[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 65 (Tuesday, May 4, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H3091-H3092]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CELEBRATING 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE U.S. TELEVISION INFRARED
OBSERVATION SATELLITE
Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
resolution (H. Res. 1231) celebrating the 50th anniversary of the
United States Television Infrared Observation Satellite, the world's
first meteorological satellite, launched by the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration on April 1, 1960, and fulfilling the promise
of President Eisenhower to all nations of the world to promote the
peaceful use of space for the benefit of all mankind.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 1231
Whereas, April 1, 2010, is the 50th anniversary of the
launch by the United States of the Television Infrared
Observation Satellite (TIROS I), the first weather
observation satellite, that was capable of taking television
images on command and remotely at locations around the world,
and either recording the pictures as television signals for
subsequent playback or transmitting the images to ground
stations in real time;
Whereas TIROS resulted from the actions by President
Eisenhower and Congress to create the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration (NASA), a civilian space agency,
which applied technology from several military programs that
had been directed by the U.S. Army Signal Corps Development
and Research Labs (USASCDRL) at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey,
and the United States Army Ballistic Missile Agency in
Huntsville, Alabama;
Whereas TIROS I images offered meteorologists the ability
to examine large-scale weather patterns to improve weather
forecasting and enable early warning of approaching storms,
thus saving lives and property around the world;
Whereas the TIROS I images led to a better understanding of
global patterns and supported transmission of detailed local
weather information to national weather agencies around the
world;
Whereas the realization of TIROS I was made possible by
years of development of computers, missile systems,
television imaging, magnetic recording, semiconductor
devices, and solar cell applications, all of which resulted
from both Government and private sector investments;
Whereas Government investments in research and development
made possible the deployment of satellite tracking networks,
worldwide WWV receiver time base systems, tracking data
reduction for orbit element determination, and other
facilities essential to the satellite applications;
Whereas Government and contractor personnel collaborated to
observe and analyze the motion of TIROS I in the Earth's
magnetic field, and developed satellite magnetic attitude
controls for later TIROS and other spacecraft to utilize the
Earth's magnetic field to orient satellites in Earth orbit;
Whereas the success of TIROS I was a significant Cold War
event that restored the national pride and confidence in the
space program;
Whereas, since the launch of TIROS I, the United States has
launched over 82 experimental and operational meteorological
satellites;
Whereas NASA's Nimbus Satellites and Advanced
Communications Technology Satellite continued to enhance
understanding and performance by further testing and
development of space power systems, sensor development, and
other technologies;
Whereas the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) manages and operates fleets of satellites for the
purposes of environmental and weather monitoring;
Whereas similar TIROS missions employed launch vehicles,
spacecraft, and imaging equipment that was developed by NASA,
the United States Air Force and their contractors and has
performed in an outstanding manner;
Whereas the next 50 years of United States accomplishments
in space, like other important fields, will rely on
individuals possessing strong mathematics, science, and
engineering skills and the educators who will train such
individuals; and
Whereas the United States space program enables the
development of advanced technologies, skills, and
capabilities that support the competitiveness and economic
growth of the United States: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) celebrates the achievement of the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration and the Television Infrared
Observation Satellite (TIROS I) team who worked together to
enable the successful launch and operation of TIROS I by the
United States to establish applications of space systems and
technology for the benefit of people worldwide;
(2) supports science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics education programs which are critical for
preparing the next generation of engineers and scientists to
lead future United States space endeavors;
(3) recognizes the role of the United States space program
in strengthening the scientific and engineering foundation
that contributes to United States innovation and economic
growth; and
(4) looks forward to the next 50 years of United States
achievements in the peaceful use of space to benefit all
mankind.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from
Ohio (Ms. Fudge) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hall) each will
control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Ohio.
General Leave
Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to
include extraneous material on H. Res. 1231, the resolution now under
consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from Ohio?
There was no objection.
Ms. FUDGE. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1231, celebrating the
50th anniversary of the United States Television Infrared Observation
Satellite.
Launched by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration on
April 1, 1960, the United States Television Infrared Observation
Satellite, better known as TIROS I, demonstrated the beginning of a new
American capability--the ability to examine weather patterns from space
and to enable the early warnings of storms.
The TIROS I spacecraft gave the United States crucial experience
related to satellite technology and applications. Over the past 50
years, NASA has continued to develop increasingly capable weather
satellites for operation by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration. Because of the technology pioneered by TIROS I,
meteorologists have access to information that helps to save lives and
property around the world. Today, American Earth observation satellites
track everything from the movements of volcanic ash over Europe to the
spread of petroleum over the Gulf of Mexico.
TIROS I is a shining example of the peaceful use of outer space and
of the benefits that our civil space program provides for the United
States and for the world.
I want to thank my colleague from New Jersey (Mr. Holt) for
introducing this resolution, and I urge my colleagues to join me in
supporting H. Res. 1231, marking the 50th anniversary of TIROS I.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. HALL of Texas. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1231,
celebrating the 50th anniversary of the United States Television
Infrared Observation Satellite, which is the world's first
meteorological satellite, launched by the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration on April 1, 1960.
The launching of Sputnik in 1957 signaled the Soviet Union's advances
in the space race with the United States. This event caused the
creation of NASA, and it precipitated the push by the U.S. to gain a
technological advantage in space. It was during this time that NASA
launched the Television Infrared Observation Satellite, or TIROS, to
determine if satellites could be useful in the study of the Earth.
