[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.