Rep. Bart Gordon: Welcome Home Discovery

WASHINGTON, DC – Earlier today, the Discovery Space Shuttle successfully returned to earth after a 14-day mission to test and evaluate new safety protocols and re-supply the International Space Station (ISS).  Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Corona) issued the following statement:

“Congratulations to the Discovery crew and the entire NASA team for a successful mission.  The brave astronauts, led by Space Shuttle Commander Eileen Collins, did a wonderful job of testing the new safety equipment and bringing needed supplies to the ISS.  Although NASA must evaluate the integrity of the foam insulation during launch, a problem it had already been working on, the new video monitoring and safety protocols allowed the Discovery crew to look closely at any damage caused during launch and to repair it successfully.

“This was a test flight and it gave NASA a better understanding of how to solve the Shuttle’s perplexities for future launches.  Ultimately, however, I know we must retire the Shuttle and replace it with a new vehicle.  I am confident that NASA Administrator Mike Griffin will work toward a new Crew Exploration Vehicle that will allow America to continue leading the world in human space flight.”

Rep. Calvert oversees NASA as the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, which is part of the House Science Committee.