Recent Statements by Senators and Representatives Underscore Importance of Program for America’s Continued Leadership in Space

Washington, D.C., Wednesday, November 2, 2011 – The Commercial Spaceflight Federation is pleased to welcome recent expressions of growing support for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program in hearings and other events held over the last week, including the following:

Rep. Ralph Hall (R-Texas), Chairman of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology: In a hearing last week on NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, Congressman Hall stated, “NASA’s in an emergency; our space program’s in an emergency.  We can do better than those dates, I think … Somebody just needs to say… “let’s go” and I think you [commercial companies] all are the ones to do it and I hope you will.” [Oct 26]

Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-California): In that same hearing, Congresswoman Lofgren stated, “I’ve been enthusiastically supporting this effort” and “the payoff is so enormous.”  Later, Congresswoman Lofgren asked, “Is there any possibility that we could significantly reduce that timeframe [for flight] … with the private sector involvement that we have?”  The companies in attendance stated they could have crew transportation capability by 2015 with sufficient support from NASA. [Oct 26]

Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Florida), Chairman of the Science and Space Subcommittee of the Senate Commerce, Science, Transportation Committee: In an event in Florida earlier this week, Senator Nelson stated, “This is just the first of much to come.  You just wait until you see what’s coming here to the Kennedy Space Center in the future in the way of public/private partnerships.”  He then added, “This marks the beginning of the vibrance of the economy of the Space Coast, the return of new and exciting jobs.” [Oct 31]

Rep. Sandy Adams (R-Florida): At that same event, Congresswoman Adams stated, “The Commercial Crew Development program is the best near term hope we have for getting American astronauts, on American rockets, built by an American aerospace workforce to the International Space Station.  The recent failure of a Russian cargo mission highlights the problems associated with relying on foreign countries for access to the ISS. …  As America takes steps towards the next chapter of space exploration, it is imperative that Congress remains vigilant in its support of the efforts of the Commercial Crew and COTS program. It is imperative that Congress ensure that they have the tools they need to be ready to carry crew to station as soon as is practically possible without sacrificing safety.” [Oct 31]

Rep. Bill Posey (R-Florida): At that same event, Congressman Posey stated, “The Commercial Crew Program represents our greatest near term hope for returning our astronauts to Low Earth Orbit and the International Space Station aboard American made vehicles. This capability will allow NASA to focus on exploring deeper into our solar system and beyond.” [Oct 31]

Video links:
Commercial Crew hearing in Congress last week: http://science.house.gov/hearing/full-committee-%E2%80%93-hearing
Florida event on Commercial Crew this week: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ekh_fKK0e8&feature=related

About the Commercial Spaceflight Federation
The mission of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF) is to promote the development of commercial human spaceflight, pursue ever-higher levels of safety, and share best practices and expertise throughout the industry. The CSF’s member companies – which include commercial spaceflight developers, operators, spaceports, suppliers and service providers – are creating thousands of high-tech jobs nationwide, working to preserve American leadership in aerospace through technology innovation, and inspiring young people to pursue careers in science and engineering. For more information please visit http://www.commercialspaceflight.org or contact Executive Director John Gedmark at john@commercialspaceflight.org or at 202.349.1121.