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.

Summary

Recognizes and honors the history and legacy of NASA’s Space Shuttle Program (1981–2011), highlights Space Shuttle Atlantis’s long operational record, and affirms the role of Kennedy Space Center and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as economic, educational, and commemorative resources for Florida and the nation. The text cites Atlantis’s mission count and launch history, describes the Visitor Complex facility and attendance/economic figures, and notes current uses of shuttle-era assets in ongoing NASA programs. This is a ceremonial recognition that summarizes historical facts, local economic data, and the Visitor Complex’s role in education and remembrance; it does not create new programs or funding in the text provided.

• Formally recognizes the history and legacy of NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and Space Shuttle Atlantis.
• Highlights Kennedy Space Center as the exclusive shuttle launch site and an economic driver for Florida, including Brevard County.
• Describes the Atlantis exhibit at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and its size, cost, and interactive features.
• Presents Visitor Complex operational and economic figures, including FY2021 output, jobs supported, and visitor counts.
• Notes the Visitor Complex’s educational role and its use for remembrance events like the Day of Remembrance.
• Mentions reuse of shuttle-era assets to support current NASA programs such as Artemis.
• Functions as a ceremonial recognition rather than a funding or policy directive.