Dec. 8, 2010 David Weaver Headquarters, Washington 202-358-1600 david.s.weaver@nasa.gov Allard Beutel Kennedy Space Center, Fla. 321-867-2468 allard.beutel@nasa.gov RELEASE: 10-327 NASA ADMINISTRATOR BOLDEN'S STATEMENT ON FALCON 9 LAUNCH WASHINGTON -- NASA Administrator Charles Bolden issued the following statement about SpaceX's launch of the Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule: "While rocket launches from the Cape are considered a common occurrence, the historic significance of today's achievement by SpaceX should not be lost. "This is the first in a new generation of commercial launch systems that will help provide vital support to the International Space Station and may one day carry astronauts into orbit. This successful demonstration flight is an important milestone in meeting the objectives outlined by President Obama and Congress, and shows how government and industry can leverage expertise and resources to foster a new and vibrant space economy. "These new explorers are to spaceflight what Lindbergh was to commercial aviation." The Falcon 9 launch is part of NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/cots NASA Television's Video File will air b-roll of the launch. For scheduling information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/ntv The launch video also will be available on NASA TV's YouTube channel, at: http://www.youtube.com/NASAtelevision/ -end- To subscribe to the list, send a message to: ksc-subscribe@newsletters.nasa.gov To remove your address from the list, send a message to: ksc-unsubscribe@newsletters.nasa.gov
