Statement by the National Science Board in Response to the Russian Satellite

STATEMENT PREPARED BY THE NATIONAL SCIENCE BOARD REGARDING THE RUSSIAN SATELLITE The significance of the Soviet accomplishment in exploring outer space has been considered at length by the Board of the National Science Foundation. The Board regarded this as a great scientific and technical achievement; and urged that it be recognized as such. The Board further considered it an impressive demonstration of the strong position of Russian science and education. This event is dramatic evidence of the rapidly accelerating pace in the advance of science and technology. As such it challenges this nation's determination to strengthen its present scientific position, and to make provision for future scientific progress. The Board urged that both short and long range steps be taken continually to improve our scientific position. For the short term, the nation should utilize its scientists and engineers even more effectively, support their efforts better and select more wisely and with greater discrimination among the many things which our nation wants and needs. We must recognize that our nation's future rests in major degree upon the soundness of our system of education and our people's respect for scientific endeavor, based upon an understanding of its importance in the modern world.