Space Council
Our region, famously known as the "Space Coast," is a hub of innovation, industry, and groundbreaking achievements in space exploration and commercialization. The thriving space industry is essential to the economic diversity of our MSA, playing a critical role in attracting and retaining the skilled talent needed for the high-skill, high-wage jobs it generates.
The Space Council is a council of Ascend Brevard, Inc., the 501(c)(3) foundation of Accelerate Brevard dedicated to securing increased funding for space initiatives while fostering an environment that promotes the expansion of both commercial and government investments in the industry.
2025 Space Council Chair: Brian Baluta, Lockheed Martin
Chamber Staff Liaison: Cory Skeates, Vice President of Community Development
Citizens for Space Exploration - 2024 DC Trip
2024 "State of Space" at Kennedy Space Center
"Field Trip" to Lockheed Martin STAR Center
The Space Council meets on the first Tuesday of the month, noon, at various locations throughout our community. Lunch is provided at the meeting, so RSVPs are required.
The Space Council works to create and further initiatives that establish our region as the world's foremost leader in space exploration.
INITIATIVES
Citizens for Space Exploration - May 19 - 21, 2025, Washington, DC
The mission of Citizens for Space Exploration is to promote awareness of the benefits of America's Human Space Exploration Program and support for NASA.
Citizens is a multi-state organization comprised of U.S. taxpayers who support America's investment in human space exploration. We are private citizens, small business owners, students, teachers, space and non-space business representatives, and county and municipal officials.
Citizens (formerly known as National Keep It Sold) was formed in 1992 through the efforts of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership (TX), the Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (FL), the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce (AL), and the Partners for Stennis (MS and LA). In 2005, Citizens formed an alliance partnership with the Coalition for Space Exploration, and in 2014, a partnership with the Colorado Citizens for Space Exploration began, as well.
Representatives from Citizens for Space Exploration travel to Washington, D.C., annually to meet with members and staff to discuss the benefits of human space exploration. These benefits include:
Improving the overall quality of life for our citizens and the world in areas such as medical research and healthcare.
Advancing America's scientific, technological, security and economic interests.
Inspiring a new generation of explorers to pursue technical careers based on science, math, computers and engineering.
Promoting U.S. leadership and competitiveness while providing opportunities for international cooperation.
To learn more, visit: https://www.citizensforspace.org/
Ways to Participate in CFSE
With the 2025 CFSE advocacy trip to Washington, DC occurring May 19-21, there are two ways in which our business community can support our efforts.
As a Participant: We are looking for 15 Florida-based participants for the CFSE May trip to DC — to include two university students.
As a Sponsor: You can sponsor a university student's trip to DC while also assisting in providing for our Florida pro-rata share of costs associated with the Welcome and Congressional Receptions for $1,500/student.
Contact cskeates@acceleratebrevard.org if you are interested in attending or sponsoring a student.
EVENTS
State of Space - May 1, 2025
Join members of the space community, government, and business leaders from across the Space Coast for our annual “State of Space” event on Thursday, May 1, 2025.
Part of our Chamber’s “State of Series,” this event will consist of a discussion covering the priorities, challenges, and opportunities in space in the year 2025 and beyond. We will also explore our region’s advances in science, technology, and engineering, as well as highlight companies that are making advances in space commercialization.
To learn more, CLICK HERE
Space Council Annual Investment Levels
The Space Council plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the space industry, championing increased funding, and cultivating a vibrant ecosystem that supports both commercial ventures and government initiatives. Investing in the Space Council is an investment in innovation, economic growth, and national leadership in space exploration and technology.
By supporting the Council’s initiatives, stakeholders can accelerate advancements that position the region as a competitive leader in the global space economy, attract top-tier talent, and strengthen collaboration between private enterprises and government agencies.
This strategic investment not only bolsters the space sector but also generates positive ripple effects across industries, fostering job creation, driving technological innovation, and contributing to regional prosperity.
Funding for the Council enables impactful initiatives, including participation in space-focused conferences, sponsoring students for the annual Citizens for Space Exploration trip, and supporting various programs that advance the space industry and its ecosystem.
Infinite Horizons
Investment: $10,000 Annually – Exclusive
Benefits:
- Serve as a Team Leader and receive hotel accommodations and flights for the Citizens for Space Exploration (CSE) annual Washington, D.C., trip.
- Sponsor a student for the CSE program.
- Receive recognition as a sponsor at CSE receptions, including the congressional reception.
- Attend the annual "Space Day" in Tallahassee with the Space Council (hotel included).
- Display collateral materials with the Space Council at Tallahassee's annual "Space Day".
- Enjoy a premium table of 8 at the annual "State of Space" event.
- Opportunity to host a Space Council meeting.
- Exclusive logo recognition as the Infinite Horizons Tier sponsor on the Space Council page at acceleratebrevard.org.
Deep Space
Investment: $5,000 Annually - Limited to 3
Benefits:
- Participate in the Citizens for Space Exploration (CSE) annual Washington, D.C., trip (hotel expenses included).
- Sponsor a student for the CSE program.
- Receive recognition as a sponsor at CSE receptions, including the congressional reception.
- Display collateral materials with the Space Council at Tallahassee's annual "Space Day".
- Enjoy a table of 8 at the annual "State of Space" event.
- Opportunity to host a Space Council meeting.
- Logo recognition as a Deep Space Tier sponsor on the Space Council page at acceleratebrevard.org.
Orbit
Investment: $2,500 Annually - Limited to 5
Benefits:
- Participate in the Citizens for Space Exploration (CSE) annual Washington, D.C., trip (travel costs not included).
- Enjoy 4 seats at a designated "Space Council" table at the annual "State of Space" event.
- Opportunity to host a Space Council meeting.
- Logo recognition as an Orbit Tier sponsor on the Space Council page at acceleratebrevard.org.
Ascent
Investment: $1,000 Annually
Benefits:
- Participate in the Citizens for Space Exploration (CSE) annual Washington, D.C., trip (travel costs not included).
- Enjoy 2 seats at a designated "Space Council" table at the annual "State of Space" event.
- Opportunity to host a Space Council meeting.
- Logo recognition as an Ascent Tier sponsor on the Space Council page at acceleratebrevard.org.
Launch
Investment: $500 Annually
Benefits:
- Participate in the Citizens for Space Exploration (CSE) annual Washington, D.C., trip (travel costs not included).
- Enjoy 1 seat at a designated "Space Council" table at the annual "State of Space" event.
- Logo recognition as a Launch Tier sponsor on the Space Council page at acceleratebrevard.org.
Note: Contributions to the Space Council are tax-deductible, benefiting Ascend Brevard, Inc., a recognized 501(c)(3) organization.