CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida – Representatives from Florida’s aerospace industry will visit Tallahassee on March 6, 2013, to participate in Florida Space Day 2013 and share with legislators opportunities the industry brings to Florida and the nation’s space program.
According to Space Florida, Florida Space Day is a milestone event that presents an opportunity to educate and bring top of mind awareness to Florida legislators on the significance of the aerospace industry and its impact on Florida’s economy. Space Florida estimates that Florida only captures 3% of the $250 billion global space industry market.
Former NASA Astronaut Bob Crippen, pilot of the first orbital test flight of the Shuttle program and former NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Director, will be making appearances throughout the event. Space-related exhibits will also be available on the third floor rotunda of the Capitol.
“Florida is home to nearly 450 aerospace companies that employ 31,000 professionals,” said Don M. White Jr., chairman of Florida Space Day 2013. “This year’s event is critical, as the state’s space industry looks to expand and diversify its space-related and non-traditional opportunities.”
During Space Day, industry leaders and other aerospace supporters will meet with House and Senate members, as well as with Florida’s Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll, to discuss the state’s $8 billion space industry and determine the best strategies for leveraging this market for Florida’s benefit in the years ahead.
“We want Florida to continue its aggressive stance to create a robust atmosphere for space business,” White added.
Brevard County companies are among the Florida Space Day participants which include:
Abacus Technology Corporation, AECOM, ASRC Aerospace Corporation, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, Astrotech Space Operations, ATK Space Systems, Bionetics, The Boeing Company, Brevard Workforce, Craig Technologies, CSR, Delaware North Companies, D3 Air & Space Operations Inc, Dynamac Corporation, Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Harris Corporation, Indyne, ITT Exelis, L2 Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, Millennium Engineering & Integration, National Space Society, Northrop Grumman Space Gateway Support, QinetiQ North America, SAIC, Space Coast Launch Services, Space Florida, SpaceX, United Launch Alliance and URS.