At ceremonies for SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket launch facilities at Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Brig.

At ground-breaking ceremonies for SpaceX's new Falcon 9 rocket launch facilities at Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral, Brig. Gen. Susan J. Helms (left) talks about the opportunity for both SpaceX and the 45th Space Wing. As part of NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, competition, SpaceX will launch a Falcon 9 with a cargo-carrying payload on a series of three demonstration missions from Cape Canaveral to the International Space Station, culminating with the delivery of supplies to the $100 billion dollar orbiting laboratory. SpaceX intends to demonstrate its launch, maneuvering, berthing and return abilities by 2009 – a year before NASA has scheduled the conclusion of Space Shuttle operations. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton