On the last launch of the space shuttle Atlantis, Robert S. Dickman, executive director of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics stated:
“The launch of Atlantis creates mixed feelings for everyone in the aerospace community. As we take this opportunity to reflect on our nation’s achievements in aerospace, it is certainly nostalgic to see the shuttle era end. However, we recognize the promise of a bright future in which industry and commerce will play a greater role as we work together to build on the shuttle’s legacy engineering and science achievements.
“In an ongoing partnership with industry and our universities, NASA will continue its vital mission of propelling our nation, and the global community, to a greater understanding of the universe we inhabit. AIAA looks forward to tomorrow, and the momentous discoveries that will be made.
“At the same time, we give thanks to the thousands of women and men who have brought us to this moment in history.”
View the AIAA Public Policy Committee statement on the end of the shuttle program at http://intranet.aiaa.org/industryresources/PDF/AIAA_PPC_Statement_on_Final_Launch_of_Shuttle_Program.pdf
AIAA is the world’s largest technical society dedicated to the global aerospace profession. With more than 35,000 individual members worldwide, and 90 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit www.aiaa.org.
