Florida's senators are right. Move NASA from Washington to Cape Canaveral
The move makes total sense. Since 1981, Florida has been the proud home of numerous space shuttle launches. Kennedy Space Center, which conducts research and development for the next era of space exploration, is located here. Cape Canaveral, the coastal geographic area, is deeply intertwined with the development of America's space program, starting back in the 1950s. Since 2015, Elon Musk's space technology company, SpaceX, also has had launch sites at both Port Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center.
Cape Canaveral was initially chosen as the site for the space center because the surrounding area was undeveloped, and the climate allowed for year-round operations. Cape Canaveral is expected to see over 150 rocket launches this year alone.
The infrastructure, talent and private-sector ecosystem are already here — so why shouldn't the agency's leadership be here too? It makes operational sense.
Supporters of the move include Rob Long, president of Space Florida, the aerospace economic development agency for the state, who said in Florida Today last month that moving NASA headquarters to Florida 'makes a lot of sense, if you think about it. Every NASA program that goes into space — (except) probably a handful of exceptions — has to come through Kennedy Space Center anyway to get to orbit. And so, why not move the headquarters here?'
Critics argue NASA should keep its headquarters in Washington to help ensure funding. But proximity to the nation's capital is hardly a guarantee of funding — just ask the Department of Education.
Moving the headquarters isn't about abandoning Washington. It's about bringing those who work in the headquarters closer to the heart of the space program. Decision-makers should be where the action is, not hundreds of miles away in a half-empty building — NASA's current D.C. headquarters has seen occupancy rates as low as 15%. The current lease in Washington is set to expire in 2028, and despite rumors, NASA has said it is 'not building a new headquarters.'
Aside from the symbolism of moving NASA's headquarters to the Sunshine State, this would be strategic, focusing on operational efficiency.
When Moody introduced the bill earlier this month, she called Florida 'the gateway to space,' and said the proposal would save tax dollars, 'encourage collaboration with private space companies, and tap into Florida's talented workforce to spur further innovation.'
Florida's past has been about space, and its future should be, too. Just this week, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the completion of the NASA Causeway Bridge near Titusville, which was built to accommodate wider, heavier cargo and support the growing needs of space program activities.
'Florida is committed to building the infrastructure the space industry needs to keep growing, and with these new bridges, Florida is more ready than ever to become home to NASA's new headquarters,' DeSantis said.
The Sunshine State has the infrastructure, the workforce and the track record to support NASA's next chapter. From rocket trails in the sky to a great business climate on the ground, Florida is where much of the space mission already happens.
It's time to align the agency's leadership with its launch point and bring NASA home to Florida.
Mary Anna Mancuso is a member of the Miami Herald Editorial Board. Her email: mmancuso@miamiherald.com
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