MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2010 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Hewes, Baria, Browning, Butler, Carmichael, Chassaniol, Clarke, Davis, Dawkins, Dearing, Fillingane, Frazier, Hyde-Smith, Jackson (11th), Jackson (15th), Jackson (32nd), King, Kirby, McDaniel, Mettetal, Moffatt, Montgomery, Powell, Simmons, Ward, Watson, Wilemon
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION DESIGNATING JANUARY 6, 2010, AS "NASA SPACE DAY IN MISSISSIPPI" IN COMMEMORATION OF THE PROGRAM'S 52ND YEAR ANNIVERSARY, AND ENCOURAGING MISSISSIPPI RESIDENTS TO RECOGNIZE NASA'S SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR STATE.
WHEREAS, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, established in 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, is marking its 52nd Anniversary, celebrating the administration's iconic years of inspiration, innovation and discovery; and
WHEREAS, since October 25, 1961, the State of Mississippi has played an important role in the United States' space program, with the John C. Stennis Space Center, located in Hancock County, Mississippi, serving as the nation's primary rocket propulsion testing facility; and
WHEREAS, the United States has a proud tradition of leadership in space exploration and scientific discovery and strives continuously in her pursuit to remain the global leader in establishing and maintaining a benchmark of excellence for the world's followers to pattern themselves after; and
WHEREAS, for 52 years NASA has played a landmark role in scientific and technological advancement, aiding in the development of knowledge, products and systems that help dissect and explain our physical universe, enhance our national security and well-being, and save and improve countless lives on earth; and
WHEREAS, since its inception, every Apollo and space shuttle astronaut who has traveled in space has flown on engines tested by Mississippians at the Stennis Space Center; and
WHEREAS, NASA is embarking on a new era for the United States in forging into unchartered territories of space exploration, with the goal of returning humans to the moon within the next decade and extending human presence across our solar system; and
WHEREAS, Stennis Space Center, in its effort to aid NASA's unmatched quest to decipher the dynamics of our galactic solar system, will be responsible for rocket propulsion testing for the next generation of spacecraft, building on the legacy of the Apollo era and the vital role that the citizens of Mississippi play in America's Space Program; and
WHEREAS, Stennis Space Center also manages NASA's Earth Science application program, using results from Earth Science research and remote sensing satellites to enable more informed decisions in disaster management, community planning, environmental quality and natural resources; and
WHEREAS, the NASA Shared Services Center at Stennis Space Center provides transactional and administrative activities in financial management, human resources, information technology, and procurement for all of NASA. The State of Mississippi has built a state-of-the-art facility to house the NASA Shared Services Center; and
WHEREAS, Mississippi universities and companies have played a major role in providing a skilled engineering and scientific work force and in conducting research and facilitating the development required to perform the important missions of NASA and other resident agencies at Stennis Space Center; and
WHEREAS, Mississippi educators at the K-12 level inspire the next generation of explorers with NASA-based, hands-on learning environments through the NASA Explorer Schools program, which has included nine schools since 2003; and
WHEREAS, Stennis Space Center and its highly technical work force of nearly 5,000 employees continue to have a significant economic impact on Mississippi and surrounding areas with a global impact in 2009 estimated at $900 Million and $650 Million within a 50-mile radius; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize these capabilities located within the State of Mississippi which will continue to be important elements in carrying out NASA's future mission:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize and designate January 6, 2010, as "NASA Space Day in Mississippi" and encourage Mississippi residents to acknowledge NASA's significant accomplishments and its economic and inspirational contributions to the State of Mississippi.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Myron Webb, Administrator of NASA; Charles F. Bolden, Jr., the Administrator of the John C. Stennis Space Center; Astronaut Danny Olivas; and made available to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.