Space Policy on the Ground - A conversation with Dale Ketcham, Space Florida

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Space Policy Pioneers Podcast, host Andy Williams, Director of Science in Space interviews Dale Ketcham, the Vice President of Government and Community Relations at Space Florida. The conversation delves into the mission and activities of Space Florida, its evolution since inception, and the state of Florida's emergence as a leading hub for space-related activities. Dale lays out the importance of space policy on Earth, the increasing intersection of commercial aviation and maritime sectors with space, and the future opportunities available with the rapid growth of commercial enterprise in space. 

Bio: Dale Ketcham has been an advocate of Florida in the space marketplace for decades. In his present role, Ketcham utilizes existing and developing networks to advantage the State of Florida as the recognized leader in the civil, commercial and military space marketplace through innovation, collaboration and influence. Dale spent 40+ years at the Cape working with major contractors, small businesses and socially / economically disadvantaged businesses, the U.S. Congress, Enterprise Florida and the University of Central Florida. After receiving a degree in Philosophy from the University of Florida, Dale returned to Cocoa Beach. There he worked for Rockwell International in the Shuttle Program for 10 years, then spent four years as District Director for Congressman Jim Bacchus, representing the Space Coast on the Space Subcommittee in the U.S. House of Representatives. Immediately prior to Space Florida, Dale worked at UCF as Director of the Spaceport Research & Technology Institute (SRTI) at KSC and as the Director of Space and Defense Programs with Enterprise Florida. Since 2007 he has served as the primary point of contact for those seeking the Presidency of both parties by demonstrating their support for the space program in Florida.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dale-ketcham-82498413/ 

Disclaimer: All guests are talking in their personal capacity and are not representing any official position of their former or current employing organization.

Links and Resources:

Space Florida: https://www.spaceflorida.gov/ 

Florida Spaceport Office: https://www.fdot.gov/spaceport 

https://www.faa.gov/space/spaceports_by_state 

Deloitte Report on Spaceports: https://www.flsenate.gov/Committees/billsummaries/2023/html/3163 

https://spacenews.com/cape-congestion-worlds-busiest-spaceport-stretched-to-its-limits/ 

https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/explore-attractions/nasa-now/spaceport-ksc