FAIRMONT, W.Va. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today joined National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, NASA Astronaut and West Virginia native David Morgan, and NASA Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) leaders for several visits in Fairmont W.Va. that highlighted the multiple areas of NASA involvement in West Virginia.
The group began the day by attending the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC) Robotics Championship at Fairmont State University where they delivered remarks. This event is the first state tournament since the WVSSAC officially recognized robotics as a co-curricular activity in 2021. Afterwards, the group then traveled to Watson Elementary School where they addressed students, followed by a presentation from NASA Astronaut Drew Morgan, who was born in Morgantown, W.Va.
The group also visited the Katherine Johnson Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) facility, which is named after West Virginia native and famed mathematician Katherine Johnson. The IV&V facility, originally founded in 1993 to contribute to the safety and success of NASA’s highest-profile missions, was renamed in Johnson’s honor as a result of legislation Senator Capito introduced in September 2018 and President Donald Trump signed into law in December 2018.
“Whether it’s West Virginians like Katherine Johnson or Astronaut Drew Morgan who joined us today, West Virginia has a strong legacy of contributions to the space economy and exploration,” Senator Capito said. “I was glad to welcome the team from NASA to Fairmont today where they saw firsthand the contributions West Virginia is making to this important industry. We are home to thousands of potential engineers, astronauts, and scientists who see there is a future path to pursue their dreams, and I can’t wait to see all they accomplish now and in the future.”
“West Virginia plays a crucial role to ensure NASA remains a world leader in space while investing in the next generation of NASA’s workforce,” NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy said. “From our elementary schools to students in robotics competitions, this generation – the Artemis Generation – will be tomorrow’s innovators and pioneers. Thank you to the members of the West Virginia congressional delegation, Fairmont State University, Watson Elementary, and NASA’s IV&V facility for having us!”
Photos from today’s visit included below:
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) pictured with students at the WVSSAC Robotics Championship at Fairmont State University in Fairmont, W.Va. on Monday, May 16, 2022.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) pictured with students at the WVSSAC Robotics Championship at Fairmont State University in Fairmont, W.Va. on Monday, May 16, 2022.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.). West Virginia Congressional leaders, and NASA officials visit Watson Elementary School in Fairmont, W.Va. on Monday, May 16, 2022.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) pictured with Wes Deadrick, Director of NASA’s IV&V Program, in Fairmont, W.Va. on Monday, May 16, 2022.
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