Senator Warner applauded the successful launch of a Space Exploration Technologies ("SpaceX") rocket today. On May 25, the company's Falcon 9 rocket will attempt to become the first commercial vehicle to dock with and deliver supplies to the International Space Station.

“As NASA works to develop our next heavy launch vehicle to replace the space shuttle, we have asked the private sector to step up and take over duties of resupply missions to the international space station," Senator Warner said. "Today, SpaceX stepped up and showed we are on the right path. The successful launch of the Falcon 9 rocket also proves that American companies continue to lead and innovate. We can continue to make advances in the field of space while creating good, well-paying jobs in the United States – including right here in Virginia, where Wallops Island is well-positioned to take on a significant amount of new commercial space activity.”

Senator Warner at NASA Wallops Flight Facility.

Today's launch is part of NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program through which NASA has partnered with two companies, SpaceX and Orbital Sciences Corporation, to coordinate the delivery of cargo to the International Space Station (“ISS”). NASA currently pays $63 million each time it sends an astronaut to the ISS aboard Russian spacecraft. Today’s SpaceX test launch is a crucial step toward having private US companies provide services for the shipment of cargo, and eventually astronauts, to the space station at a cheaper cost than what we currently pay to the Russian government. In his role on the Science and Space Subcommittee of the Senate Commerce Committee, Senator Warner worked as part of the 2010 NASA reauthorization legislation to accelerate the transition to using commercial space companies to fill this role.