[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 120, 109th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION,  NOTE: July 21,
2006 -  [H.Con.Res.448]  SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY STS-121 MISSION--
COMMENDATION

Whereas, on July 4, 2006, the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration performed a successful launch of the Space Shut- tle
Discovery;

Whereas this mission, known as STS-121, marks the second Return-to-
Flight mission;

Whereas the crew of the Discovery consisted of Colonel Steve Lindsey,
Commander Mark Kelly, Piers Sellers, Ph.D, Lieutenant Colonel Mike
Fossum, Commander Lisa Nowak, Stephanie Wilson, and Thomas Reiter;

Whereas the STS-121 mission tested Space Shuttle safety improvements,
building on findings from Discovery's flight last year, including a
redesign of the Space Shuttle's External Tank foam insulation, in-
flight inspection of the shuttle's heat shield, and improved imagery
during launch;

Whereas the STS-121 mission re-supplied the International Space Station
by delivering more than 28,000 pounds of equipment and supplies, as
well as added a third crew member to the International Space
Station;

Whereas, due to the overall success of the launch and on-orbit
operations, the mission was able to be extended from 12 to 13 days,
allowing for an additional space walk to the two originally
scheduled;

Whereas the success of the STS-121 mission is a tribute to the skills
and dedication of the Space Shuttle crew, the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration, and its industrial partners;


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120 STAT. 3734


Whereas all Americans benefit from the technological advances gained
through the Space Shuttle program; and

Whereas the National Aeronautics and Space Administration plays a vital
role in sustaining America's preeminence in space: Now, therefore,
be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring),
That it is the sense of Congress that the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration be commended for--
(1) the successful completion of the Space Shuttle
Discovery's STS-121 mission; and
(2) its pioneering work in space exploration which is
strengthening the Nation and benefitting all Americans.

Agreed to July 21, 2006.