    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book II)]
    [July 26, 2005]
    [Page 1279]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Launch of the Space Shuttle Discovery
    July 26, 2005

        On behalf of all Americans, I wish the crew of the Space Shuttle
    Discovery a safe and successful mission. Today's launch marks NASA's
    return to flight following the tragic loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia
    crew in February 2003. I thank the men and women of NASA who have
    dedicated themselves to putting our space program back on track. Our
    space program is a source of great national pride, and this flight is an
    essential step toward our goal of continuing to lead the world in space
    science, human space flight, and space exploration.