Is Florida Corning The American Space Market?

(Image: Ground breaking ceremonies for SpaceX's new Falcon 9 rocket launch facilities at Space Launch Complex 40, Cape Canaveral, Florida. Credit: SpaceX)

Ironically while the space tourism industry seems to be centered around the upcoming green spaceport in New Mexico, Florida is aligning itself with the major movers and shakers in the space industry.

After previously forming a partnership with Bigelow Aerospace, Florida has secured a future relationship with SpaceX (aka Space Exploration Technologies).

(Space Fellowship) Cape Canaveral FL – Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) held official ground breaking ceremonies today at Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, opening a new era in commercial space operations. SLC-40 will be the primary launch site for SpaceX's new Falcon 9 launch vehicle, with operations beginning in late 2008. [...]

"Initiating activities at the Cape in Florida is a major milestone in our mission to decrease the cost of reliable access to space," said Elon Musk, founder and CEO of SpaceX, at the ceremony.

"This is truly the beginning of a new era in commercial space in Florida and we are thrilled to help bring SpaceX to Florida" commented Space Florida CEO Steve Kohler, who also participated in the ceremony.

Florida is already home to the Kennedy Space Center, which has been responsible for most (if not all) of America's human space launches (at least in the public sector).

With SpaceX and Bigelow Aerospace looking towards the sun shine state as a launching pad, Florida may gain a strategic advantage (long term wise) over its other 49 brethren.



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