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[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 287 Referred in Senate (RFS)]

  2d Session
H. CON. RES. 287

_______________________________________________________________________

                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

             February 7 (legislative day, February 6), 2008

   Received and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
                             Transportation

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

 
   Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the United States Explorer I 
 satellite, the world's first scientific spacecraft, and the birth of 
              the United States space exploration program.

Whereas January 31, 2008, is the 50th anniversary of the launch of Explorer I, 
        the first United States satellite to be successfully lofted into space 
        and the world's first scientific satellite;
Whereas the launch of Explorer I marks the birth of the era of United States 
        space exploration, a half-century of advances in both robotic and human

              

 exploration of space, including the first footsteps by humanity on another 
world;

Whereas, since the launch of Explorer I, the United States has launched 
        spacecraft--

    (1) to explore each of the solar system's planets and the Earth's Moon;

    (2) to observe the Earth and the interactions of its atmospheric, 
oceanic, and land systems;

    (3) to conduct studies of the Sun and its interactions with Earth;

    (4) to investigate asteroids and comets;

    (5) to peer deeper into space to understand the origin of the universe 
and the formation of the stars, galaxies, and planets; and

    (6) to extend human presence into space;

Whereas Explorer I and the impetus for scientific satellites occurred as part of 
        the International Geophysical Year, a major scientific initiative of 67 
        nations to collect coordinated measurements of the Earth, whose spirit 
        continues to be embodied in the international partnerships that enhance 
        space endeavors;
Whereas Explorer I carried a scientific instrument designed and built by Dr. 
        James A. Van Allen of the University of Iowa to detect cosmic rays;
Whereas the cosmic ray measurements from Explorer I led to the discovery of 
        regions of energetic charged particles trapped in the Earth's magnetic 
        field, later named the Van Allen radiation belts;
Whereas the combined efforts of Dr. James A. Van Allen and his science team, 
        individuals at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and individuals at the 
        Army Ballistic Missile Agency made possible the successful development 
        and launch of Explorer I and ushered in a new age of United States 
        scientific and human exploration of space;
Whereas the next 50 years of United States accomplishments in outer space will 
        rely on individuals possessing strong mathematics, science, and 
        engineering skills and the educators who will train such individuals;
Whereas the United States space program enables the development of advanced 
        technologies, skills, and capabilities that support United States 
        competitiveness and economic growth;
Whereas Dr. Van Allen, commenting on the future of space science a decade ago, 
        said ``there is no shortage of great ideas on what we'd like to do. ... 
        There is virtually no limit to what can be investigated in 
        interplanetary science and astronomy.''; and
Whereas over the next 50 years the United States will attain additional exciting 
        and significant achievements in robotic and human space exploration: 
        Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), 
That the Congress--
            (1) celebrates the achievement of the late Dr. James A. Van 
        Allen and his science team and all of the individuals at the 
        Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Army Ballistic Missile Agency 
        who, through the successful launch of Explorer I, brought the 
        United States into the space age and science into the realm of 
        space;
            (2) supports science, technology, engineering, and 
        mathematics education programs, which are critical for 
        preparing the next generation to lead future United States 
        space endeavors;
            (3) recognizes the role of the United States space program 
        in strengthening the scientific and engineering foundation that 
        contributes to United States innovation and economic growth; 
        and
            (4) looks forward to the next 50 years of United States 
        achievements in the robotic and human exploration of space.

            Passed the House of Representatives February 6, 2008.

            Attest:

                                            LORRAINE C. MILLER,

                                                                 Clerk.
```