FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NSS presents letters of support for Vision to Congress

1700 letters to Senator Stevens presented at office

Washington, DC, November 15, 2004 -

The National Space Society announced that it had delivered 1700 letters of support for the new vision for space exploration from its members to the office of Senator Stevens.

"The new future for NASA is the right direction for space exploration," said George Whitesides, Executive Director of NSS. "We call on Congressional leaders like Senator Stevens to provide the full funding necessary to enable the agency to move in this exciting new direction."

The letters were collected over the past month, and come from members in all 50 states. They were addressed to Senator Stevens, who as Chairman of the Appropriations Committee will play a key role in determining NASA's budget for 2005.

"NSS members feel strongly that Congress must support this new direction now," continued Whitesides. "These letters are another sign that Americans across the country want an ambitious space program that moves humans beyond low earth orbit. From sending astronauts back to the Moon and on to Mars, to the Centennial Challenge prize program - the new future of space is filled with daring programs that will involve a broad range of companies and leaders. We urge Congress to enable the US and NASA to move into this new future."

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About the National Space Society:
The National Space Society (NSS) is an independent, grassroots organization dedicated to the creation of a spacefaring civilization. Founded in 1974, NSS is widely acknowledged as the preeminent citizen's voice on space. NSS counts thousands of members and over 50 chapters in the United States and around the world. The society also publishes Ad Astra magazine, an award-winning periodical chronicling the most important developments in space. For more information about NSS, and how to join or donate, visit: http://www.nss.org

For More Information:
George Whitesides
Executive Director
National Space Society
(202) 429-1600
george@nss.org

Presentation of petitions to R.R. "Rori" Marston, office of Senator Ted Stevens (Alaska)