Senate Resolution No. 1806

BY: Senator MAY

CONGRATULATING Dr. Jeanette Epps upon the occasion
of serving as a Mission Specialist aboard NASA's
SpaceX Dragon to the International Space Station

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commemorate
significant events which represent turning points in our unique history
and commend those outstanding individuals whose steadfast and
unremitting dedication to space exploration, scientific discovery and
aeronautics research results in groundbreaking discoveries which improve
the lives of the citizens of New York State, as well as those of the
entire Nation; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Dr. Jeanette Epps upon the occasion of serving as a Mission
Specialist aboard NASA's SpaceX Dragon to the International Space
Station; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Jeanette Epps, a Mission Specialist with NASA's Crew-8
mission, will be launched into space in February of 2024; and

WHEREAS, Crew-8 mission is planned to be the eighth crewed
operational NASA Commercial Crew flight of a Dragon spacecraft; a NASA
Commercial Crew flight is a commercially operated crew transportation
service to and from the International Space Station; and

WHEREAS, While at the International Space Station, Dr. Jeanette Epps
will join Expedition 70 and 71 crew members already aboard the station
to conduct a wide-ranging set of operational and research activities;
and

WHEREAS, Dr. Jeanette Epps was selected by NASA as an astronaut in
2009, and this will be her first spaceflight, working with the commander
and pilot to monitor the spacecraft during the dynamic launch and
re-entry phases of flight; and

WHEREAS, A native of Syracuse, New York, Jeanette Epps graduated
from Henninger High School before receiving her bachelor's degree in
physics from LeMoyne College; she went on to earn her master's degree in
science and a doctorate in aerospace engineering from the University of
Maryland, College Park; and

WHEREAS, This extraordinary woman will be only the fifth African
American woman in space; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Jeanette Epps truly personifies the significance of the
availability of STEM programs to young women and all students, and
serves as a reminder that even the sky is not a limit to the potential
of our nation's greatest resource, our youth; and

WHEREAS, Organizations and individuals which have given so
selflessly of their skills and dedication in performing vital research
to bring us closer to better understanding and protecting our world and

universe, are worthy and due the highest commendation for their
contributions to all of humanity; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when events
of such historic significance are brought to our attention, they should
be recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulating Dr. Jeanette Epps upon the occasion of serving as a
Mission Specialist aboard NASA's SpaceX Dragon to the International
Space Station; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dr. Jeanette Epps.