A resolution commemorating the 40th anniversary of the inaugural flight of Space Shuttle Atlantis and recognizing Kennedy Space Center for its economic, educational, and cultural contributions to the State of Florida and the United States.

Whereas the Space Shuttle Program, operated by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (referred to in this preamble as NASA) from 1981 to 2011, completed 135 missions over 30 years, enabling construction of the International Space Station, deployment of iconic satellites like the Hubble Space Telescope, and breakthroughs in space science and technology;
Whereas Space Shuttle Atlantis embarked on its inaugural mission (STS–51–J) on October 3, 1985, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, inaugurating a storied career of 33 missions that advanced the leadership of the United States in space;
Whereas the Space Shuttle Program represented a transformative workforce effort, employing tens of thousands of engineers, technicians, and contractors on Florida’s Space Coast and across the United States, serving as a cornerstone of Brevard County, Florida’s economy for 3 decades;
Whereas NASA’s Kennedy Space Center served as the exclusive launch site for every space shuttle mission, including the 33 launches of Atlantis, making Florida the epicenter of human spaceflight during the shuttle era;
Whereas NASA continues to leverage the shuttle-era infrastructure, workforce expertise, and public inspiration to power the Artemis program, which will return astronauts to the Moon and prepare for human missions to Mars;
Whereas the Space Shuttle Program pioneered reusability in spaceflight, landing orbiters on runways, and reshaping the future of human space exploration by demonstrating routine access to space;
Whereas NASA’s Kennedy Space Center remains a key driver of Florida’s aerospace economy, supporting tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs and contributing billions annually to the State’s economy, building on the Space Shuttle Program’s legacy of economic vitality;
Whereas Atlantis is displayed at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as a one-of-a-kind educational and inspirational exhibit for future generations;
Whereas the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, operated on behalf of NASA by Delaware North, serves more than 1,500,000 guests annually, providing immersive STEM education and commemorative experiences;
Whereas the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, a $100,000,000, 90,000-square-foot marquee attraction that opened on June 29, 2013, offers more than 60 interactive experiences that inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers;
Whereas, in fiscal year 2021, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex generated approximately $148,300,000 in economic output, supported 1,390 jobs, and drew 960,000 visitors, demonstrating its continuing contribution to Florida’s economy; and
Whereas the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex serves as a national venue for remembrance, including NASA’s Day of Remembrance, reinforcing Florida’s role as steward of the human-spaceflight legacy of the United States: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate commemorates the year 2025 as the 40th anniversary of the inaugural flight of the Space Shuttle Atlantis and recognizes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Kennedy Space Center for its economic, educational, and cultural contributions to the State of Florida and the United States.