Central Florida News
Student-Led Space Team Makes History for Canada with SpaceX ISS Launch
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (FNN) – While everyone knows about the primary SpaceX cargo mission which successfully launched from Kennedy Space Center to deliver new supplies to the astronauts currently working on the International Space Station Monday, June 5, there was another mission not too many are familiar with.
SpaceX’s CRS 28 cargo rocket launches from Cape Canaveral headed to the International Space Station Monday, June 5, 2023. Photo: Nickolas Wolf/Florida National News.
A team of students with Space Concordia, a student-led organization working in partnership with the Canadian Space Agency, created a nanosatellite (also known as a Cubesat) which will be released into orbit from the International Space Station to capture images and monitor aerosol particles from dust storms over parts of Canada, Argentina, and Nambia. This data will help scientists at the University of Montreal update their climate models to be more accurate. This nanosatellite, dubbed “Space Concordia’s Orbital Dust Imaging Nanosat” (SC-ODIN), will also capture data on ionizing radiation that the satellite will be exposed to while in space.
At Playalinda Beach, three miles from the launch pad, the Space Concordia team awaits the launch of SpaceX’s cargo rocket launch–and for their moment in history–because the rocket also carries their data-collecting nanosatellite to the International Space Station Monday, June 5, 2023. Photo: Nickolas Wolf/Florida National News.
Space Concordia participates in projects and competitions hosted by the Canadian Space Agency in hopes of expanding opportunities and testing for new and innovative missions, especially in the sphere of Cubesat production and mission submissions. Cubesats have become a cheaper and more useful alternative to the more conventional, massive satellites people are familiar with. They can be stored in bulk on “rideshare” missions and can be launched on smaller rockets. With new rocket companies taking over the scene, these missions will enable nearly anyone with the right budget to create and conduct missions, even students and schools.
To say the Space Concordia students and team members were excited would be an understatement. After delays Friday, Saturday and Sunday, they had only one last opportunity to see their satellite launch in person before flying back to Canada. However, the day was beautiful, and no anomalies were keeping CRS-2 SpX-28 grounded. Finally, the time came and at T-0 the Falcon 9 Rocket lifted off from Pad 39A. The student project, which had been in development since 2018, was finally going to space. It was a momentous occasion for them and Space Concordia as a whole as the organization’s first successful mission to space. As they watched and waited from Playalinda Beach, just three miles from the Launch Pad, it was clear how dedicated and understandably nervous they were. It’s safe to say Quebec and all of Canada is proud of their collaborative effort and work.
Just as SpaceX and all the other launch companies that have grown within the last 10 years have proven that space can be more accessible than ever before, groups like Space Concordia lead as examples to all younger generations that they can be involved in U.S. space-bound efforts. They have the power, so long as they have the drive, to be scientists and be a part in mankind’s next big step as a species to further explore space and all its wonders.
With the current trajectory, the expansion of space organizations and projects will continue to accelerate and become more accessible to individuals, companies and students around the world. Mankind is an explorer species, after all. It’s in our DNA.
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Photojournalist Nickolas Wolf reported from Cape Canaveral. | info@floridanationalnews.com
Central Florida News
Orange County Launches Month-Long Earth Day Celebration with Eco-Friendly Events
Central Florida News
2026 Orange County Mayor’s Race Heats Up: Tiffany Moore Russell Declares Candidacy
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) – Orange County Clerk of Courts Tiffany Moore Russell has officially filed paperwork to run for Orange County Mayor in the 2026 election, according to the Orange County Supervisor of Elections website. Russell, a trailblazing leader in local government, seeks to succeed Mayor Jerry Demings, who will complete his final term in 2026.
Russell’s Historic Leadership in Orange County
Russell is no stranger to breaking barriers. In 2014, she made history as the first African American female Clerk of Courts elected in Florida and the first African American Clerk in Orange County. Before that, she served as the District 6 Orange County Commissioner, first elected in 2006 at just 27 years old, making her the youngest commissioner ever elected in the county. She successfully served two terms on the commission, advocating for economic development, public safety, and affordable housing.
As Orange County Clerk of Courts, Russell has led efforts to modernize the court system, improve public access to legal services, and enhance transparency in county government. Under her leadership, the Clerk’s Office has expanded online services, improved efficiency, and increased community engagement through outreach programs.
The Role of Orange County Mayor
The Orange County Mayor is one of the most powerful local government positions in Central Florida, overseeing a $4.4 billion budget and more than 8,000 county employees while serving a population of approximately 1.5 million residents.
With Mayor Demings unable to seek re-election due to term limits, Russell’s candidacy sets the stage for a highly competitive race. Other potential contenders include:
Former U.S. Congresswoman Val Demings, who previously considered a run in 2014 but later dropped out.
Former U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy.
Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe.
Former Orange County Commissioners Emily Bonilla and Scott Boyd.
Former Orange County Property Appraiser Rick Singh.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Russell’s deep-rooted experience in public service and history-making leadership make her a formidable candidate in the non-partisan race. As the campaign unfolds, voters will look for candidates with strong leadership, financial management expertise, and a vision for Orange County’s future.
Stay connected with Florida National News for updates on the 2026 Orange County mayoral race.
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J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Central Florida News
Congressman Maxwell Frost Takes Questions on Economy, Education, and Federal Cuts in Orlando Reddit AMA
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) took to Reddit’s r/Orlando community this past Friday for an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session, addressing Central Floridians’ concerns on inflation, federal funding freezes, and the future of the Democratic Party. The discussion garnered over 81,000 views, 1,000 upvotes, and more than