The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) and the Cape Canaveral facility have been home to some of the most sophisticated technical machinery in the world. This facility has spurred increased research and development world-wide and is creating growth near the Spaceport itself. The Spaceport Commerce Park, a 400-acre facility (1,620 hectares) located just outside the Kennedy Space Center, is the home of the new Space Experiment Research and Processing Laboratory. The $25.2 million lab will serve as the pre-and post-processing center for life science experiments conducted on the International Space Station. Funded by the state of Florida and the Florida Research Institute, the project will be leased by NASA.
      The lab is seen as a boon to the Commerce Park, which hopes to become the site of bio-technical research and development. "It will really highlight Florida as a hub for space-related biotech research," says Pam Dana with the Florida Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development. Development officials cite the proximity to the Spaceport and say this will attract other business. "Like companies will come incrementally and develop the area," adds Dana.