110TH CONGRESS 
2D SESSION 
H. CON. RES. 287 
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 
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 sci-
entific satellite; 
Whereas the launch of Explorer I marks the birth of the era 
of United States space exploration, a half-century of ad-
vances 
in 
both 
robotic 
and 
human
•HCON 287 EH 
exploration of space, including the first footsteps by hu-
manity 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 inter-
actions with Earth; 
(4) to investigate asteroids and comets; 
(5) to peer deeper into space to understand the ori-
gin of the universe and the formation of the stars, gal-
axies, 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 coordi-
nated measurements of the Earth, whose spirit continues 
to be embodied in the international partnerships that en-
hance 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 Lab-
oratory, and individuals at the Army Ballistic Missile
•HCON 287 EH 
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 edu-
cators who will train such individuals; 
Whereas the United States space program enables the devel-
opment 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 suc-
cessful launch of Explorer I, brought the United 
States into the space age and science into the realm 
of space;
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(2) supports science, technology, engineering, 
and mathematics education programs, which are 
critical for preparing the next generation to lead fu-
ture 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: 
Clerk.
110TH CONGRESS 
2D SESSION 
H. CON. RES. 287 
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the United 
States Explorer I satellite, the world’s first sci-
entific spacecraft, and the birth of the United 
States space exploration program.