Bill Nelson: “there is at this moment in orbit the first Chinese astronaut. Their successful launch of a piloted spacecraft marks the…”

“there is at this moment in orbit the first Chinese astronaut. Their successful launch of a piloted spacecraft marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of human exploration of space. Just the third nation to accomplish such a feat, I am happy on behalf of the Senate to welcome China into an elite group of nations that can independently send humans to explore the heavens. The United States and Russia established manned space programs decades ago and are pleased to have a new ally--we hope a new ally--in the quest to explore space. China's program will provide additional resources, I hope fresh ideas, and renewed enthusiasm for space exploration. My hope is that China will become a partner in our ongoing international efforts, such as the International Space Station, to make technological advances and to help solve mysteries of outer space. As China undertook its first such mission, my thoughts were with the first taikonaut who is the sole space flyer on Shenzhou 5. Americans know all too well the potential risk of space flight, and we commend this astronaut's courage. Americans also know that the benefits of space exploration outweigh the risks. We expect that the Chinese will reap rewards that space missions offer--to learn and to explore, to advance technology, and to uplift the human spirit. Now that China has opened a new chapter in human space flight history, it is fitting that America refocus our own goals on exploration.”