Anne Conroy-Baiter, President & CEO: Space Coast Chamber of Commerce

“We have a responsibility to speak clearly about what’s possible and what policies will unlock it. LEO satellite broadband is part of that future.”

I’ve lived all over this country, but I can tell you with certainty that the Space Coast is one of the most special places to live, as we advance in becoming the capital of launch. That distinction matters now more than ever.

When we talk about space policy and low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite broadband, we’re not just talking about abstract policy debates. We’re talking about real economic transformation happening in Floridians’ backyards. The statewide impact is $8.2 billion, but what excites me most is that the space industry is creating a real, on-the-ground workforce pipeline to support companies here in Florida. We’re seeing hundreds of millions in direct capital investment and high-wage jobs across every skill level, from trades to astronauts.

After the shuttle program shut down years ago, the Space Coast learned the hard way that diversification saves communities. Today, multiple entities like the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast, Space Florida, Space Coast Chamber and many others are deliberate about building that pipeline while also protecting our infrastructure and environment.

You also have to consider the tourism impact of living by a launch hub—when Artemis launches, we’re expecting 400,000 visitors and a $160 million economic impact for that one event. The economic wins of this industry aren’t theoretical anymore.

The other side of space innovation that we don’t often get to see is the results—the day-to-day wins it drives for everyday people. Without space innovation, we wouldn’t have memory foam, infrared thermometers or cordless tools. It’s also important to consider the connectivity implications of investment in space.

We often think the digital divide only impacts hyper-rural, remote areas, but that isn’t the case. I previously ran Junior Achievement of the Space Coast, a global nonprofit that focuses on socioeconomic advancement for young people, and I can tell you firsthand that the digital divide affects pockets of people everywhere. There are kids in pockets throughout our communities, even in cities, who are still connecting to schoolwork from McDonald’s parking lots. We need connectivity solutions that work everywhere high-speed internet is lacking, and space technologies like LEO satellite broadband are making a difference.

The Space Coast Chamber recently rebranded to better reflect a unified regional voice at a moment when global attention is turning toward our community. Companies everywhere from Asia to Europe are calling about our space ecosystem, and we have a responsibility to articulate both what is possible here and the policy framework needed to fully realize that opportunity.

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