Space Foundation Press Releases
Space Foundation and L3Harris Host New Generation Space Leaders Event in Palm Bay, Florida
Written by: Space Foundation Editorial Team
Emerging space professionals unite for networking, mentorship and industry access
PALM BAY, FL. — July 14, 2026 — Space Foundation and L3Harris Technologies brought together emerging professionals from across Florida’s space industry during the New Generation Space Leaders Event: Launching the Future on Tuesday, July 14, at L3Harris Technologies in Palm Bay, Fla.
Designed for emerging space professionals, the event offered direct access to industry leaders, innovative technologies and real-world career opportunities, representing an investment in the strength and future of the global space workforce. Among the attendees were National Space interns, NASA interns and other emerging professionals pursuing careers across the space industry.
Throughout the evening, attendees engaged with peers and industry leaders, participated in a special program featuring remarks from company executives and toured select facilities on the L3Harris campus. The experience offered early-career professionals a closer look at the technologies and capabilities driving innovation in defense and space.
“Investing talent has never been more important. Through our partnership with L3Harris, we connected Florida’s emerging space professionals with the mentors, networks, and opportunities they need to build rewarding careers and become the leaders we need to drive our industry forward,” said Space Foundation CEO Heather Pringle.
“We know the future of space depends on the next generation of innovators, engineers and leaders,” said Ed Zoiss, vice president of Engineering, Technology & Innovation at L3Harris and a member of Space Foundation’s Board of Directors. “Collaborating with Space Foundation to host this event reflects our commitment to developing talent by providing opportunities to learn from experienced professionals, build meaningful connections and gain firsthand exposure to the technologies advancing today’s most critical space missions. We are proud to help inspire and develop the workforce that will shape the future of the space industry.”
Space Foundation and L3Harris are committed to helping strengthen the space talent pipeline through strategic collaboration and meaningful engagement with emerging professionals. By bringing together early-career talent, industry leaders and hands-on learning opportunities, the organizations are fostering connections that support career development and advance the future of the space industry. As the global space sector continues to expand, partnerships like these play an important role in preparing the skilled workforce needed for tomorrow’s missions and innovations.
Journalists may use photos and video from this link [link] in print and broadcast coverage with appropriate credit to L3Harris. The materials may be used to help showcase the event and highlight efforts to strengthen the space workforce pipeline.
About L3Harris Technologies
L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security. Visit L3Harris.com for more information.
About Space Foundation
Space Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 1983 as a gateway to advance the global space community. Space Foundation uniquely educates, collaborates and informs the entire space workforce, from early education through post-secondary (college, non-college, vocational), to the start of their careers as new professionals, and ultimately as leaders at the highest levels of government and commercial industry. As a charitable organization, Space Foundation receives support from corporate members, sponsors, individual giving, and grants.
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Media Contact:
Mayo Blumberg
Space Foundation
(620) 870-2201
[email protected]
Irene Lockwood
Space and Mission Systems
L3Harris Technologies
(585) 465-3592
[email protected]
Facts Only
* Event: New Generation Space Leaders Event.
* Date: Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
* Location: L3Harris Technologies in Palm Bay, Florida.
* Participants included emerging space professionals, National Space interns, and NASA interns.
* Activities involved networking, mentorship, executive remarks, and facility tours on the L3Harris campus.
* Space Foundation CEO Heather Pringle commented on connecting talent with mentors and opportunities.
* L3Harris VP of Engineering, Technology & Innovation Ed Zoiss commented on developing talent through collaboration.
Executive Summary
Space Foundation and L3Harris Technologies hosted a New Generation Space Leaders Event in Palm Bay, Florida, on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. The event brought together emerging space professionals from across Florida’s industry for networking, mentorship, and access to the sector. Attendees included National Space interns, NASA interns, and other emerging professionals. The event featured remarks from company executives and tours of L3Harris facilities, providing early-career attendees exposure to defense and space technologies.
Space Foundation CEO Heather Pringle stated that investing in talent through the partnership with L3Harris connects Florida's emerging professionals with necessary mentors, networks, and opportunities for career development. L3Harris executive Ed Zoiss emphasized a commitment to developing talent by offering opportunities to learn from experienced professionals and gain firsthand exposure to critical space mission technologies. The collaboration aims to strengthen the space talent pipeline by connecting early-career talent with industry leaders and hands-on learning experiences.