[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 137 (Thursday, September 15, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1651]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO NASA DRYDEN FLIGHT RESEARCH CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KEVIN McCARTHY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 15, 2011

  Mr. McCARTHY of California, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the Dryden Flight Research Center as it commemorates 30 years of space 
shuttle operations. Located at Edwards Air Force Base in California, 
Dryden is NASA's primary center for atmospheric flight research and 
operations and has been a vital component of the Space Shuttle Program.
  Located in the western Mojave Desert, Edwards Air Force Base has been 
the site of 54 shuttle mission landings since 1981. Additionally, as a 
result of the important work done by the Dryden professionals, the 
skies over Dryden have been the site of major advancements in the 
design, capability, and safety of many state-of-the-art civilian and 
military aircraft.
  Tirelessly committed to its mission of advancing technology and 
science through flight, Dryden's projects have been critical in 
carrying out NASA's missions of space exploration, space operations, 
scientific discovery, and aeronautical research and development. Some 
of these critical projects include managing the Stratospheric 
Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) program, serving as the 
primary alternate landing site for the space shuttle, and providing 
orbital support for the International Space Station.
  The Dryden Flight Research Center has served a vital role by leading 
in aeronautics and space technology. Having enjoyed the experience of 
watching space shuttle landings firsthand, I am honored to recognize 
Dryden on its 30 years of operations now and for all its contributions 
to the Space Shuttle Program.

                          ____________________