View from the Florida Space Coast: Strengthening Space Security for the Future

Living in the heart of America’s space programs, the Florida Space Coast, near NASA, Patrick Space Force Base, and Kennedy Space Center, I’ve had the unique opportunity to witness the region’s remarkable growth in space capabilities. This area’s strategic importance in our nation’s space operations is a daily reminder of its significance.

Earlier this year, the U.S. government announced that Patrick Space Force Base was the new headquarters of the U.S. Space Force Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM). This move strengthens Florida’s role in space defense and innovation, preparing about 350 “guardians” for the critical tasks ahead and likely establishing Space Delta 10 here—a unit dedicated to developing effective tactics and training through advanced wargaming.

The Florida Space Coast isn’t just a hub for military and government operations and a bustling commercial space activity center. With companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and United Launch Alliance conducting regular launches, this region has become one of the most active launch sites in the world. Cape Canaveral hosts dozens of annual commercial launches, making it a critical gateway for space innovation, exploration, and commerce. These launches symbolize the possibilities and underscore the need for responsible stewardship of space to ensure it remains accessible and secure.