A RESOLUTION to recognize Dr. Gary Arnold Flandro for his foundational role in the development of NASA's Voyager program.

Tennessee House Joint Resolution 851 (HJR0851) is a formal recognition passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor Dr. Gary Arnold Flandro for his significant contributions to NASA's Voyager program. Specifically, the resolution acknowledges his 1964 discovery of a rare planetary alignment, known as the "Grand Tour," which enabled the design of the Voyager missions' gravity-assist trajectory. Dr. Flandro's work, conducted during his tenure as a professor at the University of Tennessee Space Institute, was instrumental in the success of these missions. The resolution serves as a formal expression of gratitude for his scientific legacy and impact on space exploration. ([capitol.tn.gov](https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Bill/HJR0851.pdf?utm_source=openai))

TN HJR0851 is a house bill in the Tennessee 114th General Assembly, sponsored by Rush Bricken (R), currently “Passed” since February 12, 2026.

We track 9,160 Tennessee bills this session, 24 of them sponsored by Rush Bricken.

The passage of HJR0851 has been positively received, with local media highlighting Dr. Flandro's pivotal role in space exploration. Coverage emphasizes his groundbreaking discovery and its lasting impact on NASA's missions. The resolution is seen as a well-deserved recognition of his contributions to science and technology.

There is no significant negative media coverage regarding HJR0851. The resolution has been met with general approval, and no substantial criticisms have been reported.

The bill HJR0851 recognizes Dr. Gary Arnold Flandro for his contributions to NASA's Voyager program, which falls within the realm of science and technology. The sponsor, Rush Bricken, has a background in banking and finance, specifically as a Senior Vice President at Coffee County Bank and as the owner of Bricken Investment Services. However, there are no direct overlaps between his personal financial interests and the bill's subject matter, which focuses on honoring an individual rather than regulating or funding any specific industry or technology sector. As such, the potential for personal financial gain from this resolution is minimal.

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