Rep. Calvert Commends NASA on 25th Anniversary of First Space Shuttle Launch

WASHINGTON – Congressman Ken Calvert today congratulated the men and women of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on the 25th anniversary of the first flight of the Space Transportation System (STS), more commonly known as the Space Shuttle. 

“I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to the dedicated members of NASA and our aerospace industry who have given so much over the last quarter century to further human space flight.  The Space Shuttle has inspired a generation to reach for the stars, study math and science and keep America technologically competitive in a changing world,” said Calvert, who serves as the Chairman of the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee in the House of Representatives.

Calvert authored a Congressional Resolution congratulating NASA on the 25th  anniversary of the first Space Shuttle flight.  The resolution,  House Concurrent Resolution 366, passed unanimously in both the House and Senate last week.  The full text of the Resolution is included below.

  109th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. CON. RES. 366

To congratulate the National Aeronautics and Space Administration on the 25th anniversary of the first flight of the Space Transportation System, to honor Commander John Young and the Pilot Robert Crippen, who flew Space Shuttle Columbia on April 12-14, 1981, on its first orbital test flight, and to commend the men and women of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and all those supporting America’s space program for their accomplishments and their role in inspiring the American people.

Whereas Space Shuttle Columbia was the first manned, reusable spacecraft that was flown into orbit without benefit of previous unmanned orbital test flights;

Whereas the Space Shuttle Columbia was the first spacecraft to launch with wings, using solid rocket boosters;

Whereas the Space Shuttle Columbia was the first reentry spacecraft to land on a conventional runway;

Whereas the Space Shuttle program has allowed the United States to partner with other nations to build and to inhabit the International Space Station;

Whereas the successful return to flight of the Space Shuttle represents the first leg of the Nation’s Vision for Space Exploration;

Whereas the men and women of America’s Space Shuttle program have been instrumental in ensuring the Nation’s preeminence in space exploration for 25 years;

Whereas the very specialized and highly valued workforce of the Space Shuttle program will contribute greatly to the Vision for Space Exploration as we return to the Moon, and go on to Mars and beyond;

Whereas, like the explorers Lewis and Clark who explored our great Nation, John Young and Robert Crippen opened a new era of human exploration beyond our planet; and

Whereas heroes such as John Young and Robert Crippen are a great inspiration to our next generation of Americans as they stimulate interest in the study of math and science: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That the Congress–

(1) congratulates the National Aeronautics and Space Administration on the 25th anniversary of the first flight of the Space Transportation System;

(2) honors Commander John Young and the Pilot Robert Crippen, who flew Space Shuttle Columbia on April 12-14, 1981, on its first orbital test flight; and

(3) commends the men and women of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and all those supporting America’s space program for their accomplishments and their role in inspiring the American people.