[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 140 (Thursday, October 1, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S10055]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO JOHN C. HOUBOLT

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. Presdient, on July 20, 2009, we celebrated the 40th 
anniversary of the first time man set foot on the Moon. On that day 40 
years ago, an estimated 500 million people around the world watched as 
the crew of Apollo 11, Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Edwin 
``Buzz'' Aldrin, made history. It was a remarkable accomplishment, the 
magnitude of which has not diminished over the years.
  As part of the anniversary festivities, Congress awarded John Glenn, 
the first American to orbit the Earth, and the crew of Apollo 11 the 
Congressional Gold Medal. I cosponsored the legislation and am pleased 
that they were recognized with it.
  Most recently I had the chance to meet two Illinois astronauts, Scott 
Altman and John Grunsfeld, whom earlier this year successfully 
completed the last service mission of the Hubble Telescope. We will be 
able to explore even deeper into the mysteries of our universe for many 
years to come because of their incredible work.
  Today, I wish to recognize Dr. John C. Houbolt, a scientist born and 
raised in Joliet, IL, who has received far less acclaim, but who 
deserves our Nation's gratitude for making the Moon landing possible.
  One of the most important and hotly debated technical decisions 
during the Apollo Program was how to land on the Moon and return safely 
to Earth. Amid many ideas and obstacles, Dr. Houbolt recognized that 
the most efficient way to execute the Moon landing was with a lunar-
orbit rendezvous plan.
  His concept involved a mother craft that would orbit the Moon while a 
lighter craft descended from it to the surface of the Moon carrying 
some of the astronauts. Eventually, the smaller aircraft would lift off 
and rendezvous with the mother ship.
  For many years NASA's leadership favored other concepts to reach the 
lunar surface. But, Dr. Houbolt's determination, persistence, and 
perseverance moved this innovative concept forward. As former NASA 
Deputy Director George Low noted, without Dr. Houbolt's efforts, NASA 
``might not have chosen the Lunar Orbit Rendezvous Mode'' and ``had the 
Lunar Orbit Rendezvous Mode not been chosen, Apollo would not have 
succeeded.''
  On the 40th anniversary of the lunar landing, as we celebrated with 
the crew of Apollo 11 in Washington, DC, a new exhibit aptly named 
``The Soaring Achievements of John C. Houbolt'' opened at the Joliet 
Area Historical Museum. I encourage my fellow Illinoisans, especially 
students, to visit this exhibit.
  Dr. Houbolt's inspiring story, like the stories of Neil Armstrong, 
Michael Collins, Buzz Aldrin, and John Glenn, is a testament to what we 
can achieve with persistence and the passion to reach for new heights.

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