[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 120, 109th Congress, 2nd Session] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov] NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION, NOTE: July 21, 2006 - [H.Con.Res.448] SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY STS-121 MISSION-- COMMENDATION Whereas, on July 4, 2006, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration performed a successful launch of the Space Shut- tle Discovery; Whereas this mission, known as STS-121, marks the second Return-to- Flight mission; Whereas the crew of the Discovery consisted of Colonel Steve Lindsey, Commander Mark Kelly, Piers Sellers, Ph.D, Lieutenant Colonel Mike Fossum, Commander Lisa Nowak, Stephanie Wilson, and Thomas Reiter; Whereas the STS-121 mission tested Space Shuttle safety improvements, building on findings from Discovery's flight last year, including a redesign of the Space Shuttle's External Tank foam insulation, in- flight inspection of the shuttle's heat shield, and improved imagery during launch; Whereas the STS-121 mission re-supplied the International Space Station by delivering more than 28,000 pounds of equipment and supplies, as well as added a third crew member to the International Space Station; Whereas, due to the overall success of the launch and on-orbit operations, the mission was able to be extended from 12 to 13 days, allowing for an additional space walk to the two originally scheduled; Whereas the success of the STS-121 mission is a tribute to the skills and dedication of the Space Shuttle crew, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and its industrial partners; [[Page 3734]] 120 STAT. 3734 Whereas all Americans benefit from the technological advances gained through the Space Shuttle program; and Whereas the National Aeronautics and Space Administration plays a vital role in sustaining America's preeminence in space: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That it is the sense of Congress that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration be commended for-- (1) the successful completion of the Space Shuttle Discovery's STS-121 mission; and (2) its pioneering work in space exploration which is strengthening the Nation and benefitting all Americans. Agreed to July 21, 2006.