ORLANDO, FL (December 1, 2011) – The first annual U.S. States and Federal Government Space Forum was held November 29-30 in Orlando. This first-of-its kind event was led by the Eisenhower Center for Space and Defense Studies of the United States Air Force Academy and sponsored by Space Florida.

As part of this event, conducted under Chatham House Rule, The Eisenhower Center facilitated discussions to enhance working relationships between Federal and State governments to advance U.S. capabilities within the various sectors of the space enterprise in today’s constrained fiscal environment.

Participants included:

* Representatives from Federal space-related agencies including NASA, the Department of Defense, FAA and the Department of Homeland Security
* Lt. Governors of Florida and Alaska
* State Legislators and industry representatives from Alabama, Alaska, California, Florida, Virginia, Massachusetts, New York, and Ohio
* And representatives from launch services companies such as SES, SpaceX and United Launch Alliance

“This event was meant to gather individuals from industry and government – those who had expertise in Federal and State policy formation – to discuss ways to increase productive engagement regarding space-related issues in the coming months and years,” noted Space Florida President Frank DiBello. “We were extremely pleased with the results of this initial forum and look forward to facilitating in a similar event in 2012.”

During the forum, panels addressed topics including:

* The current and future role of states in supporting, enabling and providing space-related/enabled goods and services from space to the public
* Opportunities and barriers to implementing national space policy through increased Federal and State collaboration
* The need for Federal/State efforts to directly address loss of the space industrial base, products and services to offshore entities

Additional panels were also held to address issues specific to launch services providers, satellite manufacturers and universities/academia.

Participants concluded there are specific opportunities for joint and collaborative initiatives that can be pursued jointly in the near-term, for the betterment of the citizens of the States and the U.S.

Prior to a second annual event, participants concluded an “update session” would be held in conjunction with the National Space Symposium (April 2012) in Colorado Springs.

A summary of the key policy ideas and initiatives discussed at the forum is currently being compiled by the Eisenhower Center for Space and Defense Studies and will be published within 90 days at the Center’s website: http://www.usafa.edu/df/dfe/dfer/centers/ecsds/.

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.

Contacts:

Tracy Hicks
Eisenhower Center
719-333-8245
tracy.hicks.ctr@usafa.edu

Tina Lange, APR
Space Florida Communications
321-223-1013
tlange@cfl.rr.com