Wallops Flight Facility is not closing

The Director of NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility, David Pierce, addressed the Accomack County Board of Supervisors on Wednesday evening, offering an optimistic outlook on the facility’s future. Pearce emphasized that not only will Wallops remain a vital part of NASA’s operations, but it is also expected to experience substantial growth in the coming years.

Highlighting partnerships with Rocket Lab and Firefly Aerospace, Pierce noted that private launches are set to increase significantly. Currently, Wallops supports approximately 18 launches per year; however, projections anticipate that number will rise to 50 or more within the next few years. To accommodate this growth, the number of launch pads is expected to expand to 10, supporting both commercial clients and government contracts, including missions for the Department of Defense. Pierce also confirmed that additional farmland adjacent to Rocket Lab’s existing site has been acquired to support anticipated expansion. Northrop Grumman is also scheduled to continuing to supply the International Space Station.

In addition, Pierce announced plans for a new program to produce hypersonic launch vehicles for the Department of Defense.

To underscore federal support for Wallops, Pierce pointed to $103 million allocated for construction of a new bridge, designed to improve transportation of launch vehicles to their sites. He also cited $48 million in funding for beach replenishment and shoreline stabilization, which will safeguard the facility’s $1.5 billion in launch infrastructure.

Addressing concerns about recent workforce reductions, Pierce explained that the civil service staff was reduced in part due to a voluntary buyout program, in which roughly one-third of eligible employees chose early retirement while continuing to receive compensation through the end of the year. Some of those employees, he noted, have already secured positions with Rocket Lab and other commercial partners.

Pierce also dismissed rumors that the NASA Visitor Center would be closing, reassuring the Board that it will remain open and active.

He cautioned, however, that NASA’s budget is still pending Senate approval and the President’s signature, meaning adjustments may still be forthcoming.

Looking ahead, Pierce reaffirmed NASA’s commitment to fulfilling the President’s vision of returning Americans to the Moon and, ultimately, to Mars. “While NASA Wallops is in transition, he said, “it remains critical to that mission.”