[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 74 (Thursday, May 20, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1054]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 1999

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                               speech of

                         HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 19, 1999

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 1654) to 
     authorize appropriations for the National Aeronautics and 
     Space Administration for fiscal years 2000, 2001, and 2002, 
     and for other purposes:

  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Chairman, today the House of Representatives 
considers an important bill to improve and strengthen U.S. leadership 
in space exploration. This bill, the ``National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration Authorization Act'' includes approval of funds for U.S. 
participation in the International Space Station, funds for aerospace 
and earth science research and funds for space science programs. These 
are all important programs and worthy goals. However, I rise to speak 
in support of an important technology for our future efforts to explore 
space: funding for research and develop into TransHab technology.
  TransHab uses inflatable structure technology to package a much 
larger living and working volume in the equivalent Shuttle cargo size. 
In theory, the TransHab concept has more volume and radiation shielding 
when compared with the current Habitation module. TransHab could also 
serve as a technology demonstration for the human exploration of Mars. 
The NASA reauthorization bill currently prohibits NASA from making 
additional expenditures on any inflatable structure intended to replace 
current models on the International Space Station. However, the bill 
does leave the possibility for research and development of crew-related 
inflatable structures in FY01 and FY02.
  I understand the financial concerns the Committee on Science has 
expressed regarding funding TransHab technology for the International 
Space Station. Ideally, I would like to see TransHab technology funded 
now for the station, but I agree that in a time when Congress is 
struggling to keep the federal budget balanced, all federal programs 
should receive scrutiny and careful consideration. However, I think 
that it is very important that the Committee continue to keep the door 
open on TransHab funding in the future. Those familiar with TransHab 
technology believe that this technology validates potential technology 
for future solar system exploration. TransHab technology could possibly 
mean a manned-exploration of Mars which could result in a wealth of 
scientific information previously unavailable.
  I believe that scientific research is vital to the current and future 
prosperity of our nation. I think we owe it to ourselves, to our 
nation, and especially to our children to keep the dream of manned 
space exploration alive. TransHab technology is an investment in our 
future. To permanently close the door on such research and development 
jeopardizes this nation's preeminence in science and technology.
  In my home state of Delaware, we are fortunate to have ILC Dover, a 
leader in the aerospace industry and a company that has proven 
themselves a model for providing aerospace technology in accordance 
with NASA's new focus: ``better, faster, cheaper.'' ILC Dover has been 
providing innovative and cost-effective technology since 1947. ILC 
Dover has helped to provide the technology that put a man on the moon 
and Pathfinder on Mars, and ILC Dover will continue to help provide 
technology that will help future space missions in exploring our world.
  I am very proud of the research and development conducted by ILC 
Dover, and I am proud of the contributions ILC Dover has made to the 
U.S. Space Program. There is a strong commerical interest from 
committed, innovative companies in the aerospace industry such as ILC 
Dover in helping to develop TransHab technology. I am encouraged that 
the Committee has left the door open for TransHab research in 
development in FY01 and FY02, and I look forward to any future 
Congressional hearings on the issue.

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