Memoranda Of Understanding (MOUs)Expected To Be Signed In UK
And Spain Next Week
Florida Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll, Chair of the Space Florida
Board and Space Florida President Frank DiBello will travel to the
UK and Spain next week to meet with leadership of both countries to
discuss enhanced business opportunities. Significant activities
include a meeting with members of the British Parliament regarding
space policy, as well as formalizing Memoranda of Understanding
(MOUs) to enhance partnerships in the areas of small satellite
development, agricultural biotech and genetics, research on aging
and intervention to promote the health of older adults.
Monday through Wednesday, a Florida-based team led by Lt. Gov.
Carroll (pictured) and Mr. DiBello – and including
Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Janet Petro and L2 Aerospace
CEO and space industry advisor General (Ret.) Lance Lord –
will be joined by OBE Kevin McGurgan, British Consul General, as
they meet with Alistair Burt MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of
State at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and other senior
members of Parliament to discuss joint economic and space policy
issues. In addition, Lt. Gov. Carroll will meet with
representatives of Cella Energy, which recently established U.S.
subsidiaries and will be moving employees into Florida within
several months.
Space Florida signed an MOU last year with UKTI (UK Trade &
Investment Group) that resulted in the recent announcement of
funding for UK-based Cella Energy to build hydrogen storage
facilities at KSC. This visit represents the next step in fostering
additional, long-term partnerships with UK-based aerospace
companies to serve as a catalyst for growth in both markets.
During their UK visit, Lt. Gov. Carroll and Mr. DiBello will
also meet with representatives of Astrium and ADS Group Ltd.
– the only UK-based trade organization recognized by the UK
government as the association responsible for advancing the UK
aerospace, defense and security industries. ADS encompasses the
British Aviation Group (BAG) and also claims Farnborough
International Unlimited (organizer of the Farnborough International
Air Show) as a wholly owned subsidiary. Other activities include a
symposium at the Royal Aeronautical Society with UK and Florida
companies and a tour of Harwell, England facilities including
Rutherford Appleton Laboratories and the International Space
Innovation Centre (ISIC), where the Florida delegation will meet
with Keith Mason, Science and Technology Facilities Council CEO,
and Barbara Ghinelli, Executive Chair of ISIC. All activities will
be focused on increased business opportunities between the UK and
Florida companies.
On Thursday and Friday, the Florida team will travel to Spain to
meet with INTA, the Spanish Public Research Organization
specializing in aerospace research and technology development.
INTA’s purpose is to acquire, maintain and approve Spanish
technologies with aerospace applications. It is anticipated that a
MOU will be signed between the State of Florida and INTA during
this visit.
“International trade and cooperation is key to growing
Florida’s economy and creating jobs,” said Lt. Governor
Carroll. “Space, aerospace, science and technology are
growing sectors in the world marketplace and these sectors are part
of Florida’s economic culture and industrial strengths and an
area where Governor Scott and I will continue to work to create
good, high-wage jobs,” concluded Lt. Governor Carroll.
“International aerospace-related markets hold great
potential for growth in Florida,” noted Space Florida
President Frank DiBello. “We look forward to expanding
existing relations with the UK and Spain during this exciting trade
mission.”