Rep. Haridopolos: It All Starts on Florida’s Space Coast

Washington, DC - Today, U.S. Congressman Mike Haridopolos (FL-08) published an op-ed in Florida Today outlining the significance of the Artemis II mission to Florida's Space Coast and reaffirming America's leadership in space.

In the op-ed, Congressman Haridopolos highlights how the mission will send four astronauts on a 10-day mission around the Moon, taking humans farther from Earth than ever before.

Key highlights include:

• Artemis II will test all major systems aboard the Orion spacecraft, preparing for future Moon landings and deep space missions.

• Brevard County plays a central role, with local engineers, technicians, small businesses, students, and Space Coast families driving the mission.

• Every launch supports the local economy, creates jobs, and strengthens Florida's position as the hub of American space activity.

• In Congress, Haridopolos helped secure $24.4 billion in funding for NASA and an additional $10 billion for spaceflight programs to ensure America wins the space race.

"Here on Florida's Space Coast, we don't just watch history, we make it," said Congressman Haridopolos. "We cannot be number one on Earth if we are number two in space. Artemis II proves that America is ready to lead the next era of exploration."

Read the full op-ed here.

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