Space Coast

Space Coast
Region
Country	United States
State	Florida
Time zone	UTC-5 (EST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4 (EDT)

The Space Coast is a region in the state of Florida, United States, located along the state's eastern coastline. It is named for its association with the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, which have been the launch sites for many of the United States' most significant space missions.

Geography

The Space Coast encompasses the area around Brevard County, stretching from the northern boundary of Volusia County to the southern boundary of Indian River County. The region is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the St. Johns River to the west.

History

The Space Coast's history is closely tied to the development of the United States' space program. The establishment of the Kennedy Space Center in the 1960s marked the beginning of the region's transformation into a hub for aerospace activity. The area gained international prominence with the launch of Apollo 11, the first manned mission to land on the Moon.

Economy

The economy of the Space Coast is heavily influenced by the aerospace industry. Major employers include NASA, SpaceX, and Blue Origin. The region also benefits from tourism, with visitors drawn to attractions such as the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and the nearby Canaveral National Seashore.

Education

The Space Coast is home to several educational institutions, including the Florida Institute of Technology and Eastern Florida State College. These institutions offer programs in engineering, aerospace, and other fields related to the region's primary industries.

Transportation

The region is served by several major highways, including Interstate 95 and U.S. Route 1. The Orlando Melbourne International Airport and the Space Coast Regional Airport provide air travel options for residents and visitors.

Notable Events

• The launch of Apollo 11 on July 16, 1969, from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center.
• The first flight of the Space Shuttle on April 12, 1981, from Launch Complex 39A.
• The launch of the Mars Science Laboratory mission, which included the Curiosity rover, on November 26, 2011, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

See also

• Kennedy Space Center
• Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
• Brevard County, Florida
• Florida Institute of Technology
• SpaceX
• Blue Origin