    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [November 18, 1999]
    [Page 2111]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message to the Congress Transmitting a Report on Aeronautics and Space
    Activities
    November 18, 1999

    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 (FY) 1998, 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 FY 1998. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
    successfully completed five Space Shuttle flights. There were 29
    successful Expendable Launch Vehicle (ELV) launches in FY 1998. Of
    those, 3 were NASA-managed missions, 2 were NASA-funded/Federal Aviation
    Administration (FAA)-licensed missions, 8 were Department of Defense
    (DOD)-managed missions, and 16 were FAA-licensed commercial launches.
    Scientists also made some dramatic new discoveries in various space-
    related fields such as space science, Earth science, and remote sensing,
    and life and microgravity science. In aeronautics, activities included
    work on high-speed research, advanced subsonic technology, and
    technologies designed to improve the safety and efficiency of our
    commercial airlines and air traffic control system.
        Close international cooperation with Russia occurred on the Shuttle-
    Mir docking missions and on the ISS program. The United States also
    entered into new forms of cooperation with its partners in Europe, South
    America, and Asia.
        Thus, FY 1998 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,

    November 18, 1999.