Gordon Honors Space Age Anniversary
October 17, 2007, WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon honored the 50th anniversary of the dawn of the Space Age by praising the resulting technological advancements that have improved the quality of life for Americans.
Gordon introduced a resolution to honor the anniversary of the Oct. 4, 1957, launch of Sputnik 1. The U.S. House of Representatives approved the resolution Tuesday (Oct. 16).
“Fifty years ago, America found itself in the midst of the Cold War,” said Gordon. “The launch of Sputnik 1 by our Soviet rivals was a challenge America answered in kind. We invested in our space program and boosted science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.
“Human space flight inspired a generation of young scientists and mathematicians, and it opened a realm of possibility. In the aftermath of the Cold War, international cooperation in space exploration has produced technology that has benefited all humanity.”
Satellites are one product of the Space Age that have become commonplace in today’s world. Meteorological and environmental satellites monitor weather and climate, ocean currents, fires and pollution. Communications satellites have allowed for global communication, and Global Positioning System satellites, or GPS, have improved navigation for the average consumer.
Gordon said satellites and space problems have brought advances in human knowledge of the universe, inspiring successive generations to pursue careers in science and engineering.
“America answered the challenge of Sputnik 1 and landed on the moon twelve years later,” said Gordon. “The Cold War is long gone, but our nation is once again locked in a competitive struggle as we work to protect American jobs in today’s global marketplace.”
Earlier this year, Gordon introduced legislation to renew the nation’s commitment to science and math education to produce a highly skilled U.S. workforce. The president signed that bill – the America COMPETES Act – into law in August.
