The successful launch of the Ares 1-X rocket this morning is the first human-rated launch system to be flight tested in nearly 30 years. It is an important milestone in the development of a new vehicle to take humans to space after the shuttle retires. We believe Americans want the United States to continue to be a leader in space exploration and will support the investment that the Review of U.S. Human Spaceflight Plans Committee says is necessary for America to explore beyond low-earth orbit. Economic growth, highly-skilled, well-paying jobs and a whole new generation of young people pursuing careers in science, technology engineering and math — all critical to our national competitiveness — result from our continued exploration of the heavens.