VIDEO: Shooting for the Stars Starts in Florida – On Space Exploration Day, Senator Moody Touts Florida Dominance as Nation’s Leader in American Expeditions to the Final Frontier

Home How Can I Help? News Contact Us Share Your Opinion Federal Nominations Scheduling Request Storm Preparation About Search for: Home How Can I Help? News Contact Us Share Your Opinion Federal Nominations Scheduling Request Storm Preparation About All News VIDEO: Shooting for the Stars Starts in Florida – On Space Exploration Day, Senator Moody Touts Florida Dominance as Nation’s Leader in American Expeditions to the Final Frontier Jul 20, 2026 WASHINGTON, D.C.— On Space Exploration Day, Senator Ashley Moody is touting Florida’s major role in propelling American interests into the Final Frontier. Launches on the Space Coast have increased by over 500% since 2016. Senator Moody is a champion of Florida’s dominance in space, witnessing the historic Artemis II launch from Kennedy Space Center, speaking with the crew as they returned from the moon, and meeting face to face with the world-renown astronauts last month at KSC when they thanked the NASA workers who made their trip possible. “Space Exploration Day is a time to honor the innovators, engineers, astronauts, and visionaries who continue pushing the boundaries of the once thought impossible. 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,” said Senator Ashley Moody . BACKGROUND: Senator Moody has a staunch record supporting Florida’s Space Coast. Senator Moody passed 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. Senator Moody recently introduced the Space Ready 2.0 Act , which would establish a NASA-wide pilot program allowing the agency to accept voluntary private contributions for infrastructure improvement projects at NASA centers. The proposal does not create a new spending program, establish a new Treasury fund, or authorize new federal spending. Rather, it builds upon NASA’s existing authority and allows private-sector partners to voluntarily invest in infrastructure improvements that directly support the missions they rely upon. Earlier in July, Senator Moody met with the crew of Artemis II at Kennedy Space Center as they thanked the hundreds of NASA engineers, mathematicians and scientists who built the rocket that launched them farther into space than any human has ever traveled. Senator Moody also introduced the CAPE Canaveral Act to relocate NASA headquarters to Florida’s Space Coast—where it belongs. # # # Join the Newsletter Email Address First Name Last Name Follow Follow Follow Follow Copyright 2024 Follow Follow Follow Follow Usage Policy PDF Help Privacy Policy Senate.gov