Brevard Congressman Mike Haridopolos Appointed to Lead Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee

Will advocate relocating NASA’s headquarters from Washington to the Space Coast

WASHINGTON, DC – Florida’s Space Coast has gained a significant advocate in Congress as newly elected Representative Mike Haridopolos of Indian Harbor Beach has been appointed chair of the Congressional Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics.

“I am truly honored to Chair this important committee,” said Haridopolos.

This subcommittee, operating under the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, oversees agency budgets exceeding $42 billion and plays a critical role in shaping space policy and initiatives.

Haridopolos’ leadership is particularly significant for Brevard County, given his deep understanding of the area’s economic dependence on the space industry. His position ensures that local interests are well represented in national space policy discussions.

He takes over the role from Texas Congressman Mike Babin, who recently assumed leadership of the full Science, Space, and Technology Committee.

During his first address in the House since his election on November 5, Haridopolos, representing Florida’s 8th Congressional District, expressed excitement about the growing momentum of the space program. He highlighted the increasing number of launches from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Kennedy Space Center.

“Last year was a record-setting one for the Space Coast, with 93 successful launches lighting up our skies,” Haridopolos stated.

“And already in 2025, five launches have taken place, showing that America’s new golden age of space exploration is in full swing,” he added.

Although it is rare for a freshman legislator to hold such an influential position, Haridopolos brings extensive experience, having represented the Space Coast in the Florida Senate from 2003 to 2012, including a term as Senate president from 2010 to 2012, as well as serving in the Florida House of Representatives from 2000 to 2003.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for our community, and I’m excited about the progress we can achieve at Kennedy Space Center,” he said. “It’s an incredible honor, and I see great potential ahead.”

Haridopolos was Florida Senate President when the space shuttle program ended, causing economic challenges for Brevard County. In response, he and fellow state lawmakers directed funding toward economic development initiatives and enacted policies to attract aerospace and technology firms.

“We made strategic investments and adapted regulations to encourage businesses to stay and grow here,” Haridopolos explained. “At the time, the future was uncertain, but those efforts are clearly yielding results today.”

WATCH: Rep. Mike Haridopolos recognized the state champion Cocoa Tigers football team on the House floor.

The increased frequency of SpaceX missions and the recent successful test of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket demonstrate the Space Coast’s resurgence as a center for spaceflight and technology.

“As NASA has shown, both public and private sectors have vital roles in space exploration,” Haridopolos noted. “While we anticipate future Artemis missions, we also need dependable ways to send people and technology into space. Fortunately, commercial space companies are driving much of this progress.”

Haridopolos has advocated relocating NASA’s headquarters from Washington, D.C., to the Space Coast, pointing out that only a tiny portion of the Washington DC office is actively used, making relocation a practical option.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has expressed similar views, arguing that the headquarters is underutilized.

“The first step is gaining leadership consensus that NASA should move,” Haridopolos said.

“There’s little reason for the headquarters to remain in Washington when it would be more practical to position it where space operations are actively happening.”

Haridopolos hopes to gain support from President Donald Trump, who endorsed Haridopolos for Florida’s 8th Congressional District last year.  Haridopolos entered the race to succeed retiring Rep. Bill Posey, who had represented the district since 2008.

The 8th Congressional District covers Brevard, Indian River, and part of Orange Counties.

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