Press Releases

Washington, DC – April 13, 2022....Congressional members of the Arkansas and Oklahoma delegations today released the following statements after Canoo, a high-tech advanced mobility company with announced headquarters in Northwest Arkansas and factories in Oklahoma, was officially chosen by NASA to produce vehicle transport for astronauts during the future Artemis mission to the Moon.

Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) said, “From Arkansas to the Moon. That is exactly what will be happening in the Third District as Canoo brings its operations to the region. Ingenuity is a cornerstone of our state’s success, and astronauts part of the Artemis mission will one day be moved by vehicles manufactured in Bentonville. Proud to know the next age of space exploration is being supported by the Natural State.” 

Senator John Boozman (R-AR) said, “Arkansas is proud to play a role in moving us into the next generation of space exploration. We are familiar with the amazing talent in the region and the unique capabilities of our workforce, and soon it will be on display for the whole world to see. I’m excited our state is in the driver’s seat to deliver astronauts to the Moon.”

Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) said, “Arkansas is at the forefront of technology and innovation, so it’s fitting that Canoo, headquartered in Bentonville, has been chosen by NASA for this important mission. I’m proud of the Arkansans working with Canoo, and I look forward to the exciting things to come.”

Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-2) said, “Oklahoma has a long history of supporting space exploration. I am thrilled another Oklahoma company is building on this legacy. The Second District is grateful for Canoo’s investment in Oklahoma, and I am certain their partnership with NASA will bring even more innovation and opportunity to the Sooner state.”

Congressman Kevin Hern (OK-1) said, “Oklahomans are playing an important role in the future of space travel. I’m proud to have innovative and entrepreneurial companies like Canoo working in our state, and I look forward to seeing Canoo vehicles at Artemis mission launches in the future!”

Congresswoman Stephanie Bice (OK-5) said, “It’s an absolute honor that America’s next chapter in space will be supported by Oklahomans. I thank NASA for recognizing our great state as a vital component of their next giant leap to the Moon.”

NASA’s Artemis program will lead humanity forward to the Moon and prepare us for the next giant leap, the exploration of Mars. The initiative will land the first woman and next man on the Moon by 2024, using innovative technologies to explore more of the lunar surface than ever before. Canoo will supply the crew transportation vehicles that will bring astronauts to the launch pad for the Artemis Moon missions.

The project will engage employees across Canoo’s locations in Arkansas and Oklahoma, with vehicle manufacturing in Bentonville, Arkansas. The Natural State has a strong research and development ecosystem. Other NASA programs being supported locally include the work of Ozark Integrated Circuits and research at the University of Arkansas.

Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

womack.house.gov

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