110 HCON 287 EH: Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the
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.
Whereas January 31, 2008, is the 50th anniversary of the
launch of Explorer I, the first United States satellite to be successfully
lofted into space and the world’s first scientific satellite;
Whereas the launch of Explorer I marks the birth of the
era of United States space exploration, a half-century of advances in both
robotic and human exploration of space, including the first footsteps by
humanity on another world;
Whereas, since the launch of Explorer I, the United States
has launched spacecraft—
(1)to explore each of
the solar system’s planets and the Earth’s Moon;
(2)to observe the
Earth and the interactions of its atmospheric, oceanic, and land
systems;
(3)to conduct studies
of the Sun and its interactions with Earth;
(4)to investigate
asteroids and comets;
(5)to peer deeper
into space to understand the origin of the universe and the formation of the
stars, galaxies, and planets; and
(6)to
extend human presence into space;
Whereas Explorer I and the impetus for scientific
satellites occurred as part of the International Geophysical Year, a major
scientific initiative of 67 nations to collect coordinated measurements of the
Earth, whose spirit continues to be embodied in the international partnerships
that enhance space endeavors;
Whereas Explorer I carried a scientific instrument
designed and built by Dr. James A. Van Allen of the University of Iowa to
detect cosmic rays;
Whereas the cosmic ray measurements from Explorer I led to
the discovery of regions of energetic charged particles trapped in the Earth’s
magnetic field, later named the Van Allen radiation belts;
Whereas the combined efforts of Dr. James A. Van Allen and
his science team, individuals at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and individuals
at the Army Ballistic Missile Agency made possible the successful development
and launch of Explorer I and ushered in a new age of United States scientific
and human exploration of space;
Whereas the next 50 years of United States accomplishments
in outer space will rely on individuals possessing strong mathematics, science,
and engineering skills and the educators who will train such
individuals;
Whereas the United States space program enables the
development of advanced technologies, skills, and capabilities that support
United States competitiveness and economic growth;
Whereas Dr. Van Allen, commenting on the future of space
science a decade ago, said “there is no shortage of great ideas on what we’d
like to do. … There is virtually no limit to what can be investigated in
interplanetary science and astronomy.”; and
Whereas over the next 50 years the United States will
attain additional exciting and significant achievements in robotic and human
space exploration: Now, therefore, be it
That the Congress—
(1)celebrates the achievement of the late Dr.
James A. Van Allen and his science team and all of the individuals at the Jet
Propulsion Laboratory and Army Ballistic Missile Agency who, through the
successful launch of Explorer I, brought the United States into the space age
and science into the realm of space;
(2)supports science, technology, engineering,
and mathematics education programs, which are critical for preparing the next
generation to lead future United States space endeavors;
(3)recognizes the role of the United States
space program in strengthening the scientific and engineering foundation that
contributes to United States innovation and economic growth; and
(4)looks forward to the next 50 years of
United States achievements in the robotic and human exploration of
space.
Passed the House of
Representatives February 6, 2008.
Lorraine C. Miller,
Clerk.