Space Florida: Leading in Space Commerce and the Future Lunar Economy EXPLORATION PARK, Fla.—Dec. 19, 2022— Space Florida, the state’s aerospace finance and development authority, closes out 2022 with approximately $5.5 billion of statewide capital investment in its 150-project strong pipeline. Space Florida continued to expand its role in commercial spaceport operations by supporting two commercial launches at SLC-46, the only active multi-user launch pad on the Cape, and enabling 3,500 total flight operations at Space Florida’s Launch and Landing Facility (LLF) - including the arrivals of SpaceX’s Crews 4 and 5, the successful return of the U.S. Space Force’s X-37B unmanned spaceplane, and delivery of the heatshield for Artemis III. Consciously innovating to further broaden the aerospace industrial base, Space Florida focused on diversifying the industry by working with new manufacturing operations across the supply chain as well as cutting-edge companies employing the industry’s top engineers and talent.
Frank DiBello, president and CEO, Space Florida, said, “With more than 55 launches, 1,500 payloads, and 1.2 million pounds of payload to orbit, renowned spaceports and a robust system of aerospace assets, there is no doubt that Florida is the hub for a global space economy. Space Florida's efforts, and the investment of Gov. Ron DeSantis, our board chair Lt. Governor Jeanette Nuñez, and our entire board, are driving statewide initiatives designed to advance aerospace technology assets and businesses within the supply chain, enabling cutting edge advancements in rockets and launch systems right here in the beautiful Sunshine State.“
From rejuvenating existing facilities like the Launch and Landing Facility to capital accelerator programs for early-stage companies - all critical components of fueling Florida’s robust space economy, we are attracting innovation that will build the next generation of rockets, satellites, and spacecraft, while launching, returning, refurbishing, and launching them again from right here within the state. Space Florida’s unique toolkit and investments makes us the place where leading aerospace companies get everything they need to see their new ideas take off.”
The 2022 Space Florida Launch and Landing Facility (LLF)
What was once a runway primarily used for government operations, the Space Florida Launch and Landing Facility (formerly the Shuttle Landing Facility) is being transformed into a gateway for aerospace innovation, exploration research, manufacturing, and testing. With the land within Space Florida’s Exploration Park nearing capacity and market demand accelerating, development at the LLF ensures Florida’s leadership in the space economy and exploration will continue, bringing new capabilities and customers to the busiest spaceport in the world.
SpaceX - Crew 4 & 5
On Florida’s Space Coast, teams from SpaceX waited patiently for the arrival of the astronauts as they readied for their mission on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon spacecraft. As Crew 4 and Crew 5 disembarked the transport aircraft this year, their boots hit the pavement of Space Florida’s Launch and Landing Facility where they began their journey to the International Space Station.
U.S. Space Force – X-37B
In the early morning hours of November 12, teams from the United States Air Force and Space Force worked to manage the successful return of the X-37B, the U.S. military’s classified spaceplane, to the Space Florida LLF after 908 days in orbit conducting experiments. This marked the third time the spaceplane has landed at this facility.
2022 LLF Milestones
Additional Space Florida Finance and Investment Milestones in 2022
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Media Contact
Anna Alexopoulos Farrar
Afarrar@spaceflorida.gov
954.647.7059
About Space Florida
Space Florida is where leading aerospace companies get everything they need to see their new ideas take off. As that state’s aerospace finance and development authority, Space Florida brings a mix of unrivaled experience, unmatched financial tools, and unbeatable location to the table by providing critical business financing opportunities for the aerospace industry, managing infrastructure investment in the state’s spaceport system, and facilitating research and development, workforce, education, and investment programs.
Email: info@spaceflorida.gov
Phone: (321) 730-5301
Alayna Curry
Director of Public Relations
Email: acurry@spaceflorida.gov
Phone: (407) 408-1766
Phone: (321) 730-5301
Odyssey Way, Suite 300
Exploration Park, Florida 32953
100 Space Port Way
Cape Canaveral, FL 32920