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Senate Resolution

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A resolution recognizing October 4, 2007, as the 50th

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anniversary of space flight and supporting the nation's

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Vision for Space Exploration.

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     WHEREAS, October 4, 2007, the 50th anniversary of space

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flight, is a monumental event in the history of our state,

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nation, and world, and

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     WHEREAS, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration

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(NASA) is celebrating its 50th anniversary in space and in this

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state, and

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     WHEREAS, for more than 50 years, this state has been the

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world's premier spaceport for human exploration and commerce in

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space, and

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     WHEREAS, it is imperative that this state retain its status

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as the world's premier spaceport, and

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     WHEREAS, the space industry has a direct economic influence

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in this state amounting to billions of dollars annually and

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generates tens of thousands of high-paying jobs throughout the

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state, and

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     WHEREAS, the United States is a nation of explorers and has

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led the world in exploring outer space, and

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     WHEREAS, space exploration benefits all humankind by

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fostering the development of new technologies for everyday and

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commercial use, by creating new high-technology jobs that make

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valuable contributions to the economy, and by improving the

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quality of life around the world, and

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     WHEREAS, the national Vision for Space Exploration is a new

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strategy in charting a course to explore destinations across the

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solar system, provide the nation with a competitive edge in

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worldwide space commerce, and enhance national security, and

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     WHEREAS, the Vision for Space Exploration, continuing a

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course that was born in this state and includes 50 years of

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launches viewed by millions of people, includes plans for new

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space shuttle missions that will complete construction of the

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international space station, return humans to the moon, and

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extend humankind's presence to Mars and beyond, NOW, THEREFORE,

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Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of Florida:

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     That the Florida Senate recognizes October 4, 2007, as the

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50th anniversary of space flight and wholeheartedly supports the

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nation's Vision for Space Exploration.