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Cape Canaveral’s proximity to the equator means the Earth’s spin — roughly 914 mph here — is stronger than up the eastern seaboard. That momentum gives rockets an extra boost as they break the bonds of Earth, saving precious fuel. Through triumph and tragedy and decades of economic booms and busts, the cape has remained Florida’s constant competitive advantage.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Apollo 17, the last time man walked on the moon. In mythology, Artemis is Apollo’s twin and goddess of the moon, and when the U.S. declared its new goal to return humans to the moon, the name personified a bold ambition to create a sustainable presence in space for launching missions to Mars and beyond. To accomplish this audacious endeavor, a constellation of private companies and academic researchers is partnering in the effort and, once again, energizing Florida’s economic evolution.
