KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. (January 11, 2012) – Space Florida, the State’s aerospace economic development organization, has announced details of a sub-orbital flight program intended to stimulate market interest in microgravity research via sub-orbital and parabolic flights from Florida.
The Space Florida Sub-Orbital Flight Incentive Program will provide a partial reimbursement for customers to fly research payloads from Florida, equal to one-third of the published list price of an approved flight provider, up to a maximum of $10,000. Space Florida will provide this incentive in order to increase the volume of commercial and academic research payloads that fly from Florida. All flight research considered for the program should have either a terrestrial or space application. The program period commences on January 12, 2012 and is set to continue until December 31, 2013.
It is anticipated that a wide variety of flight providers will participate in the program. At this time, Masten Space Systems, Starfighters/StarLab and Zero G Corporation have shown interest, and it is probable that the number of participating flight providers will increase as the program grows.
“We believe that the Space Florida Sub-Orbital Flight Incentive Program will provide a unique stimulus for Florida scientists, researchers and academics that have an interest in exploring the scientific benefits that microgravity provides,” said Space Florida President Frank DiBello.
“I believe this is a step in the right direction to facilitate additional job creation and university research in Florida,” said Senator Thad Altman, chairman of the Florida Senate Subcommittee on Military Affairs, Space and Domestic Security. “As pointed out by the subcommittee, Florida needs to make advances in space-related university research and this incentive will facilitate that movement.”
For questions about this program and an upcoming Florida Microgravity Opportunities Conference to be held at Kennedy Space Center (spring 2012), contact Tony Gannon at 321-730-5301 ext. 230 or via email at tgannon@spaceflorida.gov. For additional details and the Research Application Form, visit Space Florida’s website at www.spaceflorida.gov.
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About Space Florida: Space Florida was created to strengthen Florida’s position as the global leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration and commerce. As Florida’s aerospace development organization, we are committed to attracting and expanding the next generation of space industry businesses. With its highly trained workforce, proven infrastructure and unparalleled record of achievement, Florida is the ideal location for aerospace businesses to thrive – and Space Florida is the perfect partner to help them succeed. www.spaceflorida.gov.