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May 25, 2012

Science Committee Democrats Congratulate SpaceX and NASA on Successful Berthing to the ISS

(Washington, DC) –Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) and Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Ranking Member Jerry Costello (D-IL) today congratulated the SpaceX and NASA teams following the successful capture and berthing of the Dragon cargo vehicle at the International Space Station (ISS):

Ranking Member Johnson said “If the promise of the International Space Station (ISS) is to be achieved, it is essential that a reliable and cost-effective means to transport cargo to the ISS be available.  Today’s successful berthing of SpaceX’s Dragon capsule to the ISS is an important step on the path to demonstrating operational commercial cargo transport support for the ISS.   I want to congratulate NASA and SpaceX and their dedicated and talented employees on this significant accomplishment.   I wish SpaceX and NASA continued success with this cargo demonstration flight and look forward to the successful return of the unmanned Dragon capsule.  I also look forward to Orbital’s own upcoming demonstration flight”

Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Ranking Member Costello said, “Congratulations to both SpaceX and NASA for showing that American ingenuity and innovation are very much aliveThe ISS is a unique  platform that will help us do the research necessary to enable the next steps in space exploration as well as benefit life here on Earth. But in order to use the ISS, we need reliable cargo transportation to bring supplies and return research samples.  Today’s milestone by SpaceX and NASA gives me confidence that such a capability is achievable.”