FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- October 30, 2009

National Space Society (NSS) Congratulates NASA for Successful Flight of Ares I-X

"Many people said it could not possibly work, yet it flew quite well," said Gary Barnhard, Chairman of the NSS Executive Committee.  The 327-foot tall rocket thundering into the Florida sky on the 28th of October is the first developed and launched by NASA since the space shuttle was launched.

"This represents a milestone of future possibilities for the human exploration and eventual settlement of space," proclaimed Rick Zucker, NSS Vice President of Public Affairs.

"Ares I-X actually launched about three days ahead of its previous Halloween launch date, proving that the theory that schedules only get longer can indeed be broken by a serious, dedicated team," exclaimed Greg Allison, NSS Executive Vice President.  "NASA is definitely back in the rocket technology development business."

NSS sees two primary long-term advantages to the success of Ares I-X.  First, the mission provides the key data on the performance and operational environment of a shuttle-derived solid rocket booster launched with a larger upper stage and aeroshell.  Second, the flight test gives NASA a team of seasoned civil servants and contractors with a proven ability to design, build, and fly new rockets, regardless of which rocket architecture is eventually selected.

Media contact:
Brett Silcox
Phone:  (202) 429-1600
E-mail:  nsshq@nss.org

About National Space Society

The National Space Society (NSS) is an independent, grassroots organization dedicated to the creation of a spacefaring civilization.  Founded in 1974, NSS is widely acknowledged as the preeminent citizen's voice on space.  NSS counts thousands of members and more than 50 chapters in the United States and around the world.  The society also publishes Ad Astra magazine, an award-winning periodical chronicling the most important developments in space.  For more information about NSS, visit www.nss.org.