109 HCON 448 EH: Commending the National Aeronautics and Space Administration on the completion of the Space Shuttle’s second Return-to-Flight mission. U.S. House of Representatives 0 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV 109th CONGRESS 2d Session H. CON. RES. 448 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 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

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 benefitting all Americans.

Passed the House of Representatives July 20, 2006.Karen L. HaasClerk.