Statement By John P. Holdren, Assistant To The President For Science And Technology, On The Docking Of The Dragon Spacecraft With The International Space Station

May 25, 2012

David Weaver
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1898
david.s.weaver@nasa.gov

Phil Larson
Office of Science and Technology Policy, Executive Office of the President
202-456-6043
plarson@ostp.eop.gov


RELEASE: 12-173

STATEMENT BY JOHN P. HOLDREN, ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, ON THE DOCKING OF THE DRAGON SPACECRAFT WITH THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION

WASHINGTON - Following the Friday, May 25, docking of SpaceX's Dragon
spacecraft with the International Space Station, John P. Holdren,
assistant to the President for science and technology policy, issued
the following statement:

"For the first time, a private American company has successfully
launched a spacecraft into orbit and berthed it with the
International Space Station--an achievement of historic scientific
and technological significance and a key milestone in President
Obama's vision for America's continued leadership in space.

That is exactly what the President had in mind when he laid out a
fresh course for NASA to explore new scientific frontiers and take
Americans even deeper into our solar system while relying on
private-sector innovators--working in the competitive free market--to
ferry astronauts and cargo to low Earth orbit and the International
Space Station. It's essential we maintain such competition and fully
support this burgeoning and capable industry to get U.S. astronauts
back on American launch vehicles as soon as possible.

I could not be prouder of our scientists and engineers--both
government and private sector employees--who have contributed to this
historic mission. A passion for discovery and a sense for adventure
have always driven this nation forward, and I join all Americans in
watching what future possibilities are enabled by today's great
achievement."

For more information on the SpaceX flight, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/spacex

For more information on the Office of Science and Technology Policy,
visit:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ostp


-end-



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