Florida space jobs: How do we keep that expertise in state as NASA throttles back?
Wake up and good morning. Today’s launch from Florida’s Space Coast for the space shuttle Endeavor sure is attracting a large tourist crowd — including President Barack Obama and family — but also raising fears for this area’s economic future. This will be the next-to-last launch for the program. As this AP story reports, the Space Coast is still reeling from Florida’s housing slump, NASA contractors already have laid-off thousands of workers and the unemployment rate is over 11 percent. Empty storefronts dot some shopping malls and vacant condos are common along the beach. Shuttle launches usually generate about $5 million in economic activity for the Space Coast. Given the huge crowds expected, the Endeavour launch could generate more than $15 million, said Rob Varley, the area’s top tourism official. …
