Exploring the Moon and the Universe beyond has been a source of intrigue and inspiration for this country from the earliest thoughts of human space exploration.  On January 14, 2004, I was pleased to be in the audience when President George W. Bush announced his Vision for U.S. Space Exploration.  The primary goal of the President's vision is to "advance U.S. scientific, security, and economics through a robust space exploration program."  Since my first election in 1990, it has been an honor to represent Marshall Space Flight Center and I am committed to fighting in a bipartisan manner for a strong, active space program.

The Marshall Space Flight Center, located in Huntsville, Alabama, has been a key contributor to numerous significant NASA programs during the Agency's 45-plus-year history -- from the 1961 flight of the first U.S. astronaut into space, to the Apollo missions exploring the Moon, to development and operation of America's Space Shuttle fleet, and construction of and scientific discovery aboard the International Space Station.

Today, the Marshall Center continues to contribute its expertise and ingenuity as NASA and the Nation begins carrying out the Vision for Space Exploration to extend human presence across the Solar System.  Marshall manages key propulsion hardware and technologies of the Space Shuttle, develops the next generation of space transportation and propulsion systems, oversees science and hardware development for the International Space Station, and handles a variety of associated scientific endeavors to benefit space exploration and improve life on Earth.

• Crew Launch Vehicle and the Heavy Lift Launch Vehicle: Marshall has been assigned to lead NASA's efforts on the Crew Launch Vehicle (CLV), also know as Ares I and the Cargo Launch Vehicle (CaLV) or Ares V, which will launch crew and cargo into low Earth orbit and lunar orbit.  This assignment includes the Systems Engineering and Integration activities, as well as Safety and Mission Assurance activities for Ares I.  Marshall will also lead the development of a new Upper Stage for the Ares I.  I believe that Marshall's capabilities and knowledge are critical to the success of the Vision for Exploration.  In Congress, I work with a delegation of pro-NASA Members who fight to provide NASA with the support they need to accomplish this mission.
  
  
• NASA's Lunar Precursor Robotic Program: In order to prepare for future manned missions to the Moon and beyond it is important to demonstrate the ability to land with precision at a targeted location on the moon, evaluate the environment, and determine if lunar resources can support a sustained human presence.  MSFC was competitively selected to lead the development of the RLEP-2, the second in a series of robotic lunar exploration missions planned by NASA.  Last year, NASA HQ consolidated all Robotic Lunar missions into a new program office and located this office at Marshall.  This new office is called the Lunar Precursor and Robotic Program Office.  Through my position on the Appropriations Committee, I continue to work with the Alabama delegation, as well as NASA, to support this critical precursor mission to the Moon, which will provide the foundation for future manned missions.
  
  
• NASA Science and Exploration Research: Scientific research and technology developments provide essential knowledge that enables Space Exploration.  In addition, the use of space-based remote sensing improves the understanding of Earth systems for the benefit of society.  For example, Earth science researchers use advanced technologies to observe and understand the global climate system, improving agriculture, urban planning, severe weather response, and water resource management.  Advanced understanding of our Sun and its interaction with the Earth and the planets is critical to our understanding of the Universe and our ability to protect humans and spacecrafts on exploration missions. In Huntsville, AL, the National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC) allows researchers to collaborate closely in common endeavors. The NSSTC is a unique organization that joins the talents of government, academia and industry.  NASA programs in science are important not only to exploration, but to universities as well.  I support having strong science and technology development programs that enable and enhance exploration goals.