WASHINGTON – House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) and Space Subcommittee Chairman Brian Babin (R-Texas) released the following statement in response to Thursday’s news of an anomaly during a static fire test of SpaceX’s Flacon 9.

Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas): “As a nation, it is in our interest to see America’s commercial space industry lead the world in innovation and exploration. Today’s incident is a reminder that commercial spaceflight is a difficult business and that there will be challenges. Nonetheless, I believe the state of our commercial spaceflight industry is strong. Despite the difficulties, commercial spaceflight will carry on with American drive and ingenuity.”

Space Subcommittee Chairman Brian Babin (R-Texas): “I am thankful that there was no loss of life and that no one suffered any injuries. While today’s incident is unfortunate for the commercial spaceflight industry, I have no doubt they will quickly recover and America will continue as the world’s space leader.”