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IV.	CHANGING TIMES, CHANGING ROLES [1969-1976]
MTF management team began search for new roles and missions as Apollo program decline became evident. Search for new programs intensified after hurricane Camille dealt Mississippi Gulf Coast devastating blow. Propulsion future assured with assignment of Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) test program in 1971. MTF renamed National Space Technology Laboratories (NSTL) June 14,
1974 in recognition of new roles.
Eighteen federal and state agencies in residence at NSTL by 1975.
V.	ACCEPTANCE AND TRUST [1976-1988]
NSTL entered new era of acceptance and trust. Program management role of Earth Resources Laboratory was assigned.
Testing of Main Propulsion Test Article proved propulsion system before first flight of Columbia in 1981. Challenger explosion shocked and saddened the nation. SSME test program hit record high in return to flight program. Senator Stennis announced that Air Force—NASA Advanced Launch System test program would be located at NSTL. President Ronald Reagan renamed NSTL the NASA John C. Stennis Space Center (SSC) May 20, 1988. Stennis Space Center selected as site for testing Advanced Solid Rocket Motor (ASRM) July 25, 1988.
VI.	BUILDING FOR THE 21st CENTURY [1989-1991]
Clearing began for construction of Component Test Facility in January 1989. Lockheed Missile Systems Division was selected to develop, test and evaluate the Space Shuttle ASRM. Agreements between SSC,
MSFC and the states of Mississippi and Louisiana were signed to promote transfer of technology derived from the space program to business and construction began on ASRM facility at SSC.
industry. Major