Download This Version in Microsoft Word format
TO RECOGNIZE AND ACKNOWLEDGE THE OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA) TO OUR NATION'S PROUD TRADITION OF LEADERSHIP IN SPACE EXPLORATION AND SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY AND TO DECLARE THIS STATE'S FULL SUPPORT FOR NASA'S VISION FOR SPACE EXPLORATION PROGRAM.
Whereas, the United States has a proud tradition of leadership in space exploration and scientific discovery; and this heritage has enhanced our national experience by providing vision, hope, and economic stimulus from the days of Lewis and Clark to the Apollo Programs; and
Whereas, space exploration is a quest for knowledge about what lies outside the confines of the Earth's atmosphere and about the Earth itself; and knowledge gained through the exploration of space adds greatly to the accumulated wisdom of humankind and results in technological advances that improve our lives in countless ways; and
Whereas, space exploration, particularly as carried out under the auspices of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), has generated more than its share of discovery and indirect economic and social benefits through the development of new technologies, the creation of new jobs across the entire economic spectrum, economic growth through creation of new commercial products and markets, and the establishment of a legacy for future generations; and
Whereas, NASA has enhanced our national security and improved the quality of life for all humankind through the development of technologies and commercial spin-offs, among them MRI and CAT scan technology from NASA imaging programs; improved cellular communications through the use of NASA satellites; fetal heart monitors, from technology to measure airflow over the Shuttle's wings; and programmable heart pacemakers developed from satellite technology; and
Whereas, NASA has long inspired the next generation of explorers and scientists through a variety of initiatives, encouraging them to pursue professional careers critical to our nation's future excellence. Renowned are programs such as the South Carolina Blue Ribbon Schools, NASA Explorer Schools, Educator Resource Center and Challenger Center; and
Whereas, NASA positively impacts our economy by working with universities and companies in the State to accomplish many of the agency goals. Institutions of higher education across South Carolina have benefited immeasurably from the millions of dollars they have received in NASA grants and contracts. NASA, in fact, has provided to South Carolina funding for various programs over the past five years totaling over thirty-eight million dollars; and
Whereas, NASA's Vision for Space Exploration sets NASA on a journey of discovery, seeking answers to questions asked for generations. It embraces the excellence of the past and, at the same time, sets a course of accomplishment for the future; and
Whereas, the General Assembly of South Carolina fully supports and recognizes the positive social and economic impact of NASA and the Vision for Space Exploration. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the General Assembly recognize and acknowledge the outstanding contributions of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to our nation's proud tradition of leadership in space exploration and scientific discovery and declare this state's full support for NASA's Vision for Space Exploration program.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
This web page was last updated on Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 2:24 P.M.