CAPE CANAVERAL SPACEPORT, Fla. (February 21, 2018) – This morning, Vice President Pence chaired the second meeting of the National Space Council at John F. Kennedy Space Center’s Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF) at the Cape Canaveral Spaceport. The role of the Council is to strengthen the United States leadership in space.
Today’s meeting, entitled, “Moon, Mars, and Worlds Beyond: Winning the Next Frontier,” included testimony from senior representatives from civil, commercial and national security space. The meeting addressed issues including regulatory, acquisition and export control reform, as well as space traffic management and spectrum. The Users’ Advisory Group was also introduced this morning, comprised of 29 individuals who will help to “foster close coordination, cooperation, and technology and information exchange” across the U.S. space enterprise.
The Vice President tasked NASA, the Department of Commerce, and the Department of State to work together to develop a framework for partnerships with the private sector and international partners, to be completed by the next Council meeting (anticipated Fall 2018).
“We were pleased to welcome Vice President Pence and members of the National Space Council to Florida and the Cape Canaveral Spaceport, the unequivocal leader in space exploration,” said Space Florida President and CEO Frank DiBello. “Recent commercial successes such as the SpaceX Falcon Heavy reinforce the importance of the National Space Council and its efforts in promoting America’s leadership in space exploration. I was especially encouraged by Vice President Pence’s assertions that this administration will encourage the government to be a partner and customer, rather than a competitor, and to be a tenant not a landlord in the future. I look forward to further engaging with the Council.”
On Tuesday, Vice President Pence and Air Force Two landed at Space Florida’s Shuttle Landing Facility ahead of a reception in honor of the National Space Council. The reception was held under the Space Shuttle Atlantis at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, and was co-sponsored by Space Florida, the Commercial Spaceflight Federation, the Coalition for Deep Space Exploration, Aerospace Industries Association and the America Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
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 premier 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 36 and 46. Those Cape Canaveral Spaceport capabilities are enabled by safe and secure operations across a broad landscape of space activities.
