Accomack EDA Backs A. Thomas Young Name for Wallops Launch Site, Keeping NASA Facility Intact
Updated
Updated · Shore Daily News · Aug 14
Accomack EDA Backs A. Thomas Young Name for Wallops Launch Site, Keeping NASA Facility Intact
1 articles · Updated · Shore Daily News · Aug 14
Summary
Accomack’s Economic Development Authority said the proposal would leave NASA Wallops Flight Facility unchanged and apply A. Thomas “Tom” Young’s name only to the Wallops Island launch site.
David Lumgair said the county cannot rename federal property; the Board of Supervisors has only passed a resolution recommending the change to federal officials.
The EDA argued the distinction matters for business recruitment because “Flight Facility” can suggest aviation rather than space launches, potentially blurring Wallops’ commercial aerospace role.
Young, a Wachapreague native, led major NASA and aerospace programs — including Viking, Goddard and Martin Marietta — and the EDA said honoring him could bolster jobs, investment and local identity.