SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 508
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to pay
tribute to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration,
whose intrepid explorations of space and important scientific
discoveries have inspired and benefited the people of our state
and nation; and
WHEREAS, Johnson Space Center is a leader in America's
space exploration policy, safely flying the space shuttle until
retirement, completing assembly of the International Space
Station, creating new markets for low earth orbit and charting
the nation's future by exploring our solar system; and
WHEREAS, 2010 was an outstanding year for NASA including
three successful space shuttle missions, the 10th anniversary of
a permanent human presence in space onboard the International
Space Station, and the passage of the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010; and
WHEREAS, In 2011 NASA will complete assembly of the
International Space Station and retire the space shuttle fleet;
and
WHEREAS, During the last 50 years, space exploration has
ushered in new and exciting technological advances that have
benefited our nation's security, safety, and communications;
NASA has advanced our health care system and improved medical
devices through the development of magnetic resonance imaging
and computerized axial tomography scan technology, fetal heart
monitors, and programmable heart pacemakers; and
WHEREAS, Through education programs like Texas Aerospace
Scholars, the NASA Explorer Schools, and the Network of Educator
Astronaut Teachers, NASA is nurturing a new generation of
explorers and scientists who can contribute to our nation's
excellence; and
WHEREAS, NASA plays a vital role in the economy of the Lone
Star State by employing more than 3,300 civil servants and
approximately 13,000 contractor personnel at the Johnson Space
Center and by awarding $5.3 billion worth of NASA contracts
annually; and
WHEREAS, NASA's technological achievements permeate all of
Texas' major industries, enhancing the state's economic
development and technology transfer and creating a highly
skilled workforce; and
WHEREAS, The Technology Outreach Program has benefited
small businesses across Texas with technical challenges,
resulting in the creation of new jobs and new business ventures
within the state; and
WHEREAS, NASA has the potential to drive further
innovation, development, and advancement in the aerospace
industry and in other high-technology industries across the
state and nation; and
WHEREAS, The extraordinary contributions of the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration to science and technology
are the pride of our state, and the NASA mission is truly
deserving of legislative recognition; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd
Legislature, hereby recognize the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration for its leadership and accomplishments in the
State of Texas; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration as an
expression of highest regard from the Texas Senate.
Jackson
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on March 15, 2011.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate