(Washington, D.C.) Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) and Space Subcommittee Ranking Member Donna F. Edwards (D-MD) released the following statements after the failed launch of the SpaceX CRS-7 resupply mission to the International Space Station:
Ranking Member Johnson said, “The loss of today’s SpaceX cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station is a reminder that spaceflight is still not a routine undertaking. While the loss of the mission is disappointing, I am grateful that no one was hurt. I am confident that SpaceX and NASA will determine the cause of today’s failure and take the necessary corrective actions. In the meantime, NASA has assured us that the crew on the International Space Station is in no danger as a result of today’s accident.”
Ranking Member Edwards said, “While I am disappointed that the launch of the SpaceX CRS-7 resupply mission this morning was unsuccessful, I am thankful that no one was hurt, and that the crew currently aboard the International Space Station has enough supplies to last for several months. The launch failure this morning shows us once again that space is difficult – it requires near perfection. As SpaceX and NASA both acknowledged earlier today, accidents such as this one are an unavoidable part of the challenge of going into space. Federal support for partnerships such as Commercial Cargo and Commercial Crew is crucial to ensuring that we can apply the lessons learned from mishaps like this one and continue developing multiple methods of transporting crew & cargo to the ISS. This is why I will continue to press my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee to meet the Administration’s funding requests. I am confident that SpaceX and the FAA are working to ensure a smooth and transparent investigation into the root causes, and that NASA is ensuring the continued support of our astronauts aboard the ISS.”
