Stennis Space Center

The John C. Stennis Space Center (SSC) in Hancock County, Mississippi, stands as NASA’s premier rocket testing facility. Founded in 1961, the SSC offers testing services to over 50 entities ranging from local businesses to international agencies. Initially set up for the Apollo Program, it now certifies rocket engines for diverse space missions and supports defense, space, and environmental initiatives.

Base Operator:
(228) 688-3333

Address:
Stennis Space Center Of NASA
John C. Stennis Space Center, MS 39529

What Kind of Base is Stennis Space Center?

The John C. Stennis Space Center (SSC) remains pivotal to America’s space program. It has an enduring legacy in rocket engine development with facilities like the A-1/A-2, B-1/B-2, and E test stands.

Stennis Space Center History

Founded on October 25, 1961, SSC’s location bridged the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans and Florida’s Kennedy Space Center. The center originally tested Apollo Program engines but has expanded its role over the decades.

Notable milestones:

• 1971: Began testing all Space Shuttle Main Engines.
• 1974: Renamed as the National Space Technology Laboratories.
• 1988: Renamed in honor of Mississippi’s Senator John C. Stennis.
• 2015: Started testing RS-25 engines for NASA’s Space Launch System. Today, NASA operates SSC, reinforcing its commitment to space exploration, environment, and defense.

Stennis Space Center Housing

There is no on-base housing optiosn for the Stennis Space Center. Families transferring to the base can live in the nearby communities of Slidell, Louisiana, Picayne, Mississippi as well as other parts of region. If you’d like to live on a military installation, there are options at the Naval Contstruction Battalion Center Gulfport (CBC Gulfport) or Kessler Air Force Base.

To learn more about the housing options available, call the Housing Referral Office at 228-871-2586.

What is the BAH for Stennis Space Center?

The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) at Stennis Space Center varies depending on rank, years of service and dependency status. Visit the Mississippi state BAH page or see the chart below for more information.

NEW ORLEANS, LA BAH Rates

Military Housing Area: LA116

Grade	With Dependents	Without Dependents
E01	$1,584	$1,197
E02	$1,584	$1,197
E03	$1,584	$1,197
E04	$1,584	$1,197
E05	$1,656	$1,398
E06	$2,121	$1,590
E07	$2,277	$1,707
E08	$2,448	$1,836
E09	$2,634	$1,977
W01	$2,142	$1,608
W02	$2,349	$1,761
W03	$2,556	$1,980
W04	$2,667	$2,157
W05	$2,802	$2,316
O01E	$2,307	$1,731
O02E	$2,526	$1,896
O03E	$2,685	$2,115
O01	$1,716	$1,512
O02	$2,115	$1,710
O03	$2,550	$1,983
O04	$2,847	$2,283
O05	$3,054	$2,382
O06	$3,078	$2,535
O07	$3,102	$2,577

For more information, look at BAH rates by state or calculate your exact BAH rate.

Stennis Space Center Surrounding Area

The Stennis Space Center is near the banks of the Pearl River, close to the Mississippi-Louisiana border. This region is rich in history, with the remnants of old towns like Gainesville, Napoleon, Santa Rosa, Logtown, and Westonia still visible within the facility. It’s roughly an hour drive from northeast of New Orleans, Louisiana, and about a half-hour drive from the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Nearby attractions include the INFINITY Science Center, a state-of-the-art educational facility that offers a glimpse into the world of space exploration.

Healthcare

There is no on-base healthcare options at Stennis Space Center. Instead, look to local hospitals and clinics in nearby communities for medical care.

Childcare

The Stennis Space Center offers childcare service through its Child Development Center. It offers full day service for infants, toddlers and preschool students. The center operates from Monday to Friday, 6:00 am to 5:00 pm, ensuring comprehensive care and development programs for children.

Schooling

Education options include the Gulfport School District and the Harrison County School District.

To learn more about surrounding area school districts, consult with the on-base School Liaison Officer, who can be contacted at 228-871-2117.