[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1231 Engrossed in House (EH)]

H. Res. 1231

                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                           May 4, 2010.
Whereas, April 1, 2010, is the 50th anniversary of the launch by the United 
        States of the Television Infrared Observation Satellite (TIROS I), the 
        first weather observation satellite, that was capable of taking 
        television images on command and remotely at locations around the world, 
        and either recording the pictures as television signals for subsequent 
        playback or transmitting the images to ground stations in real time;
Whereas TIROS resulted from the actions by President Eisenhower and Congress to 
        create the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), a 
        civilian space agency, which applied technology from several military 
        programs that had been directed by the U.S. Army Signal Corps 
        Development and Research Labs (USASCDRL) at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, 
        and the United States Army Ballistic Missile Agency in Huntsville, 
        Alabama;
Whereas TIROS I images offered meteorologists the ability to examine large-scale 
        weather patterns to improve weather forecasting and enable early warning 
        of approaching storms, thus saving lives and property around the world;
Whereas the TIROS I images led to a better understanding of global patterns and 
        supported transmission of detailed local weather information to national 
        weather agencies around the world;
Whereas the realization of TIROS I was made possible by years of development of 
        computers, missile systems, television imaging, magnetic recording, 
        semiconductor devices, and solar cell applications, all of which 
        resulted from both Government and private sector investments;
Whereas Government investments in research and development made possible the 
        deployment of satellite tracking networks, worldwide WWV receiver time 
        base systems, tracking data reduction for orbit element determination, 
        and other facilities essential to the satellite applications;
Whereas Government and contractor personnel collaborated to observe and analyze 
        the motion of TIROS I in the Earth's magnetic field, and developed 
        satellite magnetic attitude controls for later TIROS and other 
        spacecraft to utilize the Earth's magnetic field to orient satellites in 
        Earth orbit;
Whereas the success of TIROS I was a significant Cold War event that restored 
        the national pride and confidence in the space program;
Whereas, since the launch of TIROS I, the United States has launched over 82 
        experimental and operational meteorological satellites;
Whereas NASA's Nimbus Satellites and Advanced Communications Technology 
        Satellite continued to enhance understanding and performance by further 
        testing and development of space power systems, sensor development, and 
        other technologies;
Whereas the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) manages and 
        operates fleets of satellites for the purposes of environmental and 
        weather monitoring;
Whereas similar TIROS missions employed launch vehicles, spacecraft, and imaging 
        equipment that was developed by NASA, the United States Air Force and 
        their contractors and has performed in an outstanding manner;
Whereas the next 50 years of United States accomplishments in space, like other 
        important fields, will rely on individuals possessing strong 
        mathematics, science, and engineering skills and the educators who will 
        train such individuals; and
Whereas the United States space program enables the development of advanced 
        technologies, skills, and capabilities that support the competitiveness 
        and economic growth of the United States: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) celebrates the achievement of the National Aeronautics and Space 
        Administration and the Television Infrared Observation Satellite (TIROS 
        I) team who worked together to enable the successful launch and 
        operation of TIROS I by the United States to establish applications of 
        space systems and technology for the benefit of people worldwide;
            (2) supports science, technology, engineering, and mathematics 
        education programs which are critical for preparing the next generation 
        of engineers and scientists 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 peaceful use of space to benefit all mankind.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.