McCarthy Statement on New Space Travel Venture

Washington D.C. – Congressman Kevin McCarthy today issued the following statement on the launch of Stratolaunch Systems, a new private space travel venture spearheaded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen and aerospace expert Burt Rutan, and whose first plane will be constructed at the Mojave Air and Space Port:

"Over the past decade we have seen incredible advances in space travel, and it is because of innovators like Paul Allen, Burt Rutan, Elon Musk and the engineers and designers at the Mojave Air and Space Port. With storied accomplishments like the Voyager and SpaceShipOne, Mojave continues to lead the way in cutting-edge innovation. Being home to innovators like XCOR, Masten Space Systems, Scaled Composites and Virgin Galactic, it comes as no surprise that Stratolaunch Systems has chosen Mojave as the starting point to build its new aircraft. Not only will this privately-funded venture bring new jobs and revenues to our communities, it will also launch America into a whole new era of innovation, where commercial space travel could be a reality even sooner. I applaud the minds and investors behind this venture for their vision, for their risk and for their commitment to America's innovative spirit."