The Coalition for Deep Space Exploration (Coalition) joins the nation in mourning the death of George Herbert Walker Bush, the 41st President of the United States, and in celebrating his legacy.
“President Bush was a member of ‘the greatest generation,’” said Dr. Mary Lynne Dittmar, President and CEO of the Coalition for Deep Space Exploration. “Throughout his long service to the nation, he demonstrated a deep understanding of the importance of peace and collaboration among nations, as well as a dedication to the leadership role played by the United States which emerged after WWII. His model was cooperative, not autocratic, and was based on a profound understanding of our country’s responsibility to lead from the high ground – with strength, but also with compassion.”
“President Bush understood the critical role played by the United States to advance progress in space—both for our nation and among nations,” she continued. “He provided needed support and assurance after the loss of the Challenger, as well as the focus needed to promote STEM education together with the families of the Challenger crew. He re-established the National Space Council and provided the early framework for what became NASA’s Commercial Cargo and Commercial Crew programs. He continued President Reagan’s interest in Space Station Freedom which evolved into the International Space Station. Finally, under his leadership the United States explored the range of possibilities involved in deep space exploration, both at the Moon and in pursuit of the eventual travel of human beings to Mars.”
“The decisions and commitments made by President Bush are reflected today in space policy, in the growing influence of space on our lives, and in the life of our nation. We are grateful for his life, for his service to the nation, and for his passionate dedication to human destiny and American leadership in space,” she concluded.
About the Coalition for Deep Space Exploration
The Coalition for Deep Space Exploration is a national organization of more than 60 space industry businesses and advocacy groups focused on ensuring the United States remains a leader in space, science and technology. Based in Washington D.C., the Coalition engages in outreach and education reinforcing the value and benefits of human space exploration, space science, and space commerce with the public and our nation’s leaders, building lasting support for a long-term, sustainable, strategic direction for our nation’s space program.