    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book I)]
    [June 26, 1996]
    [Page 982]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 982]]

    Message to the Congress Transmitting a Report on Aeronautics and Space
    June 26, 1996

    To the Congress of the United States:
        I am pleased to transmit this report on the Nation's achievements in
    aeronautics and space during fiscal year 1995, as required under section
    206 of the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958, as amended (42
    U.S.C. 2476). Aeronautics and space activities involved 14 contributing
    departments and agencies of the Federal Government, and the results of
    their ongoing research and development affect the Nation in many ways.
        A wide variety of aeronautics and space developments took place
    during fiscal year 1995. The National Aeronautics and Space
    Administration (NASA) successfully completed seven Space Shuttle
    flights. A Shuttle program highlight was the docking of the Shuttle
    Atlantis with the Russian space station Mir.
        NASA launched three Expendable Launch Vehicles (ELV), while the
    Department of Defense (DOD) successfully conducted five ELV launches.
    These launches included satellites to study space physics, track Earth's
    weather patterns, and support military communications. In addition,
    there were 12 commercial launches carried out from Government facilities
    that the Office of Commercial Space Transportation (OCST), within the
    Department of Transportation (DOT), licensed and monitored.
        NASA continued the search for a more affordable space launch system
    for the coming years with its Reusable Launch Vehicle program. NASA
    hopes to develop new kinds of launch technologies that will enable a
    private launch industry to become financially feasible.
        In aeronautics, activities included development of technologies to
    improve performance, increase safety, reduce engine noise, and assist
    U.S. industry to be more competitive in the world market. Air traffic
    control activities focused on various automation systems to increase
    flight safety and enhance the efficient use of airspace.
        Scientists made some dramatic new discoveries in various space-
    related fields. Astronomers gained new insights into the size and age of
    our universe in addition to studying our solar system. Earth scientists
    continued to study the complex interactions of physical forces that
    influence our weather and environment and reached new conclusions about
    ozone depletion. Agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency
    (EPA), as well as the Departments of Agriculture and the Interior, used
    remote-sensing technologies to better understand terrestrial changes.
    Microgravity researchers conducted studies to prepare for the long-
    duration stays of humans that are planned for the upcoming International
    Space Station.
        International cooperation, particularly with Russia, occurred in a
    variety of aerospace areas. In addition to the Shuttle-Mir docking
    mission and the Russian partnership on the International Space Station,
    U.S. and Russian personnel also continued close cooperation on various
    aeronautics projects.
        Thus, fiscal year 1995 was a very successful one for U.S.
    aeronautics and space programs. Efforts in these areas have contributed
    significantly to the Nation's scientific and technical knowledge,
    international cooperation, a healthier environment, and a more
    competitive economy.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    June 26, 1996.