NASA Administrator's Statement on First Falcon 9 Launch

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The following is a statement by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden regarding Friday’s launch of Space Exploration Technologies’ Falcon 9 rocket.

“Congratulations to Space X on today’s launch of its Falcon 9 launch vehicle. Space X’s accomplishment is an important milestone in the commercial transportation effort and puts the company a step closer to providing cargo services to the International Space Station.

“Preparations are proceeding for the first NASA-sponsored test launch under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services project later this year. COTS is a vital development and demonstration partnership to create a commercial space transportation system capable of providing cargo to the station.

“This launch of the Falcon 9 gives us even more confidence that a resupply vehicle will be available after the space shuttle fleet is retired.”