State of Florida Partners with SPACEHAB to Launch New Biomedicine Advances on International Space Station National Laboratory

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (April 22, 2008) – Joining its historic role in space exploration with an innovative commitment to biotech research, the State of Florida will establish a space-based, biotech corridor that stretches from the International Space Station (ISS) to Earth-based Florida facilities and resources such as the Space Life Sciences Lab at NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC).

The announcement, which brings together Space Florida and SPACEHAB, Inc., was made at NASA’s Future Forum at the University of Miami BankUnited Center on April 18, 2008, establishing a new space-based industry destined to produce valuable products in Earth orbit that show great promise to save and enhance the lives of people on Earth.

"Florida is committed to fostering a thriving and diverse aerospace industry and is quickly becoming known as one of the nation’s top biotech centers," said Florida Governor Charlie Crist. "The partnership reinforces our dedication to the biotech industry. This is an exciting opportunity to stimulate progress in this new market and in Florida’s economy."

"This venture is a great example of how the space program in Florida is more than just launches from Cape Canaveral.  In fact, this particular sponsorship has the potential to bring benefits that reach across the state, the nation, and even the planet," added Space Florida President Steve Kohler. “There are tremendous opportunities for the private sector to actively participate in aerospace from Florida.  We recognize these, we encourage these, and will continue to support partnerships such as these, every way we can.”

"As evidence of the State’s commitment to promote this new industry, Space Florida has provided SPACEHAB with both financial backing and valuable research facilities, including the state owned Space Life Sciences Laboratory. SPACEHAB and the State of Florida are very excited about our partnership and we look forward to continuing this vital work that shows strong evidence towards quickly becoming a significant industry in space," said Thomas B. Pickens III, SPACEHAB Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Progress already is being made. SPACEHAB is working on the development of a space-based, microgravity, infectious disease research model, which was selected for immediate processing as it presented the most favorable conditions and potential for success.

"We’re excited to report that the infectious disease model flown on shuttle flight STS-123 in March 2008 was very successful and will launch again in May 2008 on the STS-124 mission to confirm the results,” said SPACEHAB President, Jim Royston.