FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 19, 2006

Going where no one has gone before

NSS hails New Horizons Pluto Launch

WASHINGTON, DC. The members of the National Space Society congratulate NASA, APL, International Launch Services and the entire New Horizons program team on the successful launch of the first mission to Pluto.

"This is a historic moment in humankind's exploration of the solar system," said George Whitesides, Executive Director of NSS. "Who knows what mysteries we will find when the probe reaches Pluto?"

"The New Horizons craft will look back in time to the birth of our solar system. It will answer fundamental questions about where we came from and what lies at the far reaches of our solar system."

"With nearly a decade-long trip, New Horizons is also a time capsule for the future."

"If the probe could look back toward its home planet at the moment it reaches Pluto, it would see the finishing touches being put on a vehicle to send humans back to the Moon. It would see hundreds, perhaps thousands, of suborbital flights streaking into and through space. And it would see one or more space stations, resupplied commercially, providing a mix of services to scientists, industry, and tourists. The next decade will be an exciting time for space, and the exploration of Pluto will be an exciting milestone in that great adventure."

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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, how to join or donate, or the annual International Space Development Conference, visit: http://www.nss.org

George T. Whitesides
Executive Director
email: george@nss.org
phone: (202) 429-1600

Jeremy Pyle
Vice President of Public Affairs
email: jeremy@nss.org
phone: (415) 713-6272