    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
    [January 31, 1991]
    [Page 89]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 89]]

    Message to the Congress Transmitting a Report on Aeronautics and Space
    Activities During 1988
    January 31, 1991

    To the Congress of the United States:
        I am pleased to transmit this report on the Nation's progress in
    aeronautics and space during calendar year 1988, as required under
    section 206 of the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958, as
    amended (42 U.S.C. 2476). Not only do aeronautics and space activities
    cut across many sectors of our Federal Government as represented in this
    report, but the results of this ongoing research and development affect
    the Nation as a whole. This report details the accomplishments of the 14
    contributing departments and agencies, with the National Aeronautics and
    Space Administration (NASA) and the Department of Defense the major
    contributors.
        In 1988 we were proud to return to successful spaceflight with the
    launch of two space shuttle flights and the additional successful launch
    of six unpiloted expendable launch vehicles, putting in orbit a wide
    variety of space tracking, science, navigational, weather, and defense
    satellites. In addition, many other kinds of achievements highlighted
    the year. Global climate change and ozone depletion were intensely
    studied. The world's fastest supercomputer was installed, permitting
    solutions to aerodynamic problems far too complex to be handled by
    previous computers. The Department of Defense completed delivery of all
    100 B-1B bombers and saw the rollout of the first B-2 Stealth bomber.
    Progress was made at the Federal Aviation Administration in the
    modernization of air navigation and air traffic control and many safety
    research projects, including new ways of reducing aviation problems
    caused by adverse weather. Spin-offs, or benefits to the Nation
    resulting from practical applications of space technology, have resulted
    in an estimated $27 billion from contributions to sales or savings since
    1978. It should not be overlooked that U.S. aeronautical products are
    one of the principal positive contributors to the U.S. balance of trade.
    Significant developments in technology applications included a
    cooperative effort to use space technology to improve the sight of
    persons with impaired vision and a joint project to improve laboratory
    identification and monitoring of cancer cells. These are just a few of
    the many accomplishments our fiscal year 1988 $26.6 billion space budget
    and $7 billion aeronautics budget have produced.
        In 1988 we reaffirmed our commitment to the exploration and use of
    space in support of our national well-being. Our mission to provide
    leadership in critical areas of space activities in an increasingly
    competitive international environment urges us to build on the great
    achievements of those who have gone before and continue with the
    extraordinary aeronautical and space achievements that this Nation has
    so capably demonstrated.

                                                                 George Bush

    The White House,
    January 31, 1991.