NASA Administrator Bolden's Statement On Falcon 9 Launch

Dec. 8, 2010

David Weaver
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1600
david.s.weaver@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

The launch video is available at:

http://go.nasa.gov/hISqBZ

NASA Television's Video File also will air b-roll of the launch. For
scheduling information, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

-end-

To subscribe to the list, send a message to:
hqnews-subscribe@mediaservices.nasa.gov
To remove your address from the list, send a message to:
hqnews-unsubscribe@mediaservices.nasa.gov