[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 130 (Monday, October 11, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1932]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    SPACE AND AERONAUTICS PRIZE ACT

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                         HON. DANA ROHRABACHER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 8, 2004

  Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the Subcommittee on 
Space and Aeronautics, I can think of no better way to end my tenure 
than to finally witness the dream of commercial human space flight 
becoming a reality. Burt Rutan's tremendous accomplishment this week 
not only proved that space is no longer the sole domain of government, 
but it is a testament to the innovative and creative potential of space 
entrepreneurs. On my watch, I've been privileged to peer into the 
future of dynamic citizen astronauts routinely flying to and from the 
heavens. I applaud the hard work and dedication of Burt Rutan and the 
good people behind the Ansari X-Prize. They are shining examples of the 
American can-do spirit at its best.
  Commercial space transportation is advancing on-orbit services that 
have so enriched our daily lives. The private sector should be 
encouraged to continue this successful trend. I am convinced a new 
generation of space entrepreneurs is ready to make their mark in 
contributing to low Earth orbit development, as well as returning to 
the Moon.
  In the past, prizes have played an important role by promoting 
progress in the development of aviation. Charles Lindbergh won the 
$10,000 private Orteig Prize for becoming the first man to fly solo 
across the Atlantic, and the U.S. government offered prizes in the 
1920s and 1930s to meet its aviation needs. The X-Prize has served as a 
means to stimulate private manned space activities. I believe we can do 
more in making the President's vision for space exploration a reality 
by awarding cash prizes to encourage greater participation of the 
private sector in the national space program. Today, I am introducing 
legislation that will establish a National Endowment for Space and 
Aeronautics for the national good.
  The Endowment is intended to provide an exciting new incentive to 
private sector space entrepreneurs. Cash prizes in recognition of 
outstanding achievements in the scientific research and technology 
development are envisioned as critical to the Endowment's program. The 
program also is directed to receive donations and private gifts for the 
benefit of the Nation's aeronautics and space endeavors.
  The Endowment is specifically directed to award a prize for the 
demonstration of a reusable space flight vehicle to carry at least one 
person to a minimum altitude of 400 kilometers from the United States, 
or its territories. The spacecraft is to complete at least three 
complete orbits of the Earth and return safely to the Earth. The total 
amount of the cash prize for this demonstration is not to exceed 
$100,000,000.
  Like the pioneers before them, I'm encouraged that individuals like 
Burt Rutan, Mike Melvill and Brian Binnie, as well as others, will open 
new frontiers that will continue to benefit American's leadership role 
in space. The Endowment legislation is a small step in the right 
direction.

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