University Of Miami Forum Focused On Benefits To State
NASA
Deputy Administrator Shana Dale and Florida Gov. Charlie Crist
discussed Friday how space exploration gives Floridians a more
competitive economy and better quality of life during a NASA Future
Forum at the University of Miami.
As an example, Crist used the event to announce a partnership
between state-funded Space Florida and SPACEHAB of Webster, TX.
They plan to use the International Space Station's national
laboratory designation and the Space Life Sciences Lab at NASA's
Kennedy Space Center, FL to carry out space-based biomedical and
biotech research.
"Today's announcement exemplifies why we're holding future
forums in cities such as Miami," Dale said. "It allows us to talk
directly to the public about the diverse ways America's long-term
space exploration goals lead to economic growth, scientific
discoveries and technological advancements for people right here on
Earth, right in their own communities."
"Florida is committed to fostering a thriving aerospace industry
and is quickly becoming known as one of the nation's top biotech
centers," said Governor Crist. "The partnership reinforces our
dedication to the biotech industry. This is an exciting opportunity
to stimulate progress in this new market and in Florida's
economy."
The forum was part of a yearlong series of events across the
country marking NASA's 50th anniversary.
Other NASA participants included astronauts Carl Walz and Steve
Frick. Walz, director of the Advanced Capabilities Division in
NASA's Exploration Systems Mission Directorate in Washington,
discussed the agency's plans to return to the moon and travel
beyond. Frick commanded space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission to
the International Space Station in February.
Panel discussions among NASA representatives and Florida
academic and commercial groups highlighted the future of space
exploration.
"To advance exploration and understanding of space is one of the
most ambitious human endeavors of our era," said Donna E. Shalala,
president of the University of Miami. "We are grateful for the
opportunity to connect space exploration, entrepreneurship and
education, as one of the selected sites to host a NASA Future Forum
in celebration of the agency's 50th anniversary."
On Thursday, engineers from NASA's Kennedy Space Center held a
panel discussion with engineering students from the University of
Miami. It included talk about what education and job skills will be
needed from future NASA engineers. The panel was followed by a
workshop with aerospace education specialists and education
students.
The Miami Future Forum was sponsored, in part, by the University
of Miami; Space Florida; United Space Alliance, Houston; Raytheon,
Waltham, MA; Jacobs Engineering, Pasadena, CA; and ATK, Edina,
MN.