Washington, D.C., September 16, 2014 – The Coalition for Space Exploration congratulates NASA on the announcement of the Commercial Crew Transportation Capability (CCtCap) contract awards today. This is a significant achievement for human space flight as this commercial effort for transporting crew to the International Space Station will allow NASA to place even more focus on addressing the unique challenges of deep space exploration. NASA’s efforts aboard the station in low Earth orbit are demonstrating capabilities needed for deep space exploration, fostering ground breaking research to improve life on Earth.
We have only just begun to scratch the surface of the discoveries we will make by venturing deeper into our universe and sending humans farther than we have ever traveled before. NASA’s Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System, which will enable human exploration throughout deep space, are progressing on schedule toward the first Exploration Flight Test (EFT-1) in December of this year. The James Webb Space Telescope, which will play an important role in our quest to better understand our own planet’s origin and what lies beyond our solar system, is on track to launch in late 2018.
These efforts are made possible by the continued bi-partisan support for America’s space program within the Congress. Thanks to their commitment and understanding of the positive impact space exploration has on our society, our nation’s space program will continue to boost our national economy, create high-tech jobs, inspire students and provide a greater understanding of our own planet.
About the Coalition for Space Exploration:
The Coalition for Space Exploration is a group of space industry businesses and advocacy groups that collaborates to ensure that the United States remains the leader in space, science and technology by reinforcing the value and benefits of space exploration with the public and our nation’s leaders, and building lasting support for a long-term, sustainable strategic direction for space exploration.
