Congressman Fattah Salutes NASA Administrator on "Innovation, Ingenuity" of Mission to Jupiter

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA-02), the Ranking Democrat for the nation’s space program appropriations, today congratulated NASA Administrator Charles Bolden upon the successful launch of Mission Juno to Jupiter as the beginning of the space agency's next era of deep space exploration.

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"What a terrific day for NASA and our space efforts," Fattah told Bolden in a phone call shortly after the $1.1 billion Mission Juno satellite headed into space from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on day one of a five-year journey. Jupiter is not only the largest planet, it is believed to be the solar system's first, and the key to understanding formation of those that came afterward.

"The innovation and ingenuity of NASA is a significant accomplishment that all Americans can be proud of," Fattah said. "Even with the shuttle in the rear view mirror we can see NASA as the future of space investigation."

Fattah, Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and related agencies, which oversees NASA funding and government-funded scientific research, pledged to "be sure NASA has the funding it needs to continue to lead the world."

Bolden thanked the Philadelphia Congressman for his call and for his steadfast leadership. He said he was especially proud of the top NASA officials who carried off the Juno launch "on cost and on schedule. We know how to do these things!"

Mission Juno will be the first NASA mission to use solar energy to reach as far as Jupiter, with three tractor-trailer sized arrays unfolding to face the sun. "Those solar arrays are a novel and ingenious way to grab power," the Congressman marveled.

Fattah has been a leading advocate in the scientific research role of NASA that has led to important technology transfers for products in the private sector. He said, "Pure science at NASA translates into pure growth and innovative applications in our economy."

SOURCE Office of Congressman Chaka Fattah