NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe
acknowledged past acts of discovery and heroism, while challenging future
generations to continue the American spirit of exploration.

Administrator O’Keefe spoke at a ceremony today on board the historic
museum frigate USS Constellation, docked at the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis,
Md. Constellation Museum Director Chris Rowson joined him in highlighting the
connection between the legacy of the USS Constellation’s namesake and NASA’s
Project Constellation, the agency’s new family of Crew Exploration Vehicles.

Administrator O’Keefe said, “The proud name ‘Constellation’ represents the
best of progress, valor and the American spirit. First given to one of the
finest, most modern sailing ships, a craft built to represent and defend
America, the name has been carried proudly by newer, modern vessels and
aircraft throughout our nation’s history. Today, we help continue that
tradition by accepting the spirit of the original Constellation and proudly
transferring it to the class of space vehicles that will carry humankind back
to the moon, Mars and beyond.”

“There have been three ships called USS Constellation in our history, each
incorporating the cutting-edge technologies of the time. We’ve gone from the
age of sail, through steam, to the age of nuclear power with these proud
ships. With that same spirit, we’re going to advance our nation’s exploration
horizons in space, one step, one mission at a time. Each new space vehicle
developed under Project Constellation will showcase the latest technological
developments,” Administrator O’Keefe said.

Rowson presented NASA with two historic pieces of wood planking from the
USS Constellation. One piece will fly into space on a future mission and one
will be displayed at NASA as yet another reminder of the legacy of
exploration. He also presented NASA with the U.S. flag flown on board the
Constellation, commemorating its 150th anniversary and its first return voyage
to Annapolis in 111 years.

Administrator O’Keefe presented the museum U.S. Navy and American flags
flown aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis during a mission to the International
Space Station in April 2002 (STS-110). The flags have special significance,
as they were part of the “Flags for Heroes & Families” commemoration dedicated
to the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Administrator O’Keefe also acknowledged the strong ties that exist between
the Naval Academy and NASA. The Academy has provided more astronauts to NASA
than any other university or college. Fifty-three Academy graduates,
including 16 currently on flight status and six NASA managers, earned
astronaut wings.

Commander William “Willie” McCool, a 1983 Academy graduate, was the pilot
of the ill-fated Space Shuttle Columbia, lost Feb. 1, 2003. A long-time
runner, he was honored during the first event of the day, the annual “Willie
McCool Memorial” running of the goats road race. The running event reinforces
the spirit of leadership, fitness, professionalism and exuberance so important
to serving military officers, and so personified by McCool.

The name “Constellation” has been an important part of American history.
On June 14, 1777, to establish an official flag for the new nation, the
Continental Congress passed the first Flag Act: “Resolved, That the flag of
the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that
the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new
Constellation.”

The first U.S. Navy ship to bear the name Constellation, for the “new
constellation of stars” on the American flag, was launched in Baltimore on
Sept. 7, 1797. It was the second frigate built for the Navy, and was
decommissioned in 1853. In 1855 the second generation Constellation was
commissioned. It saw service in the Civil War, and was the stand-by or relief
flagship of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet in World War II. Since 1955 it has been
on display in Baltimore. In 1961 the aircraft carrier USS Constellation was
commissioned, also known as “America’s Flagship.” It was decommissioned
August 7, 2003.

From the viewpoint of American history, aviation history and astronomical
associations, it is appropriate NASA’s new Crew Exploration Vehicle project be
named “Constellation.” As three generations of Constellations ventured into
Earth’s oceans, we venture on the new oceans of space. The project represents
a whole constellation of vehicles with many functions, to journey to multiple
destinations, including the moon, Mars and beyond.

Perhaps Commander McCool put it best, when he wrote from the Shuttle
Columbia on Jan. 29, 2003, “From our orbital vantage point, we observe an
Earth without borders, full of peace, beauty and magnificence, and we pray
that humanity as a whole can imagine a borderless world as we see it and
strive to live as one in peace.”

For information about NASA, Project Constellation and other agency
programs on the Web visit: http://www.nasa.gov .