The Final Frontier: Maine Takes A Small Step Towards Space

The Maine Legislature in its 129th session resolved to establish the Maine Spaceport Complex Leadership Council hereafter referred to as “the council” which will comprise 15 or so members; appointed from the Maine Senate, Maine House of Representative, in-state entities (from the manufacturing, foundation, college/university, or non-profit researchers using satellite-based data), and lastly, representatives directly funded by the National Space Grant College/Fellowship Program.

A bill was recently signed by Maine's governor, Janet Mills to create Maine Space Port Corporation, and ensure that it’s piece of the space exploration pie and all that entails in terms of infrastructure, employment, research and development, and last but not least, recognition on the space exploration stage. It is expected that the Maine space complex will be built within the next 10 years or so on the site of the former Brunswick Naval Air Station whose runways were permanently closed in January 2010. Its not quite the waterfront site they much preferred in Jonesport that was shot down by residents, but knowing the real-estate upon which most military bases sit, Brunswick will do…though some will probably stew about it.

NASA initiated the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Project known as the Space Grant in 1989, a network of colleges and universities across the United States working to expand opportunities for Americans to understand and participate in aerospace by supporting and enhancing stem education. In a nutshell, NASA's main priorities fall under four areas: Education, Centers, Mission Directorate, and the Chief Technologist. Under this umbrella falls the Space Grant program, with a three-pronged mission involving Education, Research, and Public Education. Finally, there’s the states (consortium) needs and goals; STEM education, Workforce Development, and Economic Growth. Each state in the US has a Space Grant Consortium body tasked with being the boots on the ground to reach the potential participants and offer resources accordingly.

FMI: https://nasa.gov/stem/space-grant/home/space_grant_consortium_websites.html