Nasa’s Artemis II mission is set for liftoff at 6:24 p.m. ET on Wednesday from Kennedy Space Center’s Complex 39B, with four astronauts—three Americans and one Canadian—heading to the moon for the first time since 1972. The launch, dependent on weather and technical checks, will be a symbolic milestone for the Space Coast, which has seen a slow but steady resurgence since the 2011 end of Nasa’s space shuttle program. Local officials and residents describe the moment as ‘at the doorstep of the future,’ with the region now home to more than 150 active space-related companies. The Space Coast’s economy cratered after the shuttle program’s cancellation, leaving thousands of KSC workers jobless and local businesses struggling. Property values dropped sharply, and for years, Cape Canaveral and Titusville felt like ghost towns. But the arrival of Nasa’s Commercial Crew Program in the 2010s, along with private sector investment from companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin, began reversing the trend. Today, the region employs over 30,000 people in aerospace and defense, with a growing population and rising property prices. The Artemis mission represents more than just a step toward a lunar base and future Mars exploration—it’s a culmination of 15 years of local effort to rebuild. Titusville Mayor Jerry Lundergan said the community has ‘worked tirelessly to ensure the Space Coast remains a hub for innovation.’ The city, once known for its fishing industry, now hosts the Florida Space Coast Business Park, which has attracted firms like Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin. While the launch is a major event, challenges remain. Nasa’s Artemis program has faced delays and budget issues, and the region’s reliance on federal funding leaves it vulnerable. But for many, the mission is proof that the Space Coast’s best days are ahead. ‘This isn’t just about space,’ said Kathy Hensel, a Titusville resident who worked at KSC for 20 years. ‘It’s about our community finally getting the recognition it deserves.’