[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 131 (Tuesday, October 8, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1795]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              WORLD SPACE WEEK 2002--SPACE AND DAILY LIFE

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                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 8, 2002

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, the United Nations commemorates the beginning 
of the Space Age by celebrating World Space Week this October 4th 
through the 10th. Celebrated in nearly fifty nations, this week is 
designated to recognize the progress of technology, anticipate new 
economic opportunities and find new means for transforming life in 
space and on Earth to improve the lives of people around the world. The 
theme for Space Week 2002 is ``Space and Daily Life''.
  The benefits of community participation in World Space Week are far 
reaching. It is a proactive way to demonstrate public support for space 
programs, encourage youth to learn about space and the possibilities of 
the future, promote institutions around the world that are involved in 
space and to foster international cooperation in space outreach and 
education.
  I am proud to say that the 5th District of Maryland has a variety of 
dynamic activities that will allow community members to participate in 
Space Week.
  The initiatives taken by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, the 
Office of Space Science Sun-Earth Connection Education Forum, the 
Living with Star Initiative, Prince George's County Economic 
Development Corporation and Maryland Space Business Roundtable have 
made it possible for every public high school and middle school in 
Maryland to receive information on World Space Week.
  In today's increasingly technological world, it is vital to the 
future advancement of our country to encourage our youth to take an 
active learning interest in academic fields and career paths such as 
space, science and math.
  Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt, which is a school in 
Maryland's Fifth Congressional District that I represent, has responded 
to this need by organizing a panel discussion about space in 
conjunction with Goddard Space Center. This event is a testament to 
their dedication to academic excellence. Roosevelt High School has even 
been honored as a 2002 National School of Character, which recognizes 
their outstanding efforts to encourage the social, ethical and academic 
development of students through character education.
  I would also like to commend the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in 
Greenbelt, Maryland for its contributions to the exploration and 
peaceful use of outer space. The cutting-edge technologies they have 
developed have played a large role in attracting scientists, engineers 
and technicians who create next-generation spacecraft, sensor and 
instrument technologies which are used to benefit Maryland, our society 
and the international community.
  Goddard is the lead center for the Living with a Star Initiative, a 
multi-year program that will eventually produce new systems, spacecraft 
and technology to study the effects of the sun on the Earth. In fiscal 
year 2002 I worked to help secure $25 million for the program and I 
will continue to work to obtain such resources to help ensure the 
success of such projects in the future.
  World Space Week 2002 serves as a positive voice in recognizing past 
and future accomplishments and innovations in exploration, development 
and use of space and space education for the benefit of all humankind 
and I am proud of the role that Maryland's Fifth Congressional District 
plays in promoting this week each year.

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