Statement from NASA\u2019s Jennifer Kunz at SpaceCom, 50th Space Congress","url":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/statement-from-nasas-jennifer-kunz-at-spacecom-50th-space-congress\/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/statement-from-nasas-jennifer-kunz-at-spacecom-50th-space-congress\/"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jennifer-kunz.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jennifer-kunz.jpg"},"articleSection":"NASA Centers & Facilities","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"NASA Communications"}],"creator":["NASA Communications"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"NASA","logo":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/themes\/nasa\/assets\/images\/nasa-logo.svg"},"keywords":["NASA Directorates","Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate","Common Exploration Systems Development Division","Space Launch System (SLS)","Kennedy Space Center","Research and Technology at Kennedy Space Center"],"dateCreated":"2024-02-01T15:31:44Z","datePublished":"2024-02-01T15:31:44Z","dateModified":"2024-02-01T15:31:45Z"},"rendered":"<meta name=\"parsely-title\" content=\"Statement from NASA\u2019s Jennifer Kunz at SpaceCom, 50th Space Congress\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-link\" content=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/statement-from-nasas-jennifer-kunz-at-spacecom-50th-space-congress\/\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-type\" content=\"post\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-image-url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jennifer-kunz.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-pub-date\" content=\"2024-02-01T15:31:44Z\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-section\" content=\"NASA Centers & Facilities\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-tags\" content=\"NASA Directorates,Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate,Common Exploration Systems Development Division,Space Launch System (SLS),Kennedy Space Center,Research and Technology at Kennedy Space Center\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-author\" content=\"NASA Communications\" \/>","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/nasa.gov\/p.js"},"read_time":3,"featured_image":{"id":603994,"file":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jennifer-kunz.jpg","title":"KSC Town Hall","alt":"Portrait of Jennifer Kunz, associate director, technical, at NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.","caption":"Jennifer Kunz, associate director, technical, at NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, participates in a virtual Town Hall meeting on Jan. 13, 2022, for Kennedy employees. Center Director Janet Petro and other center executive leaders hosted the virtual town hall to provide updates on center milestones and answer questions."},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/press-release\/603718"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/press-release"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/press-release"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/498"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/press-release\/603718\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":604149,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/press-release\/603718\/revisions\/604149"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/603994"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=603718"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=603718"},{"taxonomy":"news-tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news-tags?post=603718"},{"taxonomy":"internal-terms","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/internal-terms?post=603718"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=603718"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}