There's a growing realization on the Space Coast that the future of the area's economy and the future of space exploration are going to rely heavily on commercial space companies.

Leaders in Florida’s business, labor and space industry urged President Barack Obama in a letter Monday to extend the space shuttle program at Kennedy Space Center or replace it with a similar manned, heavy-lift vehicle as soon as possible.

With much praise and few qualms, the Florida Senate on Thursday passed a costly plan that that could give businesses incentives and tax breaks for hiring the unemployed and stimulate job creation in the space flight, defense contractor and film industries. The vote was unanimous.

SB 1752, which will cost the state $193.8 million over three years for an unknown return, is being hailed by the business community as a valuable tool to help the state dig out of its 11.9 percent jobless rate. It now heads to the House.

If the 2010 midterm elections are all about jobs, jobs, jobs, then the race for Florida's 15th Congressional District is about space, space, space.