Pursue Commercial Opportunities in Space: Space Florida Editorial

By Steve Kohler, Posted 01/07/09

Link: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/opinion/orl-goalkohler1-123008,0,5808614....

With satellite-related consumer services increasing, like GPS navigation, satellite TV and radio, there will be more interest in launching new generations of satellites from locations like Florida. Less obvious are opportunities for space-related applications to life sciences, biotech and pharmaceuticals. Space Florida intends to pursue such partnerships in 2009. They also intend to build a launch complex at Cape Canaveral, which should be ready for its first customer by fall 2010. Discussions with commercial launch providers are underway. Finally, in 2009, they will work with legislators to designate launch- and payload-processing facilities affiliated with Cape Canaveral Air Force Station as part of a “commercial launch zone” to extend tax benefits, like those of a free trade zone, to customers. This should give Florida an advantage in attracting commercial space interests as the Shuttle heads for retirement.