Earlier today, the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC) and Space Florida hosted NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine for an industry leader’s roundtable discussion. James Frederick “Jim” Bridenstine was nominated by President Donald Trump, confirmed by the U.S. Senate, and sworn in as NASA’s 13th administrator on April 23, 2018.
Representatives from aerospace companies discussed the significant role Brevard County and Kennedy Space Center hold in future aerospace programs. The roundtable consisted of an open dialogue bringing awareness to the aerospace industry on the Space Coast and outlining the support needed to remain competitive.
With the diversification of the aerospace industry over the last decade, not only can companies launch rockets from the Space Coast, now they can also perform engineering, manufacturing, assembly, testing, and landing of their spacecraft from this convenient location.
“The future of the Kennedy Space Center is vastly changing as new technologies are developed and milestones are reached within the industry. Today’s roundtable is one of many steps we are taking to open the door to a meaningful dialogue with NASA Administrator Bridenstine,” stated Lynda Weatherman, president & CEO, Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast. “The EDC and this county will continue to work closely with NASA and our industry partners to ensure discussion continues with leadership.”
“Today’s industry roundtable with Administrator Bridenstine was a valuable tool to listen to programs, progress, challenges and opportunities for a future renaissance in space,” said Space Florida President Frank DiBello. “Florida’s ability to partner in enabling infrastructure for that renaissance will free up much-needed NASA and Air Force resources so that they may focus on their primary missions of space exploration and the nation’s defense. This state looks forward to partnering with NASA, the Air Force and the FAA in bringing state and private sector capital to the future development of needed spaceport infrastructure.”
Panelists participating in today’s roundtable include:
· Joe Mayer, Director, Government Relations – FL, Lockheed Martin Space
· Bill Posey, U.S. Congressman- District 8
· Robert Cabana, Colonel, USMC, Ret, Center Director, Kennedy Space Center
· Jim Bridenstine, NASA Administrator
· Brig. General Wayne Monteith, Commander, 45th Space Wing
· John Mulholland, Vice President and Program Manager, Commercial Crew Program, The Boeing Company
· Scott Henderson, Vice President, Test and Flight Operations, Blue Origin
· Jules Schneider, Senior Manager, Orion Assembly, Integration & Production, Lockheed Martin Space
· Trip Harriss, Manager, Launch Site Mission Management, SpaceX
· Jeff Foote, Vice President, NASA Programs, Propulsion Systems Division
· John Timmermann, General Council, One Web Satellites
· Gary Wentz, Vice President, Government and Commercial Programs, United Launch Alliance
· Janet Nickloy, Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, Space & Intelligence Systems, Harris Corporation
· Wayne E. Justice, RADM, USCG, Ret., Port Commissioner, District 3, Chairman, Canaveral Port Authority
· Andrew M. Allen, VP and General Manager, Jacobs – Test and Operations Support Contract
· Lynda Weatherman, President and CEO, EDC of Florida’s Space Coast
· Frank DiBello, President, Space Florida
About the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast
The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC) is dedicated to attracting new business and investment and expanding existing industry throughout the Space Coast, influencing change on government laws and regulations affecting economic development, promoting the Space Coast to encourage new investment, supporting efforts of Space Coast military installations, and relaying new programs and procedures to assist manufacturing and high-tech companies. The EDC is a private, not-for-profit coalition whose stakeholders are business leaders committed to the economic growth and stability of Florida’s Space Coast. Visit www.SpaceCoastEDC.org.
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.
