Says The Program Will Eliminate Reliance On Russia, Save Money
For U.S. Taxpayers, And Create Jobs
The Commercial Spaceflight Federation said Monday it welcomes
the strong support for commercial spaceflight in the new NASA
FY2012 proposed budget. "In this constrained fiscal environment,
commercial spaceflight is more important than ever," said CSF
President Bretton Alexander. "NASA's Commercial Crew program will
result in significant savings to the US taxpayer, and will cut the
amount of money the nation has been sending to Russia every
year. Leveraging private investment is the only way NASA can
make its dollars go farther in these times of belt-tightening."
Bretton Alexander
Last year's NASA Authorization Act identified commercial
spaceflight as the primary means to access low Earth orbit and
transport NASA astronauts to the International Space Station.
The Commercial Crew program has been endorsed by a broad array of
thought leaders, including over 25 former astronauts, members of
the Columbia Accident Investigation board, over 14 Nobel Laureates,
and leaders from across the political spectrum such as former
Governor Bill Richardson and former Speaker of the House Newt
Gingrich.
"NASA's number one job is to safely keep America flying in space
and eliminate our dependence on the Russians as quickly as
possible." added CSF Executive Director John Gedmark. "It's because
commercial spaceflight is the fastest way to end our reliance on
Russia that robust funding for Commercial Crew is so critical. In
addition, Commercial Crew will create thousands more private-sector
jobs using a combination of government and private investment. It's
time to unleash the innovation of the American private sector in
space, and NASA's new budget does exactly that. It's the only
way to ensure America's leadership in space."
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