Boeing Statement on Test Launch of Ares I-X Rocket

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla., Oct. 28, 2009 -- The Boeing Company today released the following statement on NASA's successful test launch of the Ares I-X rocket from Kennedy Space Center:

"Boeing congratulates NASA and its industry team on the successful launch of Ares I-X. The success of this mission demonstrates that Ares is a safe, reliable and affordable rocket to launch astronauts into low Earth orbit once the space shuttle fleet retires. NASA's Constellation Program is making great strides in realizing America's goal of exploring the universe as it creates the spacecraft and systems that will reach distant planets. Boeing is proud to be a part of the Ares and Constellation teams.

"The Review of U.S. Human Spaceflight Plans Committee, composed of industry and academic experts as well as former NASA astronauts, recognized the value of the United States' human spaceflight program when its Oct. 22 final report identified the need to increase funding by about $3 billion a year so that NASA could fully realize its mission.

"Boeing believes human space exploration is a potent technological and economic stimulus as well as a key aspect of national security. Even in these troubled financial times, it is an investment that America must make. The committee's report said it best: 'The opportunity now exists to provide for the future human spaceflight program worthy of a great nation.'"