WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, SpaceX successfully completed its Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) demonstration flight. Making history as the first commercial company to send and dock a spacecraft to the International Space Station, and return to earth.

“I am very proud of the accomplishments SpaceX has achieved, especially given that their state-of-the-art rocket development facility is located in McGregor, Texas. It is very exciting to know that constituents of Texas’ 17th Congressional district have played an integral part in the success of this and future missions,” Congressman Flores said.  “The city of McGregor is justifiably proud to have such an exciting company in the community, one which exemplifies the spirit of American ingenuity and innovation.”  

On May 22nd, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched the unmanned Dragon spacecraft into orbit from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Once in orbit, Dragon completed several tests around the International Space Station (ISS) and then successfully docked with the space station on May 25th. Once docked with the ISS, astronauts unloaded supplies from Dragon and filled it with return cargo. Today, Dragon detached from the ISS and returned safely to earth.

With the retirement of the Space Shuttle, NASA has turned to the COTS program to end America’s reliance on foreign governments for spaceflight. The COTS program uses private capital investment and NASA’s expertise to develop safe and affordable alternatives for spaceflight.  As part of the COTS program, SpaceX has successfully launched two separate flight demonstrations and is poised to have crew transport ready in the coming years. Working together, NASA and SpaceX will enable the U.S. to maintain its technological lead in space.   

“With America experiencing the longest period of economic weakness since the Great Depression, the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program helps create private sector jobs and saves tax dollars. SpaceX employs approximately 1,700 people, of which, approximately 170 of them work in McGregor,” Flores stated. “I look forward to the future of SpaceX as it continues to develop safe and affordable domestic alternatives to deliver cargo and, ultimately, crews into space.”

Congressman Bill Flores represents the 17th District of Texas and is an entrepreneur, former energy executive, Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and member of the House Budget, Natural Resources and Veterans’ Affairs Committees.

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