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