The Federal Aviation Administration announced an expansion of the restricted air space over Stennis Space Center last week, according to a press release from the Mississippi Development Authority.

In an effort to recruit more industry into the Gulf Coast region, the expansion will support ongoing rocket engine tests, unmanned aerial vehicles and training by the Department of Defense and other commercial companies, the release states.

“Things are still developing and there have been no operational changes as a result of the expansion,” said Valerie Buckingham, the news chief at Stennis Space Center.

According to the release, the expansion went into effect on May 26 and vovers approximately 100 square miles between Stennis International Airport and the Picayune airport.

“We don’t know yet what impact it’ll have on our airport,” said Picayune Municipal Airport Manager Andy Greenwood.

Five areas are covered under the expansion, states the release; three are used by the DOD and the other two are used for NASA missions.

“The FAA’s approval of the expansion of restricted air space over Stennis Space Center strengthens the NASA facility’s position as a major asset and economic driver for the Mississippi Gulf Coast and the entire state,” Gov. Phil Bryant said in the release. “The expansion will add to our ability to support the emerging unmanned systems industry, and it positions Stennis as an ideal destination for companies looking to create jobs.”

Previous coverage also states that an upcoming expansion of Rocketjet Aerodyne, a company leasing space at Stennis, will also create 70 new jobs in the area.

“When operational changes occur we will communicate those changes with the community,” said Buckingham.