88R7548 CJM-D
By: Middleton S.R. No. 276
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The National Aeronautics and Space Administration
opened a new chapter in space exploration with the successful
launch of the Artemis I mission on November 16, 2022; and
WHEREAS, Propelled by NASA's Space Launch System rocket, the
uncrewed Orion spacecraft took off from Kennedy Space Center in
Cape Canaveral at 12:47 a.m.; during the 25-day mission, Orion
traveled almost 270,000 miles from Earth and performed two lunar
flybys that brought it within 80 miles of the moon's surface; after
remaining in space longer than any other spacecraft designed for a
human crew, Orion returned to Earth and landed safely in the Pacific
Ocean west of Baja California, Mexico, on December 11 at 9:40 a.m.;
though Artemis I launched from Florida, the Johnson Space Center in
Houston was responsible for the design, development, and testing of
the Orion spacecraft and assumed control of the flight as soon as
the rocket's engines ignited; and
WHEREAS, This historic mission was the first test flight of
the Artemis Program; named for Apollo's twin sister and the goddess
of the moon in Greek mythology, the program is set to establish the
first long-term human and robotic presence on and around the moon,
with an Artemis Base Camp on the surface and the Gateway in lunar
orbit; moreover, future missions will provide the opportunity for
the first woman and the first person of color to land on the moon and
for NASA to prepare for human missions to Mars; and
WHEREAS, Through the Artemis Program, NASA is expanding our
understanding of what humans can accomplish, and the success of
Artemis I is indeed a cause for celebration as we set our sights on
new horizons of scientific achievement; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 88th Texas Legislature
hereby commemorate the launch of the Artemis I mission and extend to
NASA and all those involved in the Artemis Program sincere best
wishes for continued success with their important work; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for NASA as an expression of high regard by the Texas
Senate.