The Artemis 2 moon launch brought nearly 350,000 people to Florida's Space Coast, with the Kennedy Space Center and surrounding areas seeing a surge in visitors. The event, which marked the first crewed mission in NASA's Artemis program, drew crowds from across the country and around the world. Officials said the influx of visitors had a significant impact on local businesses, hotels, and restaurants. "It was overwhelming," said one local shop owner in Cocoa Beach. "We had lines out the door every day." The launch, which took place in late November, was the first of its kind since the Apollo missions in the 1970s. The Space Coast, home to NASA's Kennedy Space Center, has long been a hub for space exploration, but the Artemis 2 mission brought renewed attention to the region. Local leaders said the event highlighted the importance of the area's role in the future of space travel. "This is just the beginning," said a Brevard County official. "We’re excited to see what comes next."