SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 276
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 State of Texas, 88th
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 from the
Texas Senate.
Middleton
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on March 7, 2023.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate