Space Florida’s DiBello details space efforts at NSCFL 2017
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — On Tuesday, May 9, the National Space Club Florida Committee met for their monthly luncheon with Frank DiBello serving as the keynote speaker. Introduced by NSCFL Treasurer Mark Patton, the President and CEO of Space Florida gave a 30-minute presentation on current and ongoing projects as well as the current state of infrastructure, logistics, education, and research in Florida’s aerospace industry.
The luncheon was held at the Radisson Resort at the Port Convention Center in Cape Canaveral.
During his presentation, DiBello noted Space Florida‘s continuing efforts for State educational institutions and aerospace engineering education institutions.

Space Florida’s President and CEO, Frank DiBello (left), begins his remarks during the National Space Club Florida’s spring luncheon, held on Tuesday, May 9. He was introduced by the NSCFL’s Mark Patton (right). Photo Credit: Michael McCabe / SpaceFlight Insider
DiBello stated: “We have over 20 active Aerospace projects we are working on in all 5 aerospace regions of the state. The Western Panhandle, Jacksonville, Orlando West-Central region, South Florida and certainly here on the Space Coast.”
In fact, there are more than 70 research institutes in the state of Florida providing private and University ability and corporate entities; however, despite the considerable numbers of facilities in the state, Florida significantly lags behind other states in overall Federal research as well as corporate sponsored and government-sponsored research.
While Florida has had an array of commercial space firms sign on, develop, and carry out flights and other efforts along Florida’s Space Coast, with more poised to come online soon, DiBello stressed that the Sunshine State’s aerospace leaders should not get complacent.
“But despite the active number of active opportunities we have today Florida cannot rest on its laurels there’s a competition between states and Nations where Aerospace and Space Industry presence is intense and persistent,” DiBello said.
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