[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.