Countdown to Space Day: It's March 16 at the Capitol Complex

Mark your calendar: Florida Space Day will be March 16 at the Capitol.

With the space shuttle retirement later this year, it is imperative that government and industry work in partnership to continue to create a cohesive and successful vision for the future of space exploration, said Kevin Hoshstrasser, chairman for Florida Space Day 2011.

Hoshstrasser calls Florida Space Day "a milestone event that presents an opportunity to educate and bring top-of-mind awareness to Florida legislators on the significance of the aerospace industry and its impact on Floridas economy."

More than 400 aerospace companies employ 31,000 workers across Florida, but as the space shuttle program completes its final flight this year, the job losses could reach 21,000 direct and indirect jobs losses, according to Space Florida.

During Space Day, industry leaders and representatives will conduct legislative visits with House and Senate representatives to bring collaborative messages on space and aerospace initiatives and discuss pending legislation with policymakers.

Florida Space Day 2011 sponsors are Abacus Technology, ASRC Aerospace, Astrotech Space Operations, ATK Space Systems, The Boeing Co., Brevard Workforce, Delaware North, Dynamac Corp., URS, Economic Development Commission of Floridas Space Coast, InDyne, Inc., ITT, L-3 Communications, Lockheed Martin, Millennium Engineering and Integration, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc., QinetiQ North America, SAIC, Sierra Lobo, Space Florida, Space Gateway Support, Space Coast Launch Services, SpaceX, United Launch Alliance and United Space Alliance.

To learn more about Florida Space Day 2011, click here.


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