Space Coast

L3Harris Technologies

Melbourne, United States commercial

In 2026 L3Harris sold a controlling stake in its Space Propulsion and Power Systems business (most of the former Aerojet Rocketdyne) to AE Industrial Partners, keeping the RS-25 engine and a minority holding; Sam Mehta became President and CEO on 17 August 2026. L3Harris Technologies is a global aerospace and defense technology company operating as "The Trusted Disruptor" across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains. With over $21 billion in annual revenue and operations in more than 100 countries, L3Harris delivers mission-critical solutions across four strategic business segments with the speed, passion, and determination that government and commercial customers demand. In the space domain, L3Harris provides comprehensive capabilities spanning satellite systems, ground infrastructure, and mission operations. The company manufactures solid rocket motors at scale to power defense and launch applications. L3Harris supports NOAA's weather satellite programs, including next-generation imaging technology for the GeoXO satellite system, advancing weather monitoring and climate observation capabilities for disaster preparedness and environmental research. The company contributes critical components to NASA's Artemis program, including the Orion Main Engine supporting crewed lunar missions. L3Harris space ground systems enable satellite command, control, and data processing for military, intelligence, and civil customers. Their responsive space capabilities deliver rapid solutions for emerging national security requirements. L3Harris emphasizes multi-domain integration, connecting space assets with terrestrial networks for comprehensive situational awareness. The company's imaging and sensor systems provide critical Earth observation data, while protected communications satellites ensure resilient connectivity for defense operations. With deep expertise in electro-optical sensors, space-based infrared systems, and ground processing, L3Harris delivers end-to-end space mission capabilities. Their acquisition of companies like Aerojet Rocketdyne further expands propulsion and space access capabilities, positioning L3Harris as a premier space technology provider.

Sidus Space

Cape Canaveral, United States commercial

Sidus Space, founded in 2012 and headquartered in Cape Canaveral, Florida (adjacent to Kennedy Space Center), is a publicly traded small satellite manufacturer and space services company that designs and builds multi-sensor satellite platforms for Earth observation and IoT applications, while also offering satellite launch integration, space-related hardware manufacturing, and commercial space services under a vertically integrated model. Sidus Space's LizzieSat platform is a multi-sensor small satellite bus (approximately 40 kg) designed to host multiple Earth observation payloads simultaneously — combining optical imagers, hyperspectral sensors, weather monitoring instruments, and IoT communication payloads on a single bus to maximize data collection per mission dollar. LizzieSat-1 launched to the International Space Station in January 2023 for deployment from the ISS airlock, providing early on-orbit validation of the platform's sensors and bus systems. The multi-sensor approach differentiates Sidus from single-payload small satellite operators, though it adds complexity compared to simpler bus designs. Sidus Space's Cape Canaveral location provides geographic proximity to launch facilities at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and KSC, enabling direct integration support for customer launches and facilitating hardware manufacturing close to launch integration buildings. The company has developed relationships with launch vehicle operators and launch integrators working through the local space industrial cluster. Sidus Space completed an IPO on NASDAQ (ticker: SIDU) in 2021, raising capital to fund satellite development and manufacturing capacity expansion. As a microcap public company, Sidus faces the challenge of competing against well-funded private EO operators (Planet Labs, Satellogic, Umbra) while maintaining public reporting requirements. The company competes with Terran Orbital (Lockheed-backed), General Atomics EMS, and commercial bus manufacturers in the government and commercial small satellite market.

Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39

Merritt Island, United States government

Launch Complex 39 (LC-39) at Kennedy Space Center is the most historically significant launch infrastructure in human spaceflight history. Built for the Saturn V Apollo program in the 1960s, LC-39A and 39B supported all Apollo missions including Apollo 11 (1969) and all Space Shuttle launches from 1981 to 2011. Today, LC-39A is leased to SpaceX and serves as the primary Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launch pad — the most-used orbital launch pad on Earth, with dozens of launches per year supporting ISS resupply, Starlink deployment, and commercial/government missions. LC-39B is NASA's launch pad for SLS/Artemis crewed lunar missions, having supported Artemis I (November 2022) and subsequent Artemis flights. The mobile launcher platforms, vehicle assembly building (VAB), and crawler transporters from the Apollo era were modified and reused for both Shuttle and SLS programs, representing remarkable institutional continuity.

Vaya Space

Cocoa, United States commercial

Vaya Space (formerly Rocket Crafters), founded in 2010 and headquartered in Cocoa, Florida, develops hybrid rocket propulsion technology using a proprietary STAR-3D (Spinning Toroidal Architecture with Rotating 3D printed fuel) vortex combustion approach — where the LOX (liquid oxygen) oxidizer flows in a spiral pattern through a 3D-printed thermoplastic solid fuel grain, creating a vortex that dramatically improves hybrid engine combustion efficiency versus conventional end-burning hybrid designs. Conventional hybrid rockets (LOX/HTPB or N2O/PE) suffer from low regression rates that limit thrust-to-mass ratio — the fuel grain burns slowly because oxidizer transport to the burning surface is diffusion-limited. Vaya Space's STAR-3D architecture uses rotating vortex oxidizer flow that continuously scrubs the burning fuel surface, increasing oxidizer mass flux and fuel regression rate to achieve combustion efficiencies comparable to liquid-propellant engines. The fuel grain is 3D-printed from thermoplastic polymers — 99% recycled content per company claims — creating complex internal channel geometry that is impractical with conventional cast HTPB fuels but enabled by additive manufacturing. The STAR-3D engine produces 110 kN thrust and is the propulsion basis for Vaya Space's Dauntless orbital launch vehicle targeting 600+ kg payload to sun-synchronous orbit — a competitive specification in the small launch vehicle market segment between RocketLab Electron (300 kg) and SpaceX Transporter rideshare. Vaya Space has an allocated Cape Canaveral launch pad assignment at SLC-46, providing launch infrastructure without requiring the company to build its own facilities. In 2025, Vaya partnered with Velo3D, an industrial metal additive manufacturing company, through a $4 million collaboration targeting advanced 3D-printed metal components for Dauntless propulsion systems. The company competes with ABL Space Systems, Relativity Space, and Rocket Lab in the small dedicated orbital launch market.

Airbus OneWeb Satellites

Merritt Island, United States commercial

Airbus OneWeb Satellites is a joint venture established in 2016, focused on the manufacturing of satellites. Located in Merritt Island, Florida, the company specializes in the mass production of satellites specifically for the OneWeb constellation. As a collaboration leveraging the extensive aerospace expertise of Airbus, a leading European aeronautics and space company, Airbus OneWeb Satellites contributes to the deployment of a large-scale Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network. The company’s core capability lies in efficient, high-volume satellite production, a critical element for rapidly deploying and scaling the OneWeb constellation. This positions Airbus OneWeb Satellites as a key player in the growing LEO satellite market, driven by demand for global broadband connectivity. While specific technological details beyond manufacturing capabilities aren’t detailed, the venture benefits from Airbus’s over 50 years of experience in aerospace engineering and innovation. Currently, the primary customer and focus of production is the OneWeb constellation, indicating a dedicated manufacturing partnership. Airbus’ broader portfolio includes commercial aircraft, helicopters, defense systems, and other space technologies, suggesting a strong foundation of resources and technical expertise supporting the satellite manufacturing operation. Airbus OneWeb Satellites differentiates itself through its focus on mass production and its backing by a major aerospace player, Airbus. This allows for economies of scale and leverages established quality control and engineering processes, crucial for the reliable deployment of a large satellite network.

