Two aerospace-related companies are moving into Homestead as the city tries to build on a state spaceport territory designation that took effect July 1, 2024. Texas-based AST SpaceMobile, which is developing a space-based cellular broadband network, has expanded its satellite manufacturing operations into the city. Miami-based Global Engine Stands, which makes equipment for transporting and storing aircraft engines, signed a 10-year lease for 35,000 square feet at the Commerce Park.
Mayor Steven Losner said the city gets inquiries almost every week from aerospace and defense companies looking for industrial space in Homestead and nearby areas. The Park of Commerce has about 500,000 square feet of available industrial space, and nearly another 500,000 square feet has recently been approved for development.
Losner said some prospective employers have talked about bringing several hundred jobs each. Some have made multiple visits and begun talks with Miami-Dade County officials and Homestead Air Reserve Base representatives about permitting. Losner said the city is still early in the process.
The city is also planning for workers. The Miami-Dade County School Board has designated an underused middle school in Homestead for conversion into an aerospace technology magnet high school with room for 1,200 students.
The effort extends across South Dade. Losner said Florida City, Homestead, Cutler Bay, Palmetto Bay and Pinecrest have each backed an aerospace and defense corridor largely along US 1. County Commissioner Kionne McGhee has helped coordinate the regional push. Losner said he knew of no state or federal funding the city had received specifically for the designation.
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