Governor Unveils New 'Columbia Remembered' Texas License Plate; Special Event Commemorates First Anniversary of Columbia Disaster

AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 30, 2004 -- Governor Rick Perry joined NASA astronauts and representatives of the Aviation and Space Foundation of Texas today in unveiling a new "Columbia Remembered" Texas license plate, which pays tribute to the seven Columbia astronauts who lost their lives when their shuttle broke up over East Texas on February 1, 2003. The special event held in the Governor's Press Conference Room at the State Capitol commemorates the first anniversary of the Columbia disaster by calling attention to the astronauts' lives and contributions to space exploration.

"The seven astronauts who lost their lives one year ago during the re- entry of the Space Shuttle Columbia were heroes," Perry said. "In them, America saw a boldness and a fearlessness that has defined the space program - - and the United States of America -- from the beginning. And as they explored the heavens and sought to unlock the mysteries of the Cosmos, America witnessed a thirst for knowledge and a spirit of curiosity that has defined mankind throughout the ages."

Unveiled by NASA Johnson Space Center astronauts Captain Dominic L. Pudwill Gorie and Dr. Edward Tsang Lu, the "Columbia Remembered" license plate features a likeness of the Space Shuttle Columbia soaring high in space above the Earth against a banner of seven stars, each representing one of the seven Columbia astronauts. It is available for passenger cars and light trucks for a cost of $30, in addition to the regular registration fee and other applicable fees.

Twenty-two dollars of the $30 cost goes to Texas' General Revenue Fund and may be used only by the Aviation and Space Foundation of Texas for the purposes of (1) furthering aviation and space activities in Texas and (2) providing Columbia Crew memorial scholarships to students. The remaining $8 goes to defray administrative costs at the state and county levels. The Aviation and Space Foundation of Texas is a 501(c)3 organization that provides scholarships to high school and college students.

Also on hand for the special ceremony was State Senator Mike Jackson (R-La Porte), who sponsored the bill in the Texas Senate, and J. Neal Miller, Chief Executive Officer of the Aviation and Space Foundation of Texas.

"On behalf of the families of the Columbia astronauts, I want to thank the Governor, Senator Jackson and other members of the Legislature, and the many others who helped make this special commemorative license plate a reality," said Miller. "It is a significant and appropriate tribute to those who gave their lives for space exploration and the education of future generations."

"The Columbia astronauts were scientists, doctors and pilots who were united in a common desire to explore space and push the bounds of human knowledge," said Governor Perry. "As we solemnly approach the first anniversary of their loss, we can look back on their lives with pride -- pride in their accomplishments, pride in their patriotism and pride in the fact that we have found a meaningful way to memorialize them and contribute to the future of our Nation's space program."

More information on the "Columbia Remembered" license plate can be obtained online at www.tsgc.utexas.edu/columbia , by calling the Texas Department of Transportation at (512) 465-7611, or by contacting your local county tax assessor-collector's office.

(512) 480-8962