Home > News

McDermott Praises Hubble Mission and Seattle Pilot
November 2, 2006
For Immediate Release

Rep. Jim McDermott (WA-D), today praised NASA's decision to launch a space mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope, and he praised the selection of Captain Gregory Johnson, a NASA pilot born and raised in Seattle, heart of the 7th Congressional District, which McDermott represents in the Congress.

"7 has always been a lucky number for me and I hope it is a lucky number for Captain Johnson and the entire Shuttle crew," McDermott said.

McDermott has been a long time supporter of the Hubble Space Telescope and its mission to peer to the edge of infinity where we might learn more about ourselves and our world.

McDermott noted that Captain Johnson attended West Seattle High School and graduated from the University of Washington, which has developed some of the advanced scientific instruments used on the Hubble Space Telescope.

"A Huskie in space," McDermott said with a grin, adding: "I look forward to the moment when a UW logo is affixed to the side of the Hubble Space Telescope; now that would be a picture from space that I'd like to beam directly to a certain university campus in Pullman, Washington, before the next Apple Cup game."

Two years ago, McDermott led a Hubble Awareness Day in Western Washington, and joined with House colleagues in a bi-partisan effort urging NASA to continue the Hubble mission until the next generation of space-based telescopes could be deployed early in the next decade.

"The Hubble Space Telescope has brought us wondrous pictures from the edges of the known universe, but its most impressive legacy may end up being the inspiration and profound sense of wonder Hubble has given people all over the world," McDermott said. "At a time when the world needs renewed faith and hope, Hubble has given us pictures to inspire hopes and dreams."

McDermott said that when Congress reconvenes, he will introduce a resolution in the House on behalf of the people of the 7th Congressional District in strong support of the NASA mission and Captain Gregory Johnson and the entire Shuttle crew.