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THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 27, 1988

Greetings to everyone gathered with the US-ISY Association for the International Space Year Mission to Planet Earth Conference.

As you know, in 1986 I endorsed an International Space Year (ISY) for 1992, the quincentury of the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus; and I directed the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to organize an interagency effort to develop this idea. All of you can be proud that your spirit and hard work have created so much progress. As I said in 1986, the ISY should maximize, through international cooperation, the achievements and benefits of the world's current and prospective space programs and emphasize the involvement of both developed and developing countries in ways that show the benefits of space discoveries and the practical uses of space. That's exactly what you've been doing by reminding us all of how space cooperation can help us better understand and manage our surroundings and lead us to new horizons of human potential here and throughout God's universe.  

Such cooperation can meet the challenges ahead; respond to humanity's deepest aspiration for peace, progress and freedom; preserve a healthful planet for generations yet unborn; and give us new realms to explore. That potential gives added meaning to your meeting, the first assembly of senior space agency officials from throughout the world to discuss ISY planning.

You have my best wishes for a truly productive conference and for the years to come. God bless you.

[[signed]]
Ronald Reagan
[[/signed]]



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