[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6341]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST FLIGHT OF THE SPACE 
                                SHUTTLE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 15, 2011

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Chairman Ralph Hall 
joins me as I rise today to recognize this week's 30th anniversary of 
the first flight of the Space Shuttle. On April 12, 1981, Space Shuttle 
Columbia was successfully launched from the Kennedy Space Center's 
Launch Pad 39A at 7 a.m. Under the capable control of Commander John W. 
Young and pilot Robert L. Crippen, the STS-1 mission showed that a safe 
launch into orbit and safe return of the orbiter and crew was possible. 
In performing the test flight, Space Shuttle Columbia traveled over 1 
million miles at an orbital altitude of 166 nautical miles. This was 
the first of over 130 shuttle missions over a period of 30 years during 
which astronauts recovered and repaired satellites including the Hubble 
Space Telescope, conducted cutting-edge research, and built and 
supported the largest structure in space, the International Space 
Station.
  Mr. Speaker, on this 30th anniversary of the first flight of the 
Space Shuttle, we are also on the verge of retiring the Space Shuttle 
fleet. It is appropriate to honor the brave individuals who have paid 
the ultimate price so that the Nation could pursue its goals, vision, 
and leadership in human spaceflight and exploration and to recognize 
the bravery and heroism of all astronauts who have flown on the Space 
Shuttle. It is also appropriate to acknowledge the tireless and 
dedicated work of the men and women of the National Aeronautics and 
Space Administration (``NASA''), its field centers, and its contractors 
without whom these achievements would not have been possible.
  The Space Shuttle has been a source of pride and inspiration for the 
American people. It sparked interest in many fields of engineering and 
science which benefitted the United States economy, inspired successive 
generations, and contributed to our leadership in science and 
technology. We must continue to provide our children and grandchildren 
with a similar source of inspiration. As the chapter on the Space 
Shuttle closes later this year, a new chapter in the book of human 
exploration begins.
  Today, unlike 30 years ago, our leadership in space is being 
contested by many other nations. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to 
join me in reaffirming our support for NASA and in committing to a 
robust national program of human space flight and exploration. That 
will be the best way to mark this historic anniversary.

                          ____________________