BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — The Artemis II mission launched from Florida’s Space Coast on Wednesday night, drawing thousands of visitors to viewing areas across Brevard County.
Florida lawmakers described the historic launch as a major win for the local economy.
The high turnout occurred despite NASA moving the target launch date for the mission last month.
Local businesses reported a complex impact leading up to the liftoff.
A local hotel manager noted that there were hundreds of both bookings and cancellations after NASA moved the target launch date for Artemis II last month.
Despite the schedule change, hotels and roads remained crowded throughout the day of the launch.
Rep. Mike Haridopolos, who represents Brevard County, attended the event among the crowds at the Kennedy Space Center.
Haridopolos said that the mission and others like it show the Central Florida job market is growing.
He described the region as a leader in aerospace innovation.
The congressman also highlighted local efforts to prepare the workforce for the industry.
“We are training high school students to be space technicians because there is such demand for jobs here to create this new incredible space era,” Haridopolos said.
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