Florida Sen. Ashley Moody highlighted Florida’s role in U.S. space exploration on Space Exploration Day, pointing to a reported launch increase of more than 500% on the state’s Space Coast since 2016.
Moody observed the launch of the Artemis II mission from the Kennedy Space Center and subsequently met with the crew members following their return.
“Space Exploration Day is a time to honor the innovators, engineers, astronauts, and visionaries who continue pushing the boundaries of the once thought impossible,” Moody said in a statement. “The next generation of space exploration is being built in the Sunshine State, and I’ll continue fighting to keep Florida the launchpad for American innovation.”
Moody’s legislative actions regarding space infrastructure include the passage of the Secure U.S. Leadership in Space Act. The law makes spaceport facility bonds tax-exempt, placing spaceports under the same tax classification as airports and seaports to encourage public-private partnerships.
Additionally, Moody introduced the Space Ready 2.0 Act. The bill proposes a pilot program allowing NASA to accept voluntary private financial contributions for infrastructure projects at its centers. The proposed legislation does not establish a new federal spending program or authorize additional funds from the U.S. Treasury.
Moody has also introduced the CAPE Canaveral Act, a bill aimed at relocating NASA headquarters from Washington, D.C., to Florida’s Space Coast. Earlier this month, Moody met with Artemis II crew members during their visit to the Kennedy Space Center to recognize the engineers, mathematicians, and support staff involved in the mission.
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