VIDEO: Senator Moody Seeks to Propel U.S. Space Program to New Heights with Space Ready 2.0 Act

SPACE COAST, Fla.-Senator Ashley Moody is seeking to propel the U.S. Space Program to new heights through her new Space Ready 2.0 Act. Launch cadence and activity on Florida's Space Coast are rapidly increasing-launches have increased by more than 500% since 2016-while NASA is using 60-year-old infrastructure. In order to keep the U.S. a leader in the space domain, Senator Moody's legislation would allow for voluntary private contributions for infrastructure improvement projects at NASA centers-including Kennedy Space Center on Florida's Space Coast.

"Florida is leading America's next great chapter of space exploration, but if we want to remain the world's leader in space, our infrastructure must keep pace with the incredible growth we're seeing on the Space Coast," said Senator Ashley Moody. "The Space Ready 2.0 Act is a commonsense solution that empowers NASA and its commercial partners to modernize aging facilities without creating new spending programs, ensuring we remain competitive and mission-ready. I'll continue fighting to strengthen our nation's space capabilities and keep the Sunshine State the launchpad for American innovation and exploration."

"We're grateful to Senator Moody for her leadership and putting into action real solutions for the space industry. The Space Ready 2.0 Act takes the space infrastructure challenges head-on, bringing everyone together to modernize the Cape. Florida built the model for a thriving commercial space industry, and with leaders like Senator Moody, we'll keep Florida and our nation first in the space economy," said Rob Long, Col. USSF (Ret.), president and CEO, Space Florida

BACKGROUND:

• The Space Ready 2.0 Act 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.
• In June of this year, the NASA Office of Inspector General released a report on the overall state of NASA's launch infrastructure, finding that Kennedy Space Center is utilizing infrastructure from the 1960s-dating back to the Apollo mission era-and that the facilities lack the capacity to meet the demands of the current climate. The report estimates that NASA needs $1 billion in upgrades for Artemis launches.
• Senator Moody is committed to supporting Florida's Space Coast.
• Senator Moody secured the passage of her 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 also introduced the CAPE Canaveral Act to relocate NASA headquarters to Florida's Space Coast where it belongs.

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