L3Harris Space

Melbourne, United States commercial

L3Harris Technologies' Space division is a major US defense and civil space systems integrator, headquartered in Melbourne, Florida. The company builds the GOES-R series of geostationary weather satellites for NOAA, GPS III navigation satellites for the Space Force, and missile warning sensors for the SBIRS constellation. L3Harris has a responsive space portfolio focused on rapid-delivery small satellites for national security missions, including the commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) bus approach to accelerate deployment timelines. The company also builds electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors for classified intelligence-gathering satellites and ground-based space surveillance radars. L3Harris formed in 2019 through the merger of L3 Technologies and Harris Corporation. The space and airborne systems business generates approximately $6 billion annually.

PredaSAR

Melbourne, United States commercial

PredaSAR is an American synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite company building a commercial constellation optimized for defense intelligence, government, and commercial Earth observation applications. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, PredaSAR plans to operate 96 X-band SAR satellites providing sub-meter resolution imagery with sub-90-minute revisit times globally. The company targets national security intelligence customers requiring all-weather, day/night imaging that optical satellites cannot provide. PredaSAR has received backing from defense-oriented investors and is positioning itself to compete with ICEYE, Capella Space, and Umbra in the growing government SAR market, which has expanded significantly following the Ukraine conflict demonstrating the operational value of commercial SAR for real-time military intelligence.

Rocket Crafters, founded in 2010 and based in Cocoa, Florida, is a propulsion company focused on the development of hybrid rocket motors. The company concentrates its efforts on this specific area of space technology, indicating a specialization within the broader launch vehicle industry. While detailed information regarding specific motor designs or performance characteristics is currently unavailable, the focus on hybrid propulsion suggests an approach potentially combining benefits of both solid and liquid propellant rockets – offering increased safety and potentially lower costs compared to fully liquid systems. Given the limited publicly available information, Rocket Crafters’ precise market position is difficult to ascertain. However, the company’s specialization in hybrid rocket motors positions it within a growing segment of the propulsion market. Hybrid engines are attracting renewed interest due to their potential for throttling and restart capabilities, features traditionally associated with more complex liquid rocket engines. Without access to website content or further details, it is not possible to detail specific achievements, missions, or customers. Further research would be needed to determine if Rocket Crafters has successfully completed engine tests, secured contracts, or partnered with larger aerospace organizations. The company’s long-standing presence since 2010 suggests ongoing development and potential for future contributions to the space industry.

L3Harris Space and Airborne Systems

Melbourne, United States commercial

L3Harris Space and Airborne Systems, founded in 2019 and based in Melbourne, United States, focuses on developing and delivering advanced payloads and systems for defense and national security applications. The company operates extensively in the United Kingdom with 11 sites, supporting British defense missions through sovereign innovation across multiple domains – space, air, land, sea, and cyber. L3Harris provides a broad portfolio of capabilities including electronic warfare, cybersecurity, aircraft missionization, autonomous systems, command and control, and maritime solutions. A key area of focus is counter-unmanned systems (C-UxS), offering comprehensive solutions for threat mitigation across all environments. L3Harris also highlights innovative technologies like DiSCO™ (Distributed Spectrum Collaboration and Operations), an architecture designed to rapidly identify and respond to electromagnetic spectrum threats, and CORVUS-RAVEN, a counter-drone system providing enhanced situational awareness. The company emphasizes a modular, open systems approach to enable rapid upgrades and interoperability, and actively collaborates with partners to meet the evolving needs of the UK Ministry of Defence. L3Harris has over a century of experience supporting the UK armed forces and is a recipient of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award, demonstrating commitment to supporting the armed forces community.

Satcom Direct, founded in 1997 and based in Melbourne, United States, is a provider of global satellite communications and connectivity solutions, primarily serving the aviation sector with a strong focus on military, government, and civilian applications. The company delivers end-to-end solutions encompassing satellite services utilizing L, Ku, and Ka-band, alongside specialized devices like their SD Plane Simple antenna systems and cabin routers. Beyond hardware, Satcom Direct offers critical infrastructure services, cybersecurity solutions, and ground-based satellite control capabilities, including secure MAC1 satellite ground stations and interfaces with the US Department of Defense’s Global Information Grid. A key differentiator for Satcom Direct is its expertise in secure MILSATCOM, providing resilient and agnostic communication options for demanding environments. They offer portable and assault kits designed for global operation, and innovative technologies like the Video Bandwidth Agility Kit (vBAK) for high-speed, near real-time video transmission. Satcom Direct has established itself as a trusted partner to government entities, notably providing communications solutions for Head of State aircraft in over 20 countries, including all US Senior Government Leadership aircraft. The company demonstrates a strong commitment to veteran employment, with a majority of their team comprised of US military veterans, bringing specialized experience to complex communications requirements.

