Return to Launch
Florida and America's Space Industry
Book •
Stephen C. Smith's Return to Launch recounts how geography, military strategy, Cold War politics, and chance made Cape Canaveral the center of U.S.
launch activity.
Drawing on his experience living on Merritt Island and working at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Smith traces the region from early V-2 testing through Apollo, shuttle, and the rise of commercial space.
The book explores economic boom-and-bust cycles, eminent domain's role in creating the spaceport, and how Space Florida helped diversify the local economy.
Smith combines local anecdotes, policy context, and historical research to explain why Florida remains pivotal to American space ambitions.
The narrative highlights lessons for sustaining a regional space economy amid changing federal and private-sector priorities.
launch activity.
Drawing on his experience living on Merritt Island and working at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Smith traces the region from early V-2 testing through Apollo, shuttle, and the rise of commercial space.
The book explores economic boom-and-bust cycles, eminent domain's role in creating the spaceport, and how Space Florida helped diversify the local economy.
Smith combines local anecdotes, policy context, and historical research to explain why Florida remains pivotal to American space ambitions.
The narrative highlights lessons for sustaining a regional space economy amid changing federal and private-sector priorities.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 0 episodes
Mentioned by Casey Dreier as the guest's new book about Florida's role in America's space industry.
Space Policy Edition: Return to Launch — Cape Canaveral's unlikely history
