Space school seeks U.S. site for institute

If you ever thought the Space Coast needed another space school, you might soon see one.

The International Space University has reached out to different regions across the country — including Central Florida — in an effort to establish a center for space entrepreneurship.

With new space companies popping up along the coast, it would be an interesting addition to the region.

Florida Institute of Technology already offers space science classes in Melbourne.

Having a second school could further establish the coast as a place for the space industry’s future.

“It makes sense on a number of levels,” said Dale Ketcham, Space Florida’s strategic alliances chief. “The issue, however, is further digesting what the requirements of the solicitation would be and who would step up to meet them.”

The deadline is Feb. 29 for schools to apply at ISU’s website, isunet.edu, to house the Robert A. Heinlein Institute for Space Entrepreneurship & Space Innovation.

The institute will offer training, conferences, seminars and short courses, along with public events, once established.

Chris Stott, a member of the school’s board of trustees, is leading the search for a U.S. host and said the site “will become a global meeting place for entrepreneurs who want to understand the challenges of building a space enterprise.”

The location would house a study program along with a business incubator for space startups. The agency will select its site in September.