‍Wallops Island, Virginia. August 18, 2025 – The Virginia Spaceport Authority (VSA) welcomed Congresswoman Jen Kiggans to the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) on Wallops Island, Va. on August 14, 2025.

Rep. Kiggans received a comprehensive briefing from VSA CEO & Executive Director, Roosevelt Mercer, Jr., Maj Gen, USAF (Ret.), on current spaceport operations and future activities. The discussion highlighted MARS’ contributions to national security, commercial launch capabilities, STEM workforce development, and economic growth on the Eastern Shore.

Following the briefing, Rep. Kiggans received an exclusive tour of all spaceport facilities, including launch pads, payload processing and integration, and airfield.

“We were honored to host Congresswoman Kiggans and share how VSA is advancing Virginia’s leadership in the space sector,” said General Mercer. “Her support over the years has enabled the spaceport’s success and we look forward to welcoming her back again soon.”

Virginia Spaceport Authority (officially Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority) is a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia. VSA owns and operates the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) located at Wallops Island, Virginia, USA. VSA’s mission is to provide assured access to space by operating, maintaining, and growing a premier spaceport, stimulating aerospace-related economic development in the Commonwealth, and promoting educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

‍

Media Contact:

Lillian Palmbach

Chief of External Relations

757- 837-3304

lillian.palmbach@vaspace.org

‍