Calvert Resolution Commending NASA on the completion of the Space Shuttle’s second Return-to-Flight mission passes House

Washington – Congressman Ken Calvert was proud to be an original cosponsor of a bipartisan resolution to recognize the success of the Space Shuttle’s second Return-to-Flight mission. H.CON.RES.448, Commending the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on the completion of the Space Shuttle’s second Return-to-Flight mission passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 415 to 0.

“The men and women of NASA, the crew of the Space Shuttle Discovery, and NASA Administrator Mike Griffin worked hard to get America’s manned space program since the tragic loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia. With the successful conclusion of this second test flight we are ready to complete the International Space Station (ISS) and hopefully extend the life of the Hubble Space Telescope. The last two missions have highlighted the international aspect of our space program with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Soichi Noguchi as a crewmember on STS-114 and European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Thomas Reiter who has begun his mission aboard the ISS,” said Calvert.

Congressman Calvert’s remarks on the floor of the House of Representatives and the text of H.CON.RES.448 are included below.

Floor Statement

H. Con. Res. 448

Commending NASA on the successful completion of the Space Shuttle’s second Return-to-Flight mission Honorable Ken Calvert (R-CA)

July 19, 2006

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in hearty support of H. Con. Res. 448, which commends the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for its successful completion of the Space Shuttle’s second return-to-flight test mission. NASA gave the United States a birthday present and the best fireworks show imaginable with the breathtaking launch of the Discovery mission, also known as STS 121, on the fourth of July this year.

The shuttle Discovery spent nearly 13 days in orbit, nine of which were spent docked to the International Space Station. During the 18th shuttle mission to the International Space Station, the STS-121 crew members delivered over 28,000 pounds of equipment and supplies and transported one additional crew member to the station for a six month stay. The astronauts also performed three successful space walks to test equipment and conduct maintenance.

This Discovery mission is an essential building block for the Vision for Space Exploration to the Moon, Mars and beyond. NASA is already fast at work on preparation for the next shuttle launch – with a window that begins August 28 – just a little more than a month away! This mission will resume the assembly of the International Space Station with the delivery of two truss sections and a set of solar arrays. NASA Administrator Mike Griffin, the Discovery crew, and the men and women of NASA deserve accolades from the American public for a successful STS-121 mission and for effectively reviving America’s space program to the heights of its glory.

These astronauts represent the best of humankind. As the President stated upon the return of the Discovery crew on Monday, “Your courage and commitment to excellence have inspired us all, and a proud Nation sends its congratulations on a job well done…America’s space program is a source of great national pride.”

I urge the passage of H.Con.Res.448.

H.CON.RES.448

Commending the National Aeronautics and Space Administration on the completion of the Space Shuttle’s second Return-to-Flight mission. (Introduced in House)

109th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. CON. RES. 448

Commending the National Aeronautics and Space Administration on the completion of the Space Shuttle’s second Return-to-Flight mission.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

July 13, 2006

Mr. PAUL (for himself, Mr. BOEHLERT, Mr. CALVERT, and Mr. ROHRABACHER) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Science

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Commending the National Aeronautics and Space Administration on the completion of the Space Shuttle’s second Return-to-Flight mission.

Whereas, on July 4, 2006, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration performed a successful launch of the Space Shuttle Discovery;

Whereas this mission, known as STS-121, marks the second Return-to-Flight mission;

Whereas the crew of the Discovery consisted of Colonel Steve Lindsey, Commander Mark Kelly, Piers Sellers, Ph.D, Lieutenant Colonel Mike Fossum, Commander Lisa Nowak, Stephanie Wilson, and Thomas Reiter;

Whereas the STS-121 mission tested Space Shuttle safety improvements, building on findings from Discovery’s flight last year, including a redesign of the Space Shuttle’s External Tank foam insulation, in-flight inspection of the shuttle’s heat shield, and improved imagery during launch;

Whereas the STS-121 mission re-supplied the International Space Station by delivering more than 28,000 pounds of equipment and supplies, as well as added a third crew member to the International Space Station;

Whereas, due to the overall success of the launch and on-orbit operations, the mission was able to be extended from 12 to 13 days, allowing for an additional space walk to the two originally scheduled;

Whereas the success of the STS-121 mission is a tribute to the skills and dedication of the Space Shuttle crew, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and its industrial partners;

Whereas all Americans benefit from the technological advances gained through the Space Shuttle program; and

Whereas the National Aeronautics and Space Administration plays a vital role in sustaining America’s preeminence in space: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That it is the sense of Congress that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration be commended for–

(1) the successful completion of the Space Shuttle Discovery’s STS-121 mission; and

(2) its pioneering work in space exploration which is strengthening the Nation and benefiting all Americans.