The Changing Aerospace Landscape
Space exploration produces significant commercial and scientific spin-offs, which in turn play an important role in the lives of millions of people: satellite communications for global coverage, earth observations for weather forecasts, monitoring natural disasters, reconnaissance for better utilization of natural resources as well as exploitation of materials from the solar system.
Successful space programs have become an essential element of great power status. China, Japan, India and the European Union now have the independent capability to place satellites into orbit, including the indigenous production of the necessary launch vehicles. Their space programs are increasingly geared toward the moon and Mars. Several other countries - including Israel, South Korea, Brazil, Iran, Malaysia, Pakistan, Turkey and Taiwan - are at various stages of development of their own satellite production and launcher capabilities, striving to gain acceptance in the uppermost club.
We must continue to improve and strengthen our space program. The Shuttle program is scheduled to end in 2010 and the next phase of human space flight, Constellation will likely launch after 2015. During this five year space, NASA will rely on the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services and Foreign Space Programs to support the International Space Station (ISS). In order to preserve the vibrant commercial aerospace industry and Florida’s workforce, we must firmly position operations in Florida to capture the market of commercial launch business, and more importantly, service the International Space Station for NASA. The United States portion of ISS has been designated a National Lab and offers Florida not only space related support opportunities but also research opportunities in the unique space environment for Florida Universities and companies.
