On top of the NASA stuff already mentioned, Redstone has also already been home to the Space Missile Defense Command for over 50 years.  

Redstone Arsenal is where rocket engines, missiles, and much of nasa technology is primarily built. Huntsville has been the number 1 or 2 place to live in America for the past few years, and has the highest per Capita of doctorates in the country.

The largest NASA location, the Marshall Space Flight Center, has been there in Huntsville for decades.

The Huntsville Area has been tied to areospace and rocket manufacturing since the 1950's. Saturn V rockets were built and tested in the area. Auburn has a pretty well-regarded series of degrees related to propulsion and rocket design. (Space Camp is also located in Huntsville!)