Mikulski Calls Successful Rocket launch a Victory for Wallops Flight Facility, Space Science and Jobs

Appropriations Committee Chairwoman has fought to keep the Antares missions on track as a champion for Spaceport Wallops

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.) today issued the following statement after the launch of Orbital’s Antares rocket and Cygnus spacecraft from the Wallops flight facility to the International Space Station:

“Today is a victory for space science and jobs!” Chairwoman Mikulski said. “Congratulations to the men and women of Orbital, the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport, and NASA Wallops on the successful launch of Antares today. This is a momentous milestone for Spaceport Wallops as critical tools and supplies liftoff from the Eastern Shore to astronauts on the International Space Station. Today’s launch is possible because of the close partnership between federal and state agencies along with the private sector at Wallops Island working to create jobs today and jobs tomorrow.”

As Chairwoman of the Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) Appropriations Subcommittee that funds science, technology and space exploration, including NASA, Senator Mikulski is a long-time champion of the Wallops Island Flight Facility and for investments in science, technology, research and education that lead to American innovation and American jobs. She has put more than $142 million in the federal checkbook during the last decade for critical upgrades to Wallops’ infrastructure, including $12 million to repair damage from Hurricane Sandy, $16 million for the Horizontal Integration Facility, and $29 million for the Antares launch pad and fueling facility.

Chairwoman Mikulski has also supported NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services that made this resupply mission to the International Space Station possible using American-built rockets and vehicles.