Huntsville, Ala. - U.S. Representative Bud Cramer (D-Ala) toured the construction of the Marshall Space Flight Center Propulsion Research Laboratory today.

Congressman Cramer played a key role in securing $10 million in 2001 and $22 million in 2002 for the construction of the PRL through his seat on the VA/HUD and Independent Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, which funds NASA and its programs.

"I worked hard to make sure we included the necessary funding for the construction of this lab," says Cramer.  "I have enjoyed helping lead the fight to educate my colleagues in Congress on the nation-wide impact this facility will have."

When construction is completed, the PRL will be a state-of-the-art facility centralizing cutting-edge research from across the United States. Scientists and engineers from NASA, the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, universities and industry will pool their skills and expertise to perform landmark research that will improve our nation's access to, and capabilities in space.

"I am very excited about this new facility," continued Cramer.  "The people of Marshall have consistently worked hard to perform world-class research and they deserve this state-of-the-art facility.  This new lab will help Marshall secure its position as the leader in space propulsion research, and will help ensure that Marshall is well-positioned to play a significant role in NASA's future."

After the PRL tour, Congressman Cramer also observed a test of propulsion hardware that is being developed by KT Engineering in Huntsville.

KT Engineering is developing space launch technology which is optimized for cost, and operational simplicity.  The heart of the concept is a unique method of subdividing a launch vehicle into a number of identical segments that can be manufactured by industry using standard non-aerospace materials, processes, and assembly line production techniques.

"This is an exciting moment for the people of North Alabama," says Cramer.  "The good folks at KT Engineering are trying to demonstrate how a small Huntsville based company can combine innovation with off-the-shelf technology to help lower the cost of space launch.  KT Engineering has good people working on this project and I applaud their efforts."