[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 66 (Thursday, May 21, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5344-S5345]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               SPACE DAY

 Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I rise today in honor of ``Space 
Day'' to recognize the accomplishments and achievements we have made in 
the United States over the last quarter of the century in space-related 
activities.
  The space industry has rapidly evolved from public sector dominance 
to private sector innovation. Throughout the industry's infancy, the 
Department of Defense's military operations and the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration's activities dominated the 
emerging space frontier. These DOD and NASA initiatives served as 
catalysts in the commercialization of space. Many advances in 
technology have resulted, leading to new jobs, industries, and exciting 
new opportunities for uses of space that we cannot yet imagine.
  The growth within the space industry, and the opportunities created 
have been dramatic. The space industry is a major contributor to our 
economy, and has spurred technological advances over the past 20 plus 
years. In 1996, total industry revenues from the commercial sector 
exceeded those from the government sector for the first time ever. 
Revenues from the space industry are currently running at approximately 
$85 billion annually, and are projected to increase to approximately 
$121 billion by the year 2000.
  Although participation in space initiatives has been and continues to 
be capital intensive, this arena is fertile ground for smaller 
entrepreneurs and innovative startups. One of the key factors has been 
the huge market for satellite launches. The demand for 
telecommunications services and the distribution of television and 
cable programming caused the satellite capacity to expand. This 
industry is continuously evolving to include a host of new satellite-
based services including worldwide mobile telephony, and infrastructure 
for the television industry. Through continued Federal investment in 
space ventures, we can also see other emerging applications such as 
distance learning, telemedicine, and the exploration of microgravity 
conditions of materials in a clean space environment on the 
International Space Station.
  Transferrable technologies--``spinoffs''--from government space 
initiatives are now being used in various commercial applications. For 
example, as a result of tests aimed at improving the performance of 
NASA's Space Shuttle, the Boeing Company was able to hone its design of 
the Boeing 777 aircraft at NASA's facilities. Several NASA innovations 
were instrumental in the development of that aircraft, including wind 
tunnel tests to confirm the structural integrity, use of lightweight 
composite structures for increased fuel efficiency and range, and the 
use of computer modeling to conduct advanced computer-based aerodynamic 
analysis. The is the largest twin engine jet manufactured today. Other 
such spinoffs include fire retardant materials used in space flight 
suits now being used for fire fighters and automotive insulation for 
race car drivers, and various sensors that monitor radioactive 
materials and environmental control, to cite just a few.

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  The benefits to the taxpayer through the development of new 
industries, new products, new services, and improved quality of life 
represents a substantial return on the national investment in space-
related initiatives.
  Today, on Space Day, we recognize and honor those visionaries, 
entrepreneurs, and leaders who have made great accomplishments in the 
advancement of technology through space-related endeavors.

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