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Cape Canaveral, United States government

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS), located on Florida's Atlantic coast adjacent to and sharing facilities with NASA's Kennedy Space Center, is the United States' primary military spaceport and one of the world's busiest launch facilities — managed by the 45th Space Wing (now Space Launch Delta 45) of the United States Space Force, hosting launch complexes supporting SpaceX, United Launch Alliance, and other commercial and government launch providers. Established in 1950 as the Joint Long Range Proving Ground for missile testing, Cape Canaveral has served as the launch site for nearly every major U.S. space program milestone: the first American satellite (Explorer 1, 1958), the first American in orbit (John Glenn, Friendship 7, 1962), all of the Gemini program missions, and unmanned lunar probes. The station's launch complexes span decades of development: Launch Complex 36 hosted Atlas-Centaur rockets; LC-17 hosted Thor-Delta through Delta II; LC-41 hosts ULA's Atlas V and will host Vulcan Centaur. Today's active launch infrastructure includes Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) — SpaceX's primary Falcon 9 launch pad for commercial satellite and government payload missions — and Space Launch Complex 37 (SLC-37), which hosts ULA's Delta IV Heavy and Atlas V operations. SpaceX's SLC-40 has supported over 100 Falcon 9 launches and serves as the workhorse pad for Starlink constellation replenishment, commercial satellite deployment, and NASA cargo missions. Space Launch Complex 13 (SLC-13) serves as SpaceX's primary landing zone for Falcon 9 first-stage boosters (Landing Zone 1 and Landing Zone 2), enabling rapid turnaround reuse. CCSFS also hosts Eastern Range tracking and range safety operations covering the Atlantic Ocean downrange corridor, manages frequency coordination and airspace/maritime exclusion zones for all launches from the Cape, and coordinates with the Federal Aviation Administration for commercial launch licensing. The station's proximity to the equator (28.5°N) provides favorable delta-v for geostationary transfer orbit missions.

Kennedy Space Center

Merritt Island, United States government

NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is America's premier space launch and processing facility, established in 1962 on Merritt Island, Florida — adjacent to Cape Canaveral — designated as NASA's primary center for launch and landing operations, spacecraft processing, and launch vehicle integration for both government and commercial missions. KSC's iconic Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), constructed for the Apollo program and standing 160 meters tall, served as the assembly facility for Saturn V rockets and later Space Shuttle stacks. Launch Complex 39A hosted every crewed Apollo mission including the historic Apollo 11 liftoff in July 1969, and later all Space Shuttle missions before being leased to SpaceX — which now operates it for Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship test and launch campaigns. Launch Complex 39B was modified for NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, which launched Artemis I in November 2022 — the first uncrewed Artemis lunar test mission. Commercial operators beyond SpaceX also launch from adjacent Cape Canaveral Space Force Station: United Launch Alliance from SLC-41 (Atlas V and Vulcan Centaur) and SLC-37 (Delta IV Heavy until retirement), and multiple smallsat providers from SLC-46. KSC hosts Artemis astronaut mission training facilities, the Operations and Checkout Building for Orion crew module preparation and crew equipment stowage, the Launch Control Center firing rooms (updated for SLS digital systems from their Apollo-era heritage), and extensive cryogenic liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen propellant infrastructure supporting the full government and commercial launch cadence from the Cape Canaveral spaceport complex.

