As SpaceX moves closer to the inaugural Falcon 9 launch from the Cape, it is a superb indicator of a commercial space future loaded with opportunities for Florida.  SpaceX’s successful test firing of the Falcon 9 engines a few weeks ago was a critical milestone and demonstrates that Florida is at a point where we need to prove out commercial capabilities – and this is certainly a positive step toward that goal.

In Space Florida’s Spaceport Master Plan, there are several projects proposed that specifically benefit commercial space interests in Florida. As part of that plan, we are promoting the following investments through the Florida Department of Transportation’s Five Year Work Program:

1. Four projects for Space X at Cape Canaveral, including storage, processing and refurbishment facilities for both the Falcon 9 launch vehicle and the Dragon Capsule
2. A Vertical Integration Facility (VIF) for United Launch Alliance (ULA) at Space Launch Complex 41
3. Three projects through the Jacksonville Aviation Authority at Cecil Field Spaceport pertaining to Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) facilities

As the State entity charged with attracting and expanding new aerospace businesses in Florida, we will continue to advocate aggressively for commercial growth.

In addition to achieving milestones like the Falcon 9 engine firing, Space X has played a vital role in the acceptance and growth of commercial space interests with the great support of the 45^th Space Wing and NASA Kennedy Space Center.  I am thankful to the Air Force and NASA leadership – and to companies like Space X and others – who continue to press forward to success and ensure Florida remains competitive in the changing global space marketplace.

Recently, I had the opportunity to present to the Florida Metropolitan Planning Organization Advisory Council (MPOAC), a powerful group that represents every MPO in the state. The response was equally as enthusiastic. Last fall, the MPOAC recognized our Spaceport Master Plan in a formal letter, written to the Secretary of Transportation. Among other things, this letter specifically asked for space travel to be considered as an important mode of transportation for the state of Florida. I believe this recognition is significant, in that it supports the notion that the State has a tremendous opportunity to take leadership in investing in space transportation improvements – specifically those detailed within our Spaceport Master Plan.

Meeting with Metropolitan Planning Organizations across the state is only one method of communicating the space industry’s important message here in Florida, but a critical one, nonetheless. I’m pleased to see the MPOs showing an increased and proactive interest in growing Florida’s commercial space industry at this critical time in Florida’s history.

In recent weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to brief a variety of Florida Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) on Space Florida’s 2010 Spaceport Master Plan. Specifically, I’ve used these forums to discuss recommendations Space Florida has, on behalf of the State, for infrastructure projects in the coming months and years. The MPOs serve a critical function for Florida, providing recommendations to the Department of Transportation (DoT) on which proposed infrastructure projects to support.

The “Multi-Modal Hub” concept relates to linking every mode of transportation from space to sea to rail to highway.  Members were unaware of the impact of the State’s legacy space transportation system and the creative efforts being made to enhance activities for the future of the Nation’s aerospace industry.

Two things became clear during my recent briefings. (1) These groups fully understand the importance of space to the health and well-being of Florida, our nation and the world. More importantly however, (2) the MPOs clearly recognized the need for a transportation-oriented effort to ensure Florida maintains its leadership in space through space infrastructure investment opportunities. It seems as though the idea of classifying space exploration and utilization as a transportation mode hadn’t been considered previously in State funding requests.

My early-January meeting with the Central Florida MPO Alliance was a tremendous win for the Florida Space industry. The announcement that Cecil Field received their FAA/AST launch site operator license spoke volumes concerning possibilities for Florida. The CFMPOA – which is made up of city government and county commission leaders, as well as regional transportation officials – had an enthusiastic response to both the Cecil announcement, and our Spaceport Master Plan.

In Brevard County, previous meetings with the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) resulted in a letter of support for our Exploration Park initiative and even proposed Resolution 10-10, encouraging the State to fund Exploration Park infrastructure. (Click here to see letter.)

On November 16, 2009, Space Florida hosted 30+ representatives from US space industry, including NASA-KSC and the 45^th Space Wing.   What a superb event that brought outstanding feedback from industry to shape the future of our efforts within Space Florida.  The purpose of the event, held at SAIC’s Cape Canaveral offices, was to share our current, intended concept of operations (CONOPS) for Space Launch Complexes  (SLC) 36 and 46 and seek input from industry on where they think Space Florida should put its efforts.  We shared with the representatives the status of our current planning for SLC_36 which can support liquid propellant launch vehicles.  We have progressed through many “get ready” tasks toward activation through the utilization of a conceptual “Generic Launch Vehicle” (GLV), developed to represent various types of rockets that may be utilized to fly from SLC-36.   For SLC-46, we wanted industry to be aware of how ready that facility is for operations.  With relatively minimal investment, that pad can be up and running for a solid propellant launch vehicle.  More importantly, we wanted to utilize the time to get feedback from these critical players regarding what Space Florida can do to make their lives easier while operating in Florida. We were fortunate to have real expertise from commercial companies such as SpaceX, United Launch Alliance, Orbital Sciences, ATK, Rocketplane Kistler, and others – that brought first-class oversight and recommendations to our efforts.

One of the key recommendations from our industry partners was for Space Florida to play a significant role in protecting infrastructure that may be excessed as the Shuttle program (and other DoD programs) approach retirement. This infrastructure is definitely viewed as a key asset for the future of launch and processing operations in Florida. Protecting these assets is certainly a critical focus for us, and we continue to dialogue with potential commercial users to make these facilities available when in the best interest of the industry and the nation.

There is no doubt in my mind that this CONOPS review was extremely valuable and validated key parts of current course of action.  I personally look forward to many future dialogs with these industry leaders to make sure Space Florida stays focused on the right things to keep Florida aerospace industry in the lead!