Florida Senator Ashley Moody is advocating for the proposed U.S. Space Academy to be established in Florida, citing the state’s vibrant space industry. During a news conference on September 8, Moody emphasized, "Choose Florida. The rockets are already launching here. The scientists, engineers, students and skilled workers are already here."

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Stoke Space is making progress toward launching its medium-lift Nova Pathfinder rocket from Cape Canaveral, targeting a launch in 2027. The company recently secured funding for its next upgrade, the larger Nova Block 2 rocket, as it prepares for operations from the renovated Launch Complex 14.

SpaceX is set for a Falcon 9 launch on September 13, following a quieter period after Starlink missions. This upcoming launch, titled 'SpaceX mPOWER-F,' will deploy communication satellites for SES, which has confirmed that the last three O3b mPOWER satellites have arrived at Cape Canaveral, bringing the total in medium Earth orbit to 13.

In related developments, Space Florida has authorized up to $277 million in fiscal agreements and potential bond financing to support projects by various space companies, including Relativity Space, Blue Origin, and SpaceX. Space Florida President Rob Long commented on the extensive work occurring in the area during a board meeting on September 10.

In other news, a Chinese man has been charged with federal crimes after flying a drone within 1.56 miles of NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The incident took place on July 25, and the individual, Xiaodong He, was operating the drone over restricted airspace near Artemis launch pad 39B.

NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman and Victor Glover, who flew on the historic Artemis II mission in April, are retiring from spaceflight and transitioning to new roles within and outside NASA.

Additionally, NASA has partnered with the NFL to showcase aeronautics and space exploration at select football games this season. The agency plans to feature astronauts and perform aircraft flyovers at a minimum of four games through mid-October.

Following President Trump’s proposal for the U.S. Space Academy, Florida leaders quickly sent a letter urging its location in the state, known for its history in space exploration. Their lobbying efforts reflect Florida’s longstanding association with rocket launches.

On September 13, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, carrying SES’s final three O3b mPOWER satellites into medium-Earth orbit.