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."

FMI: www.commercialspaceflight.org