MOUs Expected to be Signed in UK and Spain Next Week
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL (October 7, 2011) – Next week, Florida Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll, Chair of the Space Florida Board and Space Florida President Frank DiBello will travel to the UK and Spain to meet with leadership of both countries to discuss enhanced business opportunities. Significant activities include a meeting with members of the British Parliament regarding space policy, as well as formalizing Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) to enhance partnerships in the areas of small satellite development, agricultural biotech and genetics, research on aging and intervention to promote the health of older adults.
Monday through Wednesday, a Florida-based team led by Lt. Gov. Carroll and Mr. DiBello – and including Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Janet Petro and L2 Aerospace CEO and space industry advisor General (Ret.) Lance Lord – will be joined by OBE Kevin McGurgan, British Consul General, as they meet with Alistair Burt MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and other senior members of Parliament to discuss joint economic and space policy issues. In addition, Lt. Gov. Carroll will meet with representatives of Cella Energy, which recently established U.S. subsidiaries and will be moving employees into Florida within several months.
Space Florida signed an MOU last year with UKTI (UK Trade & Investment Group) that resulted in the recent announcement of funding for UK-based Cella Energy to build hydrogen storage facilities at KSC. This visit represents the next step in fostering additional, long-term partnerships with UK-based aerospace companies to serve as a catalyst for growth in both markets.
During their UK visit, Lt. Gov. Carroll and Mr. DiBello will also meet with representatives of Astrium and ADS Group Ltd. – the only UK-based trade organization recognized by the UK government as the association responsible for advancing the UK aerospace, defense and security industries. ADS encompasses the British Aviation Group (BAG) and also claims Farnborough International Unlimited (organizer of the Farnborough International Air Show) as a wholly owned subsidiary. Other activities include a symposium at the Royal Aeronautical Society with UK and Florida companies and a tour of Harwell, England facilities including Rutherford Appleton Laboratories and the International Space Innovation Centre (ISIC), where the Florida delegation will meet with Keith Mason, Science and Technology Facilities Council CEO, and Barbara Ghinelli, Executive Chair of ISIC. All activities will be focused on increased business opportunities between the UK and Florida companies.
On Thursday and Friday, the Florida team will travel to Spain to meet with INTA, the Spanish Public Research Organization specializing in aerospace research and technology development. INTA’s purpose is to acquire, maintain and approve Spanish technologies with aerospace applications. It is anticipated that a MOU will be signed between the State of Florida and INTA during this visit. Lt. Gov. Carroll also is also expected to sign an MOU with the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation for a broader relationship research on aging and agricultural biotech.
“International trade and cooperation is key to growing Florida’s economy and creating jobs,” said Lt. Governor Carroll. “Space, aerospace, science and technology are growing sectors in the world marketplace and these sectors are part of Florida’s economic culture and industrial strengths and an area where Governor Scott and I will continue to work to create good, high-wage jobs,” concluded Lt. Governor Carroll.
“International aerospace-related markets hold great potential for growth in Florida,” noted Space Florida President Frank DiBello. “We look forward to expanding existing relations with the UK and Spain during this exciting trade mission.”
Space Florida will release formal announcements for any agreements signed during the UK and Spain missions next week. Twitter updates will also be provided through @spaceflorida.
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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 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
