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