High Tech Industry

Aviation and Aerospace

In addition to the presence of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Corridor also claims commercial companies and academic institutions that are joining the space race, with innovative Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), research into advanced satellites and degree programs producing the next generation of rocket scientists.

Dr. Dennis Steindler“Right now, the way satellites are built, they’re all large, one-of-a-kind and very expensive.  Our idea is that you could mass produce these small satellites and launch 10 or 20 from a single launch vehicle.”

Norman Fitz-Coy
Director of UF’s Advanced Space Technologies Research & Engineering Center

From the first commercial airline flight in 1914 to today’s space shuttle program and NASA’s rocket prototypes, Florida has a rich tradition in aviation and aerospace. The Corridor region has built upon the resources of the Space Coast to grow a $1.2 billion industry.

Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Eaton Corporation, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon and Aerosonic each has a major presence in the Corridor, along with a host of smaller companies that are pioneering aeronautical engineering, UAV technology and flight robotics.  Powering the development of these industries are the world-class engineering programs and research centers at the three Corridor universities:  UCF, USF and UF.  

Among other organizations dedicated to research in the aerospace industry is the Florida Space Institute, an alliance of schools supporting space research and education including UCF, USF, UF, Florida Institute of Technology, the Brevard Community College, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, University of Miami, Florida Atlantic University and Broward Community College.