[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 74 (Monday, May 5, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E386-E387]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            COMMEMORATING MAY 2, 2025 AS NATIONAL SPACE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DON BACON

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 5, 2025

  Mr. BACON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate National Space 
Day, a moment to honor the extraordinary contributions of the aerospace 
community to our Nation and the world. Designating May 2, 2025, as 
National Space Day gives us the opportunity to reflect on the 
achievements of the past, recognize the advancements of today, and 
inspire the possibilities of tomorrow.
  Our Nation has long led the way in space exploration. From the Apollo 
missions that landed the first humans on the Moon to today's Artemis 
program, which will take us back to the Moon and beyond, the United 
States has shown what's possible when bold ideas meet determination. 
These milestones remind us of the pioneering spirit that defines 
America.
  Today, we see that same spirit driving innovation in every corner of 
the space sector. NASA's groundbreaking missions, the Space Force's 
contributions to national security, and the work of private companies 
and universities are redefining what we can achieve in space. In 
Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District, we're witnessing history made 
through initiatives like the Big Red Satellite team, where students 
from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Aerospace eXperimental 
Payload team, along with middle and high school students from Lincoln, 
Omaha, and Aurora, built the state's first CubeSat satellite. This 
satellite, launched in 2024 on NASA's 30th commercial resupply mission 
to the International Space Station, represents the unlimited promise of 
our next generation.
  Space exploration doesn't just inspire; it delivers real benefits to 
our daily lives. Our Nation's farmers utilize technologies like GPS, 
weather satellites, and internet connectivity, which has allowed our 
producers to increase efficiency and productivity in their operations. 
NASA's impact on Nebraska is significant, supporting 33 jobs and 
generating $7.4 million in economic output, along with $238,000 in 
state tax revenue. For every million dollars of economic output 
generated by NASA civil service employees, an additional $6.6 million 
is sustained throughout our state economy.
  Nebraska's contributions to space exploration are significant and 
growing. Four Nebraska suppliers have contributed to NASA's Artemis 
program, including manufacturing supplies for Exploration Ground 
Systems at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. We're also proud of our state's 
space heritage through Clayton C. Anderson, Nebraska's first and only 
astronaut, who spent 152 days aboard the International Space Station 
and conducted three spacewalks totaling over 18 hours.
  Perhaps most importantly, National Space Day reminds us to invest in 
the next generation. By investing in STEM education, we ensure that 
young people across Nebraska and the Nation have the tools they need to 
dream big and take on the challenges of tomorrow. Programs like the 
NASA Nebraska Space Grant Consortium at the University of Nebraska 
Omaha and our state's partnerships

[[Page E387]]

with the International Space Station are lighting the way for future 
scientists, engineers, and astronauts.
  As we celebrate National Space Day, we must also remain vigilant in 
protecting NASA's crucial programs and funding. Any significant cuts to 
NASA's science funding would not only impact our space economy and 
workforce but could threaten our national security and technological 
leadership position. We must maintain America's preeminence in space.
  I encourage all Americans to reflect on how space exploration shapes 
our lives and futures. I'm proud of our district's contributions to 
this great endeavor, and I look forward to seeing what we can achieve 
together in the years ahead.

                          ____________________