[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Page 15925]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  ``DISCOVERY'' SPACE SHUTTLE LANDING

  Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I rise in celebration of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration's successful return to Earth of 
Space Shuttle Discovery and to welcome the crew of flight STS-121 home.
  Over the last few decades, NASA has experienced tragic lessons in the 
dangers of space exploration. That is why it was heartwarming to see 
Commander Steven Lindsey, Pilot Mark Kelly, and Mission Specialists 
Michael Fossum, Lisa Nowak, Stephanie Wilson, and Piers Sellers, safely 
return home after spending 13 days in orbit.
  After two weather-related delays, the Discovery launched on July 4, 
2006, Independence Day. During the STS-121 mission, the crew made 
critical tests of shuttle safety improvements. In addition, the crew 
transported European Space Agency astronaut, Thomas Reiter, to the 
International Space Station where they delivered additional supplies 
and equipment. During their time on the International Space Station, 
the STS-121 crew worked in conjunction with the Expedition 13 crew on 
joint operations. The crew also performed maintenance on the 
International Space Station's mobile transporter and tested orbiter 
heat shield repair techniques during their three space walks. The 
flight marked the 115th space shuttle flight and was the second flight 
since the 2003 Columbia tragedy.
  This successful mission is a testament to NASA and our valiant 
astronauts that continue to strive for excellence. Through current 
exploration, the lives of those lost in both the Columbia and 
Challenger accidents, including Astronaut Ellison Onizuka, who was born 
and raised in my home State of Hawaii, live on. I am proud of the 
advances we have made in space exploration and am grateful for all 
those who have made the dream of space exploration possible. Again, I 
extend my warm welcome to the Discovery crew and congratulate them on 
completing their mission.

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