Senator Moody Proposes Creation of U.S. Space Academy in Florida—America’s Launchpad to the Stars

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Senator Ashley Moody is proposing legislation to bring the newly-established U.S. Space Academy to Florida-the launchpad of American aerospace innovation. Last week, President Trump signed an Executive Order establishing the United States Space Academy, and Senator Moody is announcing that she will file legislation when the Senate floor reopens to solidify Florida as the Space Academy's new home.

"The newly established United States Space Academy belongs in Florida - America's launchpad to the stars. That's why the first thing I'll do when I'm back in Washington is introduce legislation to bring the academy home to Florida-ensuring our nation's next generation of space leaders is educated, trained, and prepared for a future in the final frontier right here on Florida's Space Coast," said Senator Ashley Moody.

BACKGROUND

• The newly announced U.S. Space Academy will be for students looking to enter the U.S. Space Force, and it will also serve NASA and the civilian spaceflight industry.
• Senator Moody has a staunch record supporting Florida's Space Coast, where launches have increased by over 500% since 2016.
• 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.
• Senator Moody also introduced the CAPE Canaveral Act to relocate NASA headquarters to Florida's Space Coast-where it belongs.
• 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.

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