Free Republic

NASA announced plans on Monday to build a new engine test stand at Stennis Space Center in Hancock County. The announcement represents an estimated $175 million investment in Stennis and serves to support the Constellation Project. That's NASA's plan to return the United States to the Moon and eventually to Mars. The new stand at Stennis will test NASA's J-2X engines, which will be used in the second stage of the Ares I launch vehicle. NASA officials say the new 300-foot-tall open-frame design will allow engineers to simulate conditions at different altitudes. The new stand will be completed in time...

BAY ST. LOUIS, Miss. — Inside a church with a damaged roof and no electricity, Liz Fergusson quietly wept as her congregation celebrated its first Sunday Mass since monstrous and deadly Hurricane Katrina ravaged the coast a week ago, tearing apart everything she owned. Marcus Johnson holds a flashlight for Bishop Thomas Rodi as he leads Mass in Bay St. Louis, Miss., at St. Rose de Lima Catholic Church. Theresa Wilson prays while attending mass in Bay St. Louis, Miss., at St. Rose de Lima Catholic Church. Wilson's home was destroyed by hurricane Katrina. Sometimes the weeping turned into uncontrollable...