MIAMI.— Florida announced this Monday, July 20, the expansion of Relativity Space on the Space Coast and a new cooperation agreement with the United Kingdom, during the opening of the state pavilion at the 2026 Farnborough International Air Show, in the English city of the same name.
Governor Ron DeSantis led the dedication of the Florida Pavilion during the first day of a business development mission to the United Kingdom, aimed at promoting investment and strengthening the state’s aerospace industry.
Among the major announcements is the commitment of Relativity Space, a company specializing in aerospace manufacturing, to expand its production and launch operations on Florida’s Space Coast.
According to the governor’s office, the project will involve a significant capital investment and the creation of thousands of high-wage, skilled jobs. The statement did not specify the amount of the investment, the exact number of jobs or the execution schedule.
Relativity Space to expand operations on the Space Coast
Relativity Space develops launch systems and manufacturing technology for the space industry. Its expansion will reinforce commercial operations linked to the aerospace centers located on the east coast of Florida.
“Relativity is exactly the partner to help advance our mission of establishing Florida as the global center of aerospace commerce,” said Rob Long, president and CEO of Space Florida.
Long maintained that infrastructure, economic strategy and the availability of specialized workers influenced the company’s decision to increase its presence in the state.
Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly said the project supports the state’s position as a destination for innovative aviation and space technology companies. In addition to Florida, Relativity has locations in California, Mississippi, Washington DC, and Seattle.
Florida and the United Kingdom sign space cooperation agreement
During the event, a memorandum of understanding was also signed between Space Florida and the United Kingdom Space Agency, known as the UK Space Agency.
The agreement seeks to promote international collaboration, facilitate joint projects and open opportunities for companies and institutions dedicated to the research, manufacturing and commercialization of space technology.
First agreement under an international aerospace fund
Jeanette Nuñez, president of the Board of Directors of Space Florida, explained that the memorandum constitutes the first partnership developed under the International Aerospace Innovation Fund.
“Our recently signed agreement with the United Kingdom offers Florida companies a direct path to international collaboration,” stated Nuñez.
Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue said these types of partnerships can drive innovation and future economic growth in the aviation and space industries.
The agreement expands an alliance that began in 2023
The new cooperation is based on the memorandum signed in 2023 by DeSantis and the then British Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Kemi Badenoch.
Since that time, Florida and the United Kingdom have hosted trade delegations, implementation meetings, and educational and business exchanges.
Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd indicated that the expansion of the alliance brings together the experience, technology and aeronautical tradition of both parties.
“From the early days of aviation to today’s space missions, Florida has played an important role in the history of human flight,” Byrd said.
Trade between Florida and the United Kingdom exceeds $4.1 billion
Bilateral merchandise exchange between Florida and the United Kingdom increased more than 20% since 2019, according to data released during the trade mission.
In 2025, total trade in goods between both economies will exceed $4.1 billion.
Florida exported products worth approximately $1.3 billion to the United Kingdom, while British exports to Florida reached $2.8 billion.
The United Kingdom is also the largest foreign employer through international investments in Florida. Approximately one in five jobs linked to foreign investment in the state comes from British companies.
Florida also functions as a commercial platform for UK companies interested in operating in Latin America, the Caribbean and the southeastern United States.
DeSantis highlights Florida’s role in space economy
“The Free State of Florida is a focal point of the international space economy,” DeSantis declared during the pavilion opening.
The governor said the announcements made in Farnborough strengthen Florida’s position in the space industry through new opportunities for innovation, investment and employment.
Florida’s economy reached a gross domestic product close to $1.9 trillion during the first quarter of 2026, according to information presented by the state.
Florida has three spaceports, 16 deepwater seaports, 21 commercial airports, 130 public use airports and more than 20 major military installations.
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