[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.