NASA Administrator's Statement On First Falcon 9 Launch
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The following is a statement by NASA
Administrator Charles Bolden regarding Friday's launch of Space
Exploration Technologies' Falcon 9 rocket.
"Congratulations to Space X on today's launch of its Falcon 9 launch
vehicle. Space X's accomplishment is an important milestone in the
commercial transportation effort and puts the company a step closer
to providing cargo services to the International Space Station.
"Preparations are proceeding for the first NASA-sponsored test launch
under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services project
later this year. COTS is a vital development and demonstration
partnership to create a commercial space transportation system
capable of providing cargo to the station. "This launch of the Falcon
9 gives us even more confidence that a resupply vehicle will be
available after the space shuttle fleet is retired."
For more information about COTS, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/offices/
Source: NASA
