BUILDING AT SCALE: How Florida’ s Aerospace Ecosystem Set the Pace in 2025— and What Comes Next
by Rob Long, Col.( Ret.), President and CEO, Space Florida
As we reflect on the momentum built in 2025, it’ s clear the aerospace industry is entering a new phase— one defined by scale, speed, and ambition. Milestones like Artemis II and the continued advancement of super heavy-class launch systems signal a step change in how often we fly, how much we carry, and what missions are now possible. As home to the world’ s busiest spaceport system and an aerospace ecosystem built to support what comes next, Florida sits at the center of this moment.
In 2025, Florida once again led the nation in launch activity, surpassing 100 orbital launches from the Cape Canaveral ' s Spaceport and deploying more than 2,000 payloads supporting commercial broadband, national security, civil space exploration, and emerging technologies. But launches are only one indicator of progress. Across the state, aerospace investment expanded well beyond the launch pads, with new satellite processing, advanced manufacturing, aviation, and defense infrastructure coming online.
Major investments from partners such as Amazon Leo, AURA AERO, SpaceX, Blue Origin and BAE Systems reflect confidence not just in individual projects, but in Florida’ s long- term aerospace strategy.
These companies are expanding footprints, adding jobs, and building capabilities that anchor the supply chain and create lasting economic impact.
At the same time, emerging companies are finding Florida to be a place where innovation can move from concept to commercialization. Through Space Florida’ s capital accelerator programs, early-stage aerospace and space-adjacent companies gain access to funding, mentorship, and pathways to scale— efforts that have helped participating companies generate approximately $ 900 million in follow-on capital and exits over the life of the programs.
One of the clearest lessons of 2025 is that infrastructure investment is now a defining factor in aerospace competitiveness. By 2035, Florida must be prepared to support the transport of at least 5,000 metric tons of cargo to space annually, translating into hundreds of launches per year across multiple vehicle classes. Meeting that demand requires integrated planning across what we call the“ Big 6” infrastructure needs: wastewater, wetlands, wharf, bridge, power, and gas.
Throughout the year, our team worked closely with industry partners, local governments, and Florida’ s congressional delegation to address these needs. A
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