BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — When SpaceX’s Demo-2 mission blasts off for the International Space Station, local officials will hope the commercial space industry will also receive its own boost.
“This really is the next major step in commercializing low-earth orbit and having a vital LEO economy where NASA is one of many customers,” said ISS Program Manager Kirk Shireman.
As the launch lifts, some experts anticipate Central Florida’s tourism economy will receive a boost of it own.
Read: Falcon 9 rocket moved into vertical launch position
According to Space Florida, more than 11,600 aerospace-related companies call Florida home, contributing $17.7 billion dollars in revenue to Florida’s economy.
Aerion Supersonic recently announced a new global headquarters for the production of the company’s supersonic aircraft in Melbourne.
Boeing also relocated its space and launch division to Titusville and Lockheed Martin relocated its fleet ballistic missile headquarters to the city.
Read: Preparing for liftoff: How to watch NASA, SpaceX launch
Tourism experts said Saturday’s launch has created an economic impact on the Space Coast.
PHOTOS: Rocket launches from Central Florida
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