Trump congratulates NASA astronauts on their "incredible accomplishments"

WASHINGTON, Sept 4 (KUNA) -- US President Donald Trump spoke with NASA astronauts Peggy Whitson and Jack Fischer who just returned to Earth after lengthy stays aboard the International Space Station congratulating them on their "incredible accomplishments," the White House said in a statement Monday.
The White House indicated that Trump stressed during the call that "exploration has always been at the core of who we are as Americans, and their brave contributions to human space flight have continued that great tradition." Trump "specifically recognized Commander Whitson for spending 665 total days in space, a new record for American astronauts," the statement noted.
It added that Trump remarked that Whitson is an inspiration to us all "especially to young women interested in or currently pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and math." Since the beginning of his Administration, Trump has taken steps "to refocus NASA on its core mission of space exploration by signing the NASA Transition Authorization Act, the INSPIRE Women Act, and an Executive Order on Reviving the National Space Council." (end) si