Space Florida President Testifies at Senate Space, Aeronautics and Related Sciences Subcommittee Hearing

Field hearing held at Port Canaveral to prepare for the workforce transition at NASA Kennedy Space Center

Space Florida, the principal organization charged by the Florida legislature with promoting and developing Florida's aerospace industry, participated in a field hearing today held at the Cape Canaveral Port Authority. Steve Kohler, president of Space Florida, addressed Senators Nelson and Martinez regarding actions that Space Florida is taking to help address the workforce transition expected at Kennedy Space Center in 2010 when the Space Shuttle program comes to an end.

"Space Florida is uniquely positioned to advocate for the space industry because of the tools provided to us by the State of Florida," said Kohler. "Space Florida's workforce initiatives are focused on bringing new government and private sector opportunities to the State of Florida."

Space Florida is working directly with organizations such as the Brevard Workforce Development Board, Inc., Workforce Florida, the United States Air Force, industry stakeholders and local economic development organizations to help bridge the gap between the shuttle retirement program and the advent of NASA's Constellation program.

Specifically, commercial space development will play a key role in the retention of and transition of industry related jobs. Space Florida is engaged in numerous projects related to future launch complex development, establishing enhanced usage agreements with commercial companies with vertical and horizontal launch capabilities, and creating prospective trade and enterprise zones. Commercial research and development investments being made by Space Florida are designed to help mitigate the effects of the Shuttle retirement.

Several successes in recent months include partnerships with Space X and SPACEHAB, Inc. "Space Florida is working with companies such as Space X and SPACEHAB, Inc., on a variety projects to deliver cargo to the International Space Station (ISS) in the future," said Kohler. "We are working diligently to establish a space-based biotech corridor that stretches from the ISS to the Space Life Sciences Lab located here at Kennedy Space Center. These research and development opportunities will lead to job growth and new commercial partnerships here in Brevard County and around the State."

About Space Florida: Space Florida was created to strengthen Florida's position as the global leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration and commerce. As Florida's aerospace development organization, we are committed to attracting and expanding the next generation of space industry businesses. With its highly trained workforce, proven infrastructure and unparalleled record of achievement, Florida is the ideal location for aerospace businesses to thrive - and Space Florida is the perfect partner to help them succeed. www.spaceflorida.gov.

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