It was unknown whether or not satellite observations would be an
effective means to determine the meteorological condition on the
Earth's surface. Scientists postulated that space-based observations
would be highly useful for weather forecasting.
TIROS was equipped with two television cameras, with a magnetic tape
recorder and with antennas. This simple configuration relayed thousands
of pictures of the Earth's cloud cover, giving scientists the first
real insight into the complexity of the Earth's atmosphere. When the
first accurate weather forecasts based on data collected from TIROS
were completed, it became obvious that this technology would
revolutionize meteorology and that it would have long-lasting impacts
on society.
To demonstrate its usefulness to the world and to fulfill President
Dwight
[[Page H3092]]
D. Eisenhower's pledge to promote the peaceful use of space for the
benefit of all mankind, NASA and the U.S. Weather Bureau invited
scientists from 21 different nations to participate in the analysis of
weather data from successive satellites.
It was due to this information that the Weather Bureau issued its
first advisories on air pollution potential over the eastern United
States. Today, weather forecasting is used in every part of our
society. It is used to help protect human welfare and to guard against
property damage; it is used to enhance commerce, and it is used to
inform officials of dangerous environmental conditions like hurricanes
and blizzards.
The technological advances that we have made since then in satellite
technology have been astronomical, and the commercialization of this
technology has brought us even more clarity about the world we live in
than has ever been known or appreciated before.
{time} 1445
TIROS was only operational for 78 days, but those short weeks
demonstrated the power and usefulness of space-based observations. It
has been 50 years since the U.S. launched the first meteorological
satellite into space, but as with other groundbreaking advances, it's
appropriate to look back and appreciate the momentum that brought this
Earth into the space age.
I urge my colleagues to support House Resolution 1231.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from New
Jersey (Mr. Holt).
Mr. HOLT. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 1231.
Let's review the technological, scientific, and political
accomplishment that the TIROS I satellite represents.
In October of 1957, the launch by the Soviet Union of the Sputnik
satellite struck fear in the hearts of Americans. Sputnik II went into
space weighing over 1,000 pounds and carrying a dog. Meanwhile, the
United States was developing far smaller satellites and experiencing
troubles and public setbacks. On December 6, 1957, a Vanguard rocket
failed to launch a U.S. satellite into space when it exploded on
national television. In January 1958, the U.S. successfully launched a
31-pound Explorer I satellite, but even this victory was quickly
followed by the loss of another Vanguard satellite in February. As the
early space race continued through 1958 and 1959, the Soviet Union
always seemed to be a step ahead of the United States.
The shock of Sputnik and the fear that the United States was losing
its competitive edge inspired a national effort to prove and improve
American leadership in the fields of science, math, and engineering.
The U.S. poured energy and resources into basic research and
development as well as science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics education. Less than 3 years after the launch of Sputnik,
these investments were beginning to pay off. The usefulness of
satellites to observe the Earth remained unproven, and by 1960, U.S.
scientists and engineers had designed and built a new series of
satellites to test the proposition and to demonstrate American
dominance.
The first launch of TIROS in April of 1960 was a clear U.S. victory
in the space race, and it was the world's first meteorological
satellite and the first to relay video images of the Earth from above.
TIROS represented a scientific milestone and a clear message to our
rivals and to ourselves that we had an ``eye in the sky'' and we could
watch the planet.
During the 78 days that it was in operation, TIROS I sent home almost
23,000 images, including those of a tropical storm, the cloud system of
a large extratropical cyclone in the Gulf of Alaska, and the pack ice
in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Meteorologists used the transmissions to
make the first accurate weather forecasts based on data gathered from
space. The TIROS I program initiated a revolution in meteorological
science and was the first step in the establishment of satellite storm
tracking and warning systems that subsequently have saved countless
lives. It proved that satellites could be useful tools for studying the
planet and acquiring information to be used immediately for predictions
and decision-making.
The design, the construction, the launch, and the operation of the
TIROS I was carried out by a team from NASA, the U.S. Army Signal
Corps, Fort Monmouth, the U.S. Weather Bureau, the U.S. Naval
Photographic Interpretation Center, the Defense Advanced Research
Projects Agency, Lockheed, Douglas, Martin Marietta. I am proud that
central New Jersey can rightly claim a large share of the credit for
TIROS I, which was engineered and manufactured in central New Jersey by
RCA Astro-Electronics. One of the two command and data acquisition
centers was located at Camp Evans. Many of the scientists and
technicians and engineers who worked on this have recently gathered to
celebrate this accomplishment.
But five decades later, it's too easy to take for granted the U.S.
victory in the space race and the technological developments that were
pioneered by TIROS and its successors. Most of us give little thought
to the satellites that bring us our daily weather images. There's the
story, perhaps apocryphal, of the politician who said, We don't need
weather satellites when we have the Weather Channel. Well, we do. From
solar cells and tape recorders to cell phone cameras and GPS systems,
the contributions that derive from the TIROS program are not confined
to outer space.
TIROS is a reminder of what we can achieve when we apply sufficient
energy and resources to research and development in pursuit of a
national goal. The story of TIROS should be a guide to rebuilding our
economy. It's a blueprint for how we can create not just jobs but whole
new industries. It's the story of how America remains competitive.
Let us honor this legacy by maintaining the urgent spirit of
discovery and innovation embodied by the TIROS I team.
Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I would just ask that my colleagues would
support House Resolution 1231, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Fudge) that the House suspend the rules and
agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1231.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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