Senator Moody Attends Historic Artemis II Launch from Florida’s Space Coast as America Races Back to the Moon

SPACE COAST, Fla.-Senator Ashley Moody tonight attended the historic launch of Artemis II from Florida's Space Coast as it carries four astronauts in a journey around the moon for the first time in more than 50 years. The crewed flight follows a successful uncrewed Artemis I mission in 2022. Senator Moody is dedicated to supporting Florida's Space Coast and keeping the U.S. number one in space.

"It's incredible to watch the Artemis II rocket take off this afternoon from Cape Canaveral, carrying American astronauts around the moon for the first time in more than 50 years. This is an amazing achievement towards long-term lunar exploration by the many scientists and engineers stationed here in Florida and it's exciting to have our state be front row to this innovation. As a Senator representing the Space Coast, it's important to me to continue supporting this research and operations and help keep our nation first in space," said Senator Ashley Moody.

Senator Moody spoke on Fox Business shortly before the rocket launch. See interview here.

BACKGROUND:

• Senator Moody is committed to supporting Florida's Space Coast.
• Senator Moody introduced the Secure U.S. Leadership in Space Act, to ensure the U.S. remains competitive and at the forefront of space innovation and exploration. The legislation bolsters public-private partnerships by making spaceport facility bonds tax-exempt, treating spaceports the same as airports and seaports. This bill has now become law.
• Senator Moody also introduced the CAPE Canaveral Act to relocate NASA headquarters to Florida's Space Coast where it belongs.
• Senator Moody sponsored the Space Ready Act, which authorizes a pilot program at Kennedy Space Center to enable a public-private investment in shared spaceport facilities through an Infrastructure Investment Fund.