Florida Tech & Senator Moody Advocate for U.S. Space Academy Site on Space Coast

Titusville residents learned this week that Florida Tech President John Nicklow joined U.S. Senator Ashley Moody and other leaders at a news conference to advocate for Florida as the site for the proposed U.S. Space Academy. The news conference, convened by Senator Moody on Tuesday at Space Florida’s Merritt Island office, highlighted the state's readiness to host this significant national institution.

This initiative directly impacts the Space Coast's future economic and educational landscape. Securing the U.S. Space Academy would bring new jobs, educational opportunities, and further solidify the region's role as a leader in the aerospace industry. Local universities, including Florida Tech, stand to play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of space workers.

President Nicklow emphasized Florida Tech's dedication to providing excellent educational opportunities for future U.S. space workers. He stated, "Florida Tech not only supports a Space Academy. Florida Tech wants to help build it." His remarks underscored the university's commitment to the project. Space Florida CEO Rob Long and Lynda Weatherman, president and CEO of the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast, also spoke at the event. Weatherman highlighted Florida's historical role and current leadership in the space industry, asserting the state's readiness for the next era of American space leadership. She said, "We are America’s space state. Florida helped launch our nation into the Space Age, and now we are ready to lead the way into the next era of American space leadership."

Senator Moody cited the recently established Florida University Space Research Consortium, which includes Florida Tech and seven other Sunshine State universities, as evidence of Florida's strong space industry capabilities. Nicklow affirmed Florida Tech's "space heritage, expertise and approach" to lead the way, emphasizing a commitment to excellence comparable to the precision required for rocket science. He added, "Physics does not grade on a curve. A rocket depends on nothing except whether the people who built it were the best in the room. That is the only standard Florida Tech has ever used. It is the only standard I would expect this new academy to use."

Senator Moody plans to introduce legislation in the Senate to designate Florida as the Space Academy's home once the Senate is back in session. This legislative action will be the next step in the state's bid to secure the academy.