LETTER FROM DANA ROHRABACHER
Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics
Dec. 04, 2003

Dear Friends,

A century ago, two brothers with the entrepreneurial spirit and the American work ethic opened the doorway to the sky by creating and flying the first powered aircraft. That historic flight made possible today’s era of commercial air transportation that has revolutionized the world and brought nations and peoples closer together. I believe we are on the verge of a new era of commercial space transportation.

The SpaceX Falcon launch vehicle has been designed, built, and brought to market by the dedication of a true entrepreneur, blessed with the same spirit of innovation and dedication to hard work as the Wright Brothers. The Falcon launch vehicle aims to make cheap access to space a reality. I believe such technology will open up space to more and more users, thereby moving us closer to our goal of space exploration.

I want to extend my appreciation and admiration to Elon Musk and the SpaceX team for their work in bringing the Falcon from concept to first launch in 18 months – fastest development time for a new rocket in history, including wartime. It is a testament that the American way of free enterprise is alive and well in the space program today. Let me be the first to wish the Falcon a successful flight and all that will come after her.

Sincerely,

Dana Rohrabacher
Chairman
Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics

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