Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who announced his candidacy for president last week on a Twitter Spaces event hosted by Elon Musk, signed on Thursday (May 25) a spaceflight liability law that further protects SpaceX. Boeing and other space companies from being sued in the event people are injured or killed during spaceflights that launch from Florida.

Funding is provided through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, Space Florida and the Florida Department of Transportation

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Gov. Ron DeSantis PR) – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced $13 million in awards to the Jacksonville Aviation Authority new infrastructure at the Cecil Airport and Spaceport. This funding will support the construction of nearly two miles of roadway and extend the corresponding utilities to provide access to underdeveloped property located on the east side of Cecil Airport and Spaceport. This project will more than double the number of jobs available at the facility, bringing the total number of jobs at the airport and spaceport to 6,251. Of the $13 million in funding, $6 million is from the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, $4 million from the Florida Department of Transportation, and Space Florida is contributing $3 million.

EXPLORATION PARK, Fla. (Gov. Ron DeSantis PR) – Today, Governor DeSantis announced Terran Orbital’s decision to choose Merritt Island for the construction of its Commercial Spacecraft and Constellation Facility, bringing valuable spacecraft manufacturing opportunities and capabilities to the State of Florida by investing more than $300 million in new construction and equipment. This will be the largest satellite manufacturing facility in the world. The project is expected to create approximately 2,100 new jobs with an estimated annual average wage of $84,000 by late 2025.

“I am excited to announce that Terran Orbital will be investing $300 million in the Space Coast to build the largest satellite manufacturing facility in the world,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Satellite manufacturing is and will continue to be an important part of the economy in the Space Coast, and with this announcement we are upping the ante. In Florida we are going to continue to take the lead on space by investing in infrastructure, training highly skilled workers and maintaining an economic climate that allows companies like Terran Orbital to thrive. I congratulate them on a great decision to come to Florida.”

MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. (Space Florida PR) – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the final signing of Florida’s $90 million Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) Grant. This announcement was applauded by Lt. Governor Jeanette Nunez, Space Florida President and CEO Frank DiBello, NASA, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Secretary Kevin J. Thibault, P.E. as well as space industry partners at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. This grant agreement will be used to enhance the connectivity and mobility of Florida’s Space Coast.

EXPLORATION PARK, Fla. (December 23, 2020) – Today, Space Florida shared the many accomplishments of Florida’s aerospace and commercial space industry in 2020. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Florida’s Cape Canaveral Spaceport kept launching rockets. In May, the world watched as American astronauts lifted off from Florida for the first time since 2011, marking a new era of human spaceflight and commercial space exploration. The aerospace industry represents a key part of the State’s strategy for post-pandemic economic recovery, and Space Florida has good reason to be enthusiastic about the future of aerospace.

“Despite the challenges that COVID-19 brought to the State, our industry and our organization, Space Florida is pleased to have had a successful year of growth within the aerospace industry here in the State of Florida, with support from Governor DeSantis as well as our Board Chair and Lieutenant Governor Nuñez,” said Space Florida President and CEO Frank DiBello. “Space Florida is working with other economic development partners to create an energized driving force in recruiting these companies to the Sunshine State. The future of this industry is very bright, representing an increasingly important segment of Florida’s economy.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Gov. DeSantis PR) – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Made In Space has decided to relocate their corporate headquarters and satellite manufacturing operations from California to Florida. The headquarters relocation and expansion effort will involve more than $3 million in new capital investment for Jacksonville.

“As a global leader for in-space manufacturing and assembly, Made In Space has a proven track record of delivering innovative space technology demonstrations at an industry-leading pace,” said Governor DeSantis. “Made In Space’s move to Florida is more evidence of Florida’s success and growth in the aerospace industry. My administration remains committed to supporting that growth and ensuring we maintain an economic climate that allows companies like Made In Space to prosper.”