Writer: Chérie Lynn Canada
3 min read March 2024 — Florida’s Space Coast closed out 2023 with 72 launches, a record year, according to aerospace economic development agency Space Florida.
The boosted launch activity signals the state’s interest in becoming a global leader in aerospace research and investment, serving as a launchpad for leading aerospace companies. Supported by Space Florida, businesses can thrive in the burgeoning space economy or aerospace sector in Florida due to established infrastructure, workforce readiness, and an ideal location.
“One of the most critical nodes of space transportation is in the state of Florida,” Space Florida President & CEO Rob Long told Invest:. “I liken it to other geographically-unique locations like the Panama Canal. We can leverage our partnerships with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and the U.S. Space Force teams to identify what space transportation of the future looks like.”
Redefining economic exchange, Space Florida’s efforts to develop international commercial transportation through space commerce involve normalizing space as a viable mode of transportation akin to air, land, and sea. While the focus has been on traveling to and from space, the next phase involves exploring the transportation of goods through space. Existing frameworks from other industries provide a roadmap for space as the next frontier in transportation.
There are currently around 150 projects in the pipeline across the state, according to Space Florida. Leveraging key partnerships between organizations such as Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center provides an opportunity for launch activity and other projects.
Amazon’s Project Kuiper is an initiative to enhance global broadband access using 3,236 satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) to increase access to broadband for underserved communities across the globe, and its facility sits right on the Space Coast. Its website states, “The agreements comprise the largest commercial procurement of launch capacity in history, and support thousands of suppliers and highly skilled jobs across the U.S. and Europe.”
The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast works to increase recognition of the region as an innovation hub in the aerospace industry, cybersecurity, aviation, avionics, defense, and more. The phrase “Tomorrow Launches Here” tells the world what Florida’s Space Coast represents. This year could see 111 launches by the end of the year, according to the EDC.
Florida’s Space Coast provides a unique opportunity for businesses and investors. According to the EDC, the region spans 72 miles, boasting more linear waterways than any other region — thanks to its beaches, the Indian River, and the Banana River. The St. Johns River is a natural green belt between the coast and Orlando.
“Until now, the focus has been traveling to and from space, but over time we will want to start considering what it is like to transport things through and in space,” said Long. “Our intention is to start looking now at all of the frameworks that are currently out there in other industries’ modes of transportation. These can be applied to space and we can structure the framework that is beneficial to the growth of the industry.”
Top image via Visit Space Coast
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