[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 148 (Wednesday, October 29, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H9706]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




REPORT ON NATION'S ACHIEVEMENTS IN AERONAUTICS AND SPACE DURING FISCAL 
       YEAR 1996--MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

  The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following message 
from the President of the United States; which was read and, together 
with the accompanying papers, without objection, referred to the 
Committee on Science.
To the Congress of the United States:
  I am pleased to transmit this report on the Nation's achievements in 
aeronautics and space during fiscal year (FY) 1996, as required under 
section 206 of the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958, as 
amended (42 U.S.C. 2476). Aeronautics and space activities in FY 1996 
involved 14 contributing departments and agencies of the Federal 
Government.
  A wide variety of aeronautics and space developments took place 
during FY 1996. The Administration issued an integrated National Space 
Policy, consolidating a number of previous policy directives into a 
singular, coherent vision of the future for the civil, commercial, and 
national security space sectors. The Administration also issued a 
formal policy on the future management and use of the U.S. Global 
Positioning System.
  During FY 1996, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
(NASA) successfully completed eight Space Shuttle flights. NASA also 
launched 7 expendable launch vehicles, while the Department of Defense 
launched 9 and the commercial sector launched 13. In the reusable 
launch vehicle program, Vice President Gore announced NASA's selection 
of a private sector partner to design, fabricate, and flight test the 
X-33 vehicle.
  Scientists made some dramatic new discoveries in various space-
related fields such as space science, Earth science and remote sensing, 
and life and microgravity science. Most notably, NASA researchers 
cooperating with the National Science Foundation found possible 
evidence of ancient microbial life in a meteorite believed to be from 
Mars.
  In aeronautics, activities included the development of technologies 
to improve performance, increase safety, reduce engine noise, and 
assist U.S. industry to be more competitive in the world market. Air 
traffic control activities focused on various automation systems to 
increase flight safety and enhance the efficient use of air space.
  Close international cooperation with Russia occurred in the Shuttle-
Mir docking missions and with Canada, Europe, Japan, and Russia in the 
International Space Station program. The United States also entered 
into new cooperative agreements with Japan and new partners in South 
America and Asia.
  In conclusion, FY 1996 was a very active and successful year for U.S. 
aeronautics and space programs. Efforts in these areas have contributed 
significantly to the Nation's scientific and technical knowledge, 
international cooperation, environmental health, and economic 
competitiveness.
                                                  William J. Clinton.  
  The White House, October 29, 1997.

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