2009-K1551
LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION saluting the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration's (NASA) space shuttle orbiter program, and honoring the
men and women who made it a reality
WHEREAS, The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has
announced that after nearly three decades of service, the space shuttle
orbiters Atlantis, Endeavour, Enterprise, and Discovery will be retired
starting in September 2010; and
WHEREAS, These four space shuttles, along with their sister-vehicles,
have over the past decades provided stellar service to the United States
of America, to its people, and to the advancement of science and
increased understanding of the universe; and
WHEREAS, NASA has already promised that the space shuttle Discovery
will be donated to the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space
Museum in Washington, D.C.; and
WHEREAS, New Yorkers have enthusiastically endorsed the idea of bring-
ing one of the three remaining space shuttle orbiters to New York to
place it on display; and
WHEREAS, The desire of New Yorkers to obtain a space shuttle for muse-
um display has been amply evidenced in grass-roots educational
campaigns, as well as the publicly stated support of New York State's
Congressional and legislative delegation; and
WHEREAS, Thousands of New Yorkers have, over the years, significantly
contributed their respective talents, enthusiasm, energy, and hard work
to the success of the United States Space Program; and
WHEREAS, Many of the men and women who participated in the U.S. space
program were either born and raised, or educated at service academies
and universities, in New York State; and
WHEREAS, The decommissioned aircraft carrier, USS Intrepid, which is
now permanently moored in New York harbor as a museum ship, played a
significant role in the early years of the U.S. space program; and
WHEREAS, Placing a retired space shuttle at the Intrepid Sea, Air, and
Space Museum will increase tourism for New York State, and assist in
raising additional revenue that can be applied to educational and other
important quality-of-life programs in the state; and
WHEREAS, The spirit and intent of the space shuttle orbiter program
represents the pioneering spirit of all New Yorkers; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is united in its enthusiasm and deter-
mination to obtain a retired space shuttle for permanent display at the
Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
salute the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) space
shuttle orbiter program, and honor the men and women who made it a real-
ity; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in honor of
the space shuttle orbiter program.