EXPLORATION PARK, FL (July 6, 2017) – Space Florida is pleased to welcome Vice President Mike Pence, his staff, accompanying guests and the flight crew of Air Force Two to Space Florida’s Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF). This is the first time an aircraft designated either Air Force One or Two has landed on the SLF since 2015 when it became a resource of the State of Florida, as part of a successful partnership with NASA and the FAA, enabling emergence of the future Cape Canaveral Spaceport.
Just recently, the X-37 became the first spacecraft to return to earth on the SLF under Space Florida control, marking what will soon become more commonplace, along with future commercial spaceflight operations at the SLF. Today’s event further reflects the changing array of civil, commercial and national security activities as part of the new landscape of spaceflight and governance partnership at the Cape.
As a former Governor of Indiana, with an aggressive vision for new and bold approaches to solving the nation’s infrastructure challenges, the Vice President will no doubt appreciate the power of States to access private capital markets to assist sustaining and modernizing the nation’s fundamental space infrastructure to maintain leadership in this crucial industry. We look forward to his support for the increasing role of the States in formulating and implementing policies affecting the nation’s future space activities, which are increasingly and inevitably more commercial.
The Vice President’s visit to Florida comes less than one week after the White House announced the reactivation of the National Space Council under his leadership. Space Florida congratulates the Vice President on this role and applauds the creation of a Users’ Advisory Group to obtain input from the private sector and other non-federal entities. Space Florida looks forward to engaging with the National Space Council under the Vice President’s leadership.
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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 and spaceport development authority, 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
About Cape Canaveral Spaceport: The Cape Canaveral Spaceport, at which Space Florida has an operational spaceport authority role, is the premiere transportation hub for global space commerce. Space Florida oversees management and operation of key elements of Florida’s existing space transportation capability including the Shuttle Landing Facility and Launch Complex 46. Those Cape Canaveral Spaceport capabilities are enabled by safe and secure operations across a broad landscape of space activities.
