[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 14 (Thursday, February 1, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E124]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         A TRIBUTE TO THE CREW OF SPACE SHUTTLE ``CHALLENGER''

                                 ______


                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 31, 1996

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the 
seven crew members of the space shuttle Challenger. Ten years ago on 
January 28, 1986, these brave astronauts fell victim to one of our 
Nation's most horrific tragedies--the Challenger explosion. Indeed, 
human space exploration is and has always been inherently risky but 
this should not deter us from reaching for the stars or from exploring 
this new frontier.
  Forty nine space shuttle missions have been succssfully completed 
since 1986. The safety features of the space shuttle have improved 
substantially since the Challenger tragedy. It is possible, NASA 
officials believe, that if a similar accident happened today, crew 
members could escape with their own oxygen supply and parachutes.
  A healthy shuttle program is fundamental to construction of the 
international space station--starting in late 1997, which will be the 
basis of further human exploration of Mars and beyond. NASA plans to 
launch 26 shuttle flights between 1997 and 2002 to help assemble this 
station. Additionally, a preliminary plan designed by NASA and the 
Russian Space Agency envisions using the space shuttle to deliver 
Russian hardware to resupply the orbiting Mir station. Therefore, the 
space shuttle program will be instrumental in the enhancement of 
international cooperation, the forerunner of world space. Furthermore, 
the reusable space shuttle is the way of the future for launching 
commercial and military satellites.
  As one of the parents of the astronauts remarked, he was ``pleased 
that the crew's footsteps were being followed'' and ``that their hopes 
and dreams are marching forward.'' On the 10th anniversary of this 
disaster, we must express support for the continuation of the space 
exploration mission in order to truly honor those seven brave 
explorers.

                          ____________________