Nearly 200 university researchers and representatives of the space industry gathered at the Kennedy Space Center to launch the next phase of the Florida Space Research Consortium (FSRC), a statewide partnership designed to align Florida’s universities around space research, innovation and workforce development.

Representatives from Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University and the seven other partner institutions in the consortium — the University of Florida, Florida State University, the University of Central Florida, Florida International University, Florida Institute of Technology, the University of South Florida and Florida A&M University — joined NASA officials, space industry leaders and investors on April 21 for a day-long discussion of how to strengthen Florida’s competitiveness in a rapidly expanding global space economy.

Florida’s space sector — spanning civil, commercial and national security missions — has entered a period of rapid growth, creating new opportunities for collaboration among universities, industry and government agencies, said Robert Long, president and CEO of Space Florida, the official aerospace economic development agency for the state.

Dr. David Norton, UF’s vice president for research, serves as the FSRC board chair.

“Our eight partners bring extraordinary research strength, talent and capacity," Norton said. "Together, they represent over 300,000 students and $3 billion in annual research activity. The FSRC creates an opportunity to easily connect researchers, students and industry partners across Florida and collaborate in ways that weren’t possible before.”

Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro added, “To the nation, Kennedy Space Center is best known as the launching location for some of NASA’s most exciting and impacting missions. However, Kennedy’s portfolio also includes important research and technology development to help support the next generation of deep space exploration. Through partnerships with our Florida universities, we are accelerating and fortifying our capabilities, and we are excited for the universe of opportunities collaborations like this unlock.”

Dr. Jeremy Ernst, vice president for Research and Doctoral Programs at Embry‑Riddle, said the university is eager to contribute to the consortium through its faculty, research capabilities and students.

“With our academic, government and industry partners, we are driving the future of space systems, technology and science,” Ernst said. “This collaboration represents an excellent opportunity to advance discovery and to collectively empower our students and faculty to lead this next era of space exploration.”

Representatives from the member universities shared dozens of ways their faculty are advancing a wide range of space research that supports everything from exploration and discovery to practical technologies needed for future missions. Ongoing work across the consortium includes developing smarter spacecraft and satellites; improving propulsion, navigation and communications systems; designing new materials that can withstand the harsh conditions of space; and creating technologies to manufacture, build and operate in space and on the lunar surface.

Researchers are also focused on the human side of spaceflight and the science that helps us better understand our universe and our planet. This includes studies of how people, plants and biological systems function in space; efforts to grow food in lunar and Martian conditions; and research in planetary science, astrophysics, space weather and Earth observation.

Together, these efforts reflect a shared commitment to advancing knowledge, supporting long‑duration space missions, strengthening the space economy, and translating scientific breakthroughs into real‑world benefits, Norton said.

Former NASA Administrator and U.S. Senator Bill Nelson called the consortium a long‑needed step for Florida.

“Space is the one subject that brings people together,” Nelson said. “It’s not partisan — it’s nonpartisan — and it’s a noble enterprise. What you are doing here today is enormously important for the future of this state.”