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Statement by John W. Douglass, AIA President and CEO, On the Launch of the Chinese Manned Space Mission

WASHINGTON, D.C., October 16-- Today China joined the U.S. and Russia in our exploration of the space around Earth. China's entry into manned space exploration indicates that America's position as a global leader in space can not be taken for granted.

The entry of China into man's exploration of space comes at a challenging time for the U.S. If we are to remain predominant in space we must replace our aging shuttle fleet and begin a new program as soon as possible.

There are some who say the American people have lost interest in a manned space exploration program, but all indicators we see say this is not true. The public supported John Kennedy's program to place a man on the moon in the sixties and we believe the public today wants the U.S. to maintain its position as the world leader in manned space.

To remain first in the world will require a significant increase in the NASA budget. Maintaining predominance in space also will require the reform of our export control policies and strengthening of our aerospace workforce.

In the meantime we hope that China will join with Russia and the U.S. in dedicating its space program to the peaceful exploration of space and we congratulate them on the completion of a safe and successful mission. As we enter the second century of flight we can think of no better way for our nation to honor the legacy of the Wright brothers than in making a new beginning in man's exploration of space.

P.A. Rel 2003-32

10.16.03

-AIA-

Contact: Matt Grimison, AIA
(703) 358-1076
matt.grimison@aia-aerospace.org