Space Day at the Tallahassee Capitol

For the past 15 years, dozens of leaders from Florida's space industry have converged on Tallahassee for "Space Day," but many feel this year is more important than ever.

Kevin Hoshtrasser, director of Boeing Florida operations, says they typically come to "educate and advocate," but this year, he says they're coming with a warning for lawmakers.

"We're in a year of radical transition," Hashtrasser said. "The shutdown of the space program will create about 8,000 job losses when you consider all the programs related to the NASA shuttle program."

NASA's last shuttle flight is scheduled for later this year. Sen. Thad Altman, a Republican who hails from the Space Coast, says when you factor in jobs from related industries, the losses from the shutdown could reach 15,000 to 20,000. Altman is the sponsor of one of the bills space-industry leaders like Hashtrasser are hoping will pass: SB 1224. The heart of the bill is designed to give corporate tax credits for space flight projects.

"We hope that these tax credits will play a big role in helping us be competitive. We have the best launch facilities on the planet, but there is competition out there," Altman said.

States like New Mexico, California and Virginia have already begun developing their own space-industry policies in hopes of luring businesses there. Some companies are beginning to develop their space-related programs in other countries. Hoshstrasser, a native Floridian, says companies are going to move to places where they have the most economic advantage.

"I work for Boeing," he said. "And if there's some advantage for us to move and work in Virginia, Boeing will do that."

One thing Florida has that may help attract companies is a skilled work force. Several highly technical jobs from the shuttle program may translate over into related industries.

"If you can work on a space shuttle, you can probably work on an airplane," said Hoshstrasser. "Electrical engineers for the space program can be electrical engineers for renewable energy and energy generation."

There's a good chance Altman's bill, and another space bill by Majority Whip David Simmons, will pass through the Legislature this year. Simmons' bill, SB 652, provides space flight entities with immunity from certain liabilities associated with space flight.

Senate President Mike Haridopolos has already shown support for the bills, and business incentives aimed at creating jobs are sure to appeal to Gov. Rick Scott. Altman says he doubts there will be much resistance to either bill.

"I think we've got a lot of support this year. People are very aware of what we're facing on the Space Coast, the loss of 7,000 jobs -- up to 15,000 to 20 thousand jobs directly and indirectly. So we need to maintain our competitiveness."

A study from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the $20 billion in economic impact Florida enjoys today is a direct result from an $8 billion investment made to the space industry in years past.

Those business leaders in the space industry are hoping legislators will continue to see space as one of the best investments the state can make, especially in a year where a tightening budget is taking center stage.


Lane Wright may be reached at Lane@sunshinestatenews.com or (561) 247-1063.