Robert Long: Pilots Space Florida as its impact reaches Miami-Dade site

Robert Long is an accomplished figure in aerospace, with over 25 years overseeing large organizations across the aerospace spectrum from launch operations and mobility to logistics and spaceport operations. He has spent over two decades crafting defense industrial, aerospace, and fiscal policy and strategies, which includes key roles advising the Defense Department’s chief technology officer and senior Defense Department space leaders.
Col. Long’s experience includes managing complex aerospace programs, leveraging innovative technologies, and developing new business models and operating concepts for the commercial aerospace industry.
Most recently, Col. Long was Commander for Space Launch Delta 30 and Western Launch and Test Range, Vandenberg Space Force Base, where he managed a $280 million annual budget, installations spanning more than 118,000 acres, and oversaw 11,000 military, civilian, and contractor personnel. 

He retired as a colonel from the US Space Force in July 2023 and in September 2023, he was selected by Space Florida’s board as the organization’s president and CEO. Space Florida is a public-private partnership created by the State of Florida to drive business investment, research and development, national defense, manufacturing and workforce in the commercial space industry.

Col. Long is responsible for leading Space Florida’s mission to advance the aerospace industry and solidify the state as the premier global capital for aerospace commerce. He spoke with Miami Today reporter Genevieve Bowen.  

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