Florida Space Day 2009

 

Governor Crist "Space Day Proclamation"

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On March 4, 2009, key representatives from Florida’s space industry will visit Tallahassee to participate in Florida Space Day. The members of the Florida Space Day committee represent private companies, local, state and federal agencies, and academic institutions.  The goal of Florida Space Day is meet with legislators and discuss the challenges we face in ensuring Florida remains at the forefront of the nation’s space program.

 

Florida Space Day Calendar of Events

 

March 3, 2009

4:30 PM – Aerospace Presentation, IMAX theatre, Challenger Center

6:00 PM – State of the State Address by the Governor, Capitol

7:00 PM – Space Day Participants Reception, Challenger Center

 

March 4, 2009

All Day – FSD Committee members meet with Legislators

4:00 PM – Florida Space Day Reception, 22nd Floor, Capitol Building

8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Space Day Display and Astronaut visit and Autographs – 2nd Floor Rotunda

 

For Further information please contact us at info@floridaspaceday.com

"Reaffirming Florida as the World’s Frontier to Space"


State needs to advance future space opportunities

 

With the new presidential administration and an uncertain economy, the State of Florida more than ever needs to maintain and promote its status as the premier launch complex for space launch and space exploration.

 

More than 50 years ago, the launch of Sputnik 1 caught us by surprise, and a few months later we followed with the successful launch of Explorer 1, the first Earth-orbiting satellite for the United States. 

 

Today we have ample warning.  We have international competitors quickly approaching to assume the lead in space exploration. China, Russia, India and the European Union have demonstrated their ability to launch satellites into orbit and are striving to develop the capabilities to explore the moon and Mars.

 

We must maintain Florida’s leadership in space as we move forward to send men and women back to the moon and beyond. In order to do this we must work to reduce the gap after the shuttle program concludes in 2010 and the introduction of the Constellation program.  During the gap, NASA will have to rely on the Russian Space Program to support the International Space Station.

 

The aerospace industry represents billions of dollars each year in economic impact to the state and employs thousands of residents in nearly all of our state’s 67 counties. We need to continue to support this industry to attract high value research and development, expand space industry business, boost commercial launch opportunities and provide employment assistance for keeping a highly skilled workforce in place. Most of all, support math and science educational programs that inspires students interest in aerospace and space exploration.

 

Today my friends and colleagues in the space industry will join me in visiting state leaders at the capitol to convey a unified message of preserving Florida’s vital commercial aerospace industry and workforce.  We will reaffirm and advance the future of space exploration and continue the journey not only for our state, but for the entire nation.

 

Support from the space business for this important visit to our State’s capital has never been greater. Our industry-wide unified goal in Tallahassee is to bring to the forefront the critical issues we are facing, as well as the importance the space industry can serve as an answer to the economic challenges we face and keeping space a priority in the overall Legislative agenda.

 

Florida Space Day is a significant event that offers an opportunity to educate and highlight to Florida legislators the significance of the aerospace industry and its impact on Florida’s economy.

 

We hope that more of you will educate yourself on the amazing spin-offs space brings that impacts your lives daily and the economic value of this asset to the state – an asset we cannot afford to lose.

 

Greg Pavlovich is the Vice President of SAIC at Kennedy Space Center, Fla. He is this year’s honorary chairman of Florida Space Day 2009.