Space Florida

Cape Canaveral, United States government

Space Florida, established in 2006, functions as Florida’s aerospace development agency, focused on fostering the growth of the space industry within the state. The organization operates and manages spaceport infrastructure, notably at Cape Canaveral, and provides a range of support services designed to attract and retain aerospace companies. These services encompass consulting, workforce development initiatives, and access to financial resources, all geared towards enabling sustainable growth for businesses operating within the “new space economy.” A core function of Space Florida is facilitating access to established launch infrastructure and supporting the development of new capabilities. While specific technologies developed internally aren’t detailed, the company positions itself as a key enabler for companies leveraging these assets. The organization’s focus on industry attraction suggests a role in bringing new businesses and investment to Florida, contributing to the expansion of the state’s space sector. Space Florida’s value proposition centers on providing a comprehensive ecosystem for aerospace companies. By combining spaceport management with business development support and workforce training, the agency aims to reduce barriers to entry and accelerate growth for both established players and emerging startups. This holistic approach positions Florida as a competitive location for companies seeking to participate in the expanding space economy.

Space Perspective

Cape Canaveral, United States commercial

Space Perspective is an American space tourism company founded in 2019 by Jane Poynter and Taber MacCallum — a married couple previously known for living inside Biosphere 2 for two years in the early 1990s and co-founding Paragon Space Development Corporation — that offers stratospheric balloon flights to the edge of space aboard its Spaceship Neptune pressurized capsule. Unlike rocket-powered suborbital flights that subject passengers to high g-forces and minutes of weightlessness, Space Perspective's approach is deliberately gentle: Spaceship Neptune ascends under a high-altitude helium balloon to approximately 100,000 feet (30 km) — above 99% of Earth's atmosphere — over a two-to-three hour ascent, floats for up to two hours at maximum altitude where passengers observe the curvature of Earth and the darkness of space, then descends over two hours to ocean splashdown and ship recovery. The pressurized capsule maintains comfortable cabin pressure, features a bar, Wi-Fi, a restroom, and floor-to-ceiling windows engineered for optical clarity at altitude — a contrast with the cramped suborbital rocket capsule experience. Space Perspective based operations at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, using the historic Shuttle Landing Facility as its primary launch site. The company conducted Neptune One pathfinder capsule test flights beginning in June 2021, validating altitude, recovery, and ocean splashdown systems. Commercial flights, priced at approximately $125,000 per seat, began accepting reservations with thousands of deposits placed prior to first commercial service. The company competes with Blue Origin's New Shepard (rocket-powered, higher altitude, 11 minutes of microgravity) for affluent consumers seeking space-adjacent experiences at different price and experiential tradeoffs.

Astralytical

Melbourne, United States commercial

Astralytical is a boutique space consulting firm founded in 2016, specializing in analysis of emerging technologies and trends within the space industry. The firm empowers clients to successfully navigate and capitalize on opportunities in this rapidly evolving sector, assisting both established companies and startups with strategic business development and market entry. Astralytical’s core services include comprehensive market research, funding identification, and strategic pivoting for companies looking to expand into or within the space domain. The firm differentiates itself through a focus on providing actionable insights and expert guidance, demonstrated by successful engagements ranging from assisting manufacturing companies in securing contracts with the US Air Force, NASA, and the National Science Foundation, to guiding sensor companies towards high-value opportunities in xGEO/cislunar space. Astralytical also supports venture funds and studios in validating new business concepts and has a proven track record of helping clients secure funding, including multiple first-time NASA grant wins. Notably, Astralytical has contributed to significant projects such as spearheading global spaceport ventures – including the establishment of a new spaceport in the Middle East – and facilitating the entry of Irish aerospace firms into the US market. They also collaborate with organizations like the Space Foundation, SAIC, Space Development Agency, and Air Force Research Laboratory to connect space innovators with Department of Defense opportunities, solidifying their position as a key enabler of growth within the space industry.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Merritt Island, United States nonprofit

