Space Florida is a leading aerospace economic development organization dedicated to strengthening Florida's position as a global leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration, and commerce. As the state's premier aerospace agency, Space Florida is committed to attracting and expanding the next generation of space industry businesses.

On this edition of The Ex Terra Podcast, Tom Patton talks with Rob Long, president and CEO of Space Florida. He was named to the position last year following the retirement of Frank DiBello.

Rob has over 25 years of leadership experience in the aerospace industry. His expertise spans launch operations, logistics, and spaceport management. His strategic vision aims to position Florida as a global hub for aerospace commerce.

"We are definitely engaged from the start-up side, we do a lot with capital accelerator programs, we work with Florida Venture Forum and other similar organizations to male sure we're involved in some of those early aerospace companies,” Long said. “Small mid-cap companies to the largest Fortune 500 companies. We have the ability to deal with all of those."

Long most recently served as the Commander for Space Launch Delta 30 and Western Launch and Test Range, Vandenberg Space Force Base. In this role he managed $8.4 billion in assets, a $280 million annual budget, installations spanning more than 118,000 acres, and oversaw 11,000 military, civilian, and contractor personnel.

Long received his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Washington, earned a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs and has master’s degree from the College of Naval Command and Staff, the School for Advanced Air and Space Studies and the Eisenhower School. He retired as a colonel from the United States Space Force in July 2023.