[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 97 (Thursday, July 10, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S7145]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   WARWICK MILLS OF NEW HAMPSHIRE WEAVED THE AIR BAG TO PROTECT THE 
                           PATHFINDER ON MARS

  Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, I rise on a matter that is not related 
specifically to this bill, although it has to do with the issue of 
national defense and technology, and that is the issue of our probe 
which is now on the planet Mars. What an exceptional thing it is, as we 
watch the TV pictures come back as they analyze the rocks of Mars and 
determine that this planet is a fascinating place. We set history and 
we can investigate the universe.
  All of this is possible because of a product made in New Hampshire. I 
wanted to congratulate the Warwick Mills of New Ipswich, NH, a small 
company started in 1888. NASA decided they wanted to land this probe on 
Mars, and they had to go to the Warwick Mills to be able to do it. It 
is one of the few places in this world that still weaves in the old-
fashioned way. They were able to put together this fabric. This is a 
picture of the probe on Mars and the fabric that allowed the probe to 
set down on Mars without being damaged, and it allows it now to wander 
around the planet Mars and learn about the history of that 
extraordinary planet and to further the knowledge of man dramatically.
  So from a little mill in New Ipswich, NH, started in 1888, using old-
fashioned weaving machines, we sent the material to Mars. So on behalf 
of the State of New Hampshire, I congratulate this little firm that is 
doing such an extraordinary job to advance the knowledge of America and 
the world.

  I yield back my time.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Texas.
  Mr. GRAMM. Mr. President, in response to what our colleague from New 
Hampshire has stated, it is a testament of the genius of small business 
that this wasn't a big scientific lab somewhere, this wasn't NASA with 
all of its billions; this was a small, independent business. I think we 
can all rejoice in that.
  Mr. GREGG. I think the Senator from Texas has probably been to 
Ipswich and may have visited this small plant. We appreciate his 
interest. I thank the Senator.

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