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, located at NASA's Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island, Florida, is the official visitor experience and public engagement venue for the nation's primary launch site — a nonprofit organization (contracted operations managed by Delaware North) that serves approximately 1.5 million visitors annually, making it Florida's most-visited tourist attraction after Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. The Complex's signature exhibit is Space Shuttle Atlantis — the actual orbiter Atlantis suspended in flight position at a 43.21-degree angle with payload bay doors open and robotic arm extended, displayed alongside a full-scale mockup of the Hubble Space Telescope and interactive crew compartment simulators. The 90,000-square-foot Atlantis pavilion also features Mission to Mars interactive experiences and a multi-screen IMAX film on the shuttle program's legacy. Apollo artifacts include the Saturn V rocket — one of only three remaining Saturn V vehicles — displayed horizontally in the Apollo/Saturn V Center alongside mission control consoles from the Apollo era and artifacts from the Apollo 1 fire investigation. The Rocket Garden showcases 12 actual rockets from the Mercury, Gemini, and early space age programs, including the Atlas, Titan II, Juno II, and Mercury-Redstone vehicles. The Complex offers bus tours of KSC's active launch pads including Launch Complex 39A (currently operated by SpaceX for Crew Dragon and Falcon Heavy missions) and LC-39B (NASA's Space Launch System Artemis missions), providing visitors views of actual launch infrastructure actively used for current missions. Beyond tourism, the Visitor Complex serves as NASA's primary public science communication venue on the east coast, hosting astronaut encounters, educator professional development programs, space camp programs for students, and live launch viewing events that attract tens of thousands of spectators. The facility was established in 1967, the year before the Apollo 8 first crewed circumlunar mission.

Mission Space Acquisition Corp (NYSE: MISN) is a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) focused on the aerospace and defense industries. Founded in 2024 and based in Cape Canaveral, Florida, the company is led by aerospace and NASA veterans with a mandate to acquire companies in the space sector. MISN is targeting firms valued between $500 million to $1 billion in areas such as satellites, space exploration, and space tourism. The SPAC was the first space-focused SPAC to file since December 2021, signaling renewed interest in space industry investments.

SpaceTEC

Cocoa, United States nonprofit

SpaceTEC is a Cocoa, Florida-based nonprofit national resource center for aerospace technical education, founded in 2002 and located near Kennedy Space Center on Florida's Space Coast. The organization addresses a frequently overlooked workforce gap in the space industry: while much attention focuses on engineers and scientists, the actual hardware of space exploration — launch vehicles, satellites, ground systems, test equipment — is built, assembled, tested, and maintained by skilled aerospace technicians, and this workforce needs industry-standardized training and credentials. SpaceTEC develops curriculum standards, competency frameworks, and professional certifications for aerospace and space technicians covering disciplines including composites fabrication, avionics assembly and test, precision machining, welding to aerospace standards, non-destructive inspection (NDI), propulsion system assembly, and space vehicle ground operations. These certifications are recognized by NASA, DoD contractors, and commercial space employers throughout the industry. The organization works with community colleges, technical schools, and vocational training programs across the US to align their curricula with actual industry needs — particularly critical as the Space Coast workforce expands to support SpaceX, Boeing, ULA, and the growing Kennedy Space Center launch manifest. SpaceTEC also publishes technical workforce data and works with the Florida Department of Education to ensure aerospace technical education pipelines can meet the growing demand from the commercial space sector.

Moon Express is an American private lunar exploration company and one of the original Google Lunar XPrize competitors. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Cape Canaveral, Florida, the company was the first private company to receive US government approval to travel beyond Earth orbit when it received FAA approval in 2016 for a lunar mission. Moon Express developed the MX-1 family of spacecraft designed as scalable lunar landers for cargo delivery, science instruments, and resource extraction — specifically targeting water ice in permanently shadowed craters at the lunar poles. The company has been relatively quiet since the Google Lunar XPrize ended in 2018 without a winner, though it maintains development activities. Moon Express faced competition from Astrobotic, Intuitive Machines, and ispace, which received NASA CLPS contracts that Moon Express did not.