    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 51 (Monday, December 24, 2001)]
    [Page 1808]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Message to the Congress Transmitting a Report on Aeronautics and Space
    Activities

    December 19, 2001

    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) 2000, 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 11
    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 2000. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
    successfully completed four Space shuttle flights. In terms of robotic
    space flights, there were 24 U.S. expendable launch vehicle launches in
    FY 2000. Five of these launches were NASA-managed missions, nine were
    Department of Defense (DoD)-managed missions, and eight were FAA-
    licensed commercial launches. In addition, NASA flew one payload as a
    secondary payload on one of the FAA-licensed commercial launches. This
    year, two new launch vehicles debuted: the Lockheed Martin Atlas IIIA
    and the Boeing Delta III, each serving as transition vehicles leading
    the way for the new generation of evolved expendable launch vehicles.
        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 aerospace, achievements included
    the demonstration of technologies that will reduce the environmental
    impact of aircraft operations, reinvigorate the general aviation
    industry, improve the safety and efficiency of U.S. commercial airlines
    and air traffic control system, and reduce the future cost of access to
    space.
        The United States also entered into many new agreements for
    cooperation with its international partners around the world in many
    areas of space activity.
        Thus, FY 2000 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.
                                                    George W. Bush
     The White House,
     December 19, 2001.

    Note: This message was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    December 20.