MEMPHIS, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Space Florida today announced that it has named FedEx as its preferred provider of logistics, transportation and cargo related services. Space Florida maintains and operates the historic launch and landing strip—15,000 feet long and 300 feet wide—at the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kennedy Space Center (KSC).
“The Space industry, comprised of highly-specialized and time-sensitive shipments, is poised for rapid growth and innovation. It is an exciting time to be part of the global Space marketplace,” said Brie Carere, senior vice president, Global Portfolio Marketing, FedEx Services. “From aerospace to Exomedicine, the FedEx portfolio is well-positioned to support the privatization of Space.”
FedEx helped launch a relationship with Space Florida in May 2015 when a FedEx Express Boeing 757 was the first commercial aircraft to land on the Shuttle Landing Facility runway. With the commercial Space industry growing at such a rapid rate, FedEx developed FedEx Space Solutions, providing customers with round-the-clock access to a team of knowledgeable experts dedicated solely to serving the needs of the global space marketplace.
The ability to land at KSC uniquely positions FedEx to support the growth of biomedical experimentation and clinical trials on the International Space Station (ISS). As the preferred provider for the Cape Canaveral Spaceport, FedEx is able to provide the latest cut-off times to get Exomedicine materials to the launch site on time and expedite the return shipment, maintaining the integrity of the research every step of the way.
“Identifying FedEx as the preferred logistics provider at the Cape Canaveral Spaceport supports Space Florida’s transition and development of the historic Shuttle Landing Facility to a commercially operated horizontal launch and landing facility,” said Frank DiBello, president and CEO of Space Florida. “We are confident that having FedEx onsite will enhance the logistical support to launch operators, payload providers, satellite and rocket manufacturers and their supply chains as launch activity increases and Florida’s Space industry continues to grow and diversify.”
Additionally, FedEx offers cold-chain packaging for high-value temperature-sensitive shipments, and has the capability to monitor temperature and other environmental factors through SenseAware® tracking technology to help ensure vital materials are not compromised during transit. FedEx Space Solutions is a single source to manage the complex logistics of delivering experiments to the International Space Station launch site and then back after their return.
About FedEx
FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $58 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world’s most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 400,000 team members to remain “absolutely, positively” focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. To learn more about how FedEx connects people and possibilities around the world, please visit about.fedex.com.
About Space Florida
Space Florida was created to strengthen Florida’s position as the global leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration and commerce. As Florida’s spaceport authority and aerospace development organization, we are committed to attracting and expanding the next generation of space industry businesses. With its highly trained workforce, proven infrastructure and unparalleled record of achievement, Florida is the ideal location for aerospace businesses to thrive – and Space Florida is the perfect partner to help them succeed. www.spaceflorida.gov.
About Cape Canaveral Spaceport
The Cape Canaveral Spaceport, at which Space Florida has an operational spaceport authority role, is the premiere transportation hub for global space commerce. Space Florida oversees management and operation of key elements of Florida’s existing space transportation capability including the Shuttle Landing Facility and Launch Complex 46. Those Cape Canaveral Spaceport capabilities are enabled by safe and secure operations across a broad landscape of space activities.
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