Donald Trump has announced plans to turn Kennedy Space Center in Florida into a major international aerospace events venue, with a proposed 1,900-acre development centred on the former Shuttle Landing Facility.
The US president outlined the vision during remarks at the space centre on Friday, saying the site could host one of the world’s largest air and space demonstrations within two years.
He said the venue would attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, generate billions of dollars in economic activity and provide a base for major commercial and private-sector aerospace deals.
The proposal is intended to bring aircraft, spacecraft and related technology companies together at Kennedy Space Center, which Trump said should become the leading location for unveiling developments in aviation and space exploration.
The historic facility includes a 15,000ft runway that was used by NASA’s space shuttles. It is now operated and managed by Space Florida under a 30-year agreement with NASA, and is available for commercial and research activities including flight testing and horizontal launch and landing operations.
NASA has already announced MAX POWER, a public aerospace expo and air show taking place at Kennedy Space Center on November 7 and 8. The event is due to feature NASA aircraft, military flight displays, technology demonstrations, astronauts and exhibits covering commercial aviation and space exploration.
Activities are scheduled to include the former Shuttle Landing Facility, the Apollo Saturn V facility and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. NASA said the event would bring together the public, investors, engineers, pilots and companies working on next-generation aircraft, spacecraft and autonomous systems.
Trump presented the proposed expansion as part of a wider effort to restore US leadership in aviation and space technology, arguing that future international aerospace showcases should be held in the United States rather than primarily overseas.
