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This morning NASA successfully launched the Ares 1-X test rocket, the next generation human space flight vehicle being developed as part of the Constellation Program to replace the Space Shuttle. The Shuttle is scheduled to retire at the end of 2010 and a lack of resources has thrown the future of the nation’s human space flight program into doubt.

“This is a positive step forward for our nation’s space program,” said Congressman Bill Posey (R-Rockledge) who worked on the Apollo program as a young man. “I commend all those who have worked so hard to make today’s Ares launch a success. It’s my hope that the President will now give NASA the resources it needs to close the space gap.”

Just last week, the U.S. Human Space Flight Plan Committee released its final report concluding that NASA will need additional funding in order to close the space gap and move forward with the Constellation program. Last April, Congressman Posey introduced bipartisan legislation (H.R. 1962) with Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, to close the space gap by (1) extending the Shuttle program through 2015, (2) investing additional resources in the Constellation program to close the gap, and (3) investing in and encouraging the development of commercial space suppliers to meet lower earth orbit (LEO) needs.