Reactions to NASA’s $1.1 billion in CCiCAP awards to Boeing, SpaceX and Sierra Nevada Corporation have been pouring into the Parabolic Arc world news headquarters in Mojave all day. Statements have come in by email, fax, phone, telegram, telegraph, teletype, carrier pigeon, and even Pony Express rider (some sort of weird space time continuum rift from a secret Navy project up at China Lake — you really don’t want to know more).
Below is a sampling of the reactions.
Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX)
“Today’s announcement shows that NASA has put together a thoughtful selection of companies and capabilities that we anticipate will culminate in a domestic capability to launch astronauts to the International Space Station.
This is consistent with the approach several of us in the Congress urged NASA to take, to ensure that the limited funds available are spent on developments that have a strong probability of success.
This is a step that should keep development of commercial crew capability on a schedule to launch as soon and as safely as possible while on a realistic budget. There now is a sensible path forward to enable a US launched crew capability for utilizing our investment in the space station.
With this announcement, NASA now has a complete plan forward for achieving its goals for human space flight. Simultaneous development of the Space Launch System and the Orion capsule for space exploration beyond low Earth orbit, ensures continuous leadership for space station research and the next generation of space horizons, as dual priorities to assure America’s continued leadership in manned space flight.”
Chair of Space Florida
Tallahassee, Fla. – “Governor Rick Scott and I congratulate Boeing, Sierra Nevada and SpaceX for being selected by NASA to continue the Commercial Crew Program.”
“This is a major victory for Florida’s space industry and will lead to more high-tech jobs in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and supply chain activity.”
“Our working relationship with NASA administrator Charles Bolden and the rest of the NASA team will allow Florida to continue meeting the needs of the commercial space industry.”
Space Florida President Frank DiBello
Frank DiBello
President, Space Florida
“We are pleased to see that NASA has named Boeing, SpaceX and Sierra Nevada to support U.S next-generation human spaceflight initiatives. We look forward to working with each of these companies and their Florida-based operations to lead the private sector into the future of human spaceflight.”
Commercial Spaceflight Federation
“These awards are the next step in bringing human spaceflight back to America,” said Eric Anderson, Chairman of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation. “Through this competitive program, American companies will provide safe, reliable and routine flights to low-Earth orbit, allowing NASA to concentrate on deep space exploration.”
“It is important to keep in mind that the commercial space industry is much larger than just one NASA program. I anticipate that companies who did not compete or receive an award in this round will continue to pursue other markets for their services,” continued Mr. Anderson.
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