Washington D.C. – Today, Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Ralph Hall (R-TX) released the following statement, after SpaceX successfully launched the Falcon 9 rocket and the Dragon capsule early this morning, which is now en route to the International Space Station:
I would like to congratulate SpaceX on its successful launch. This was a momentous launch, and I am hopeful that the Dragon spacecraft will successfully complete its mission to supply cargo to the International Space Station and safely return to Earth. The unmanned launch, which took place early this morning out of Cape Canaveral, Florida, is the first of its kind. This is a complex mission, and if successful, will be a giant step forward in commercial cargo capability to the International Space Station.
I have long supported the development of commercial cargo spaceflight, and while we still have a long way to go before American astronauts can fly aboard a commercial spacecraft, I hope SpaceX can build upon this success.”
I will continue to support those who can access the International Space Station, and want to keep the door open for our future successes.”