Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Bud Cramer (Ala.-05) honored Astronauts John Young and Robert Crippen, and the men and women of NASA today by sponsoring a resolution congratulating NASA on the 25th Anniversary of the first launch of the Space Shuttle.  Cramer, an original cosponsor of the resolution, said the House of Representatives unanimously approved the bill.

NASA first launched the Space Shuttle Columbia on April 12, 1981 with test pilots, Commander Young and Pilot Crippen.  This historic flight was the first launch of a spacecraft designed to be re-usable.  Over the past twenty-five years, NASA has flown a total of 114 manned flights.

"The space community in North Alabama is proud to have been a part of what our nation's space program has accomplished," said Cramer.  "I would like to congratulate all of the employees at the Marshall Space Flight Center and across NASA on their many achievements."

The Marshall Space Flight Center led the development and implementation of the propulsion system used on the Space Shuttle.  Key propulsion ideas from the Space Shuttle program will be used in the design of the new crew launch vehicle.  "As we move forward with NASA's future exploration plans, the expertise and knowledge gained from the Shuttle program will be invaluable to the development of NASA's next generation launch vehicles," said Cramer.

Since coming to Congress in 1991, Cramer has been a strong advocate for the space agency and the Marshall Space Flight Center.  He is a member of the House Science, State, Justice, and Commerce Appropriations Subcommittee.  His subcommittee provides funding for NASA and its programs.

This resolution now moves to the Senate for consideration.

TEXT OF THE HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 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.