September 9, 2006 — Reston, VA — The following statement can be attributed to American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) President Roger Simpson:
“We congratulate NASA and its partners on the successful launch of the Space Shuttle Atlantis today. STS-115 begins a complex set of missions to complete the International Space Station. Atlantis’ six-person crew faces a very full schedule as they install a second set of solar arrays on the space station, doubling the station’s ability to generate power. This critical work requires robotic operations, three space walks and multiple ground-controlled checkouts. We’re certain the expert crew will impress us as they tackle these engineering feats in space and we look forward to the mission accomplishing its goals.”
Headquartered in suburban Washington, DC, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) serves over 35,000 members in 65 regional sections and 79 countries. AIAA membership is drawn from all levels of industry, academia, private research organizations and government and focuses on emerging technologies in aviation, space and defense. For more information visit www.aiaa.org
