[Congressional Bills 110th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [H. Con. Res. 287 Engrossed in House (EH)] 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 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: 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 scientific spacecraft, and the birth of the United States space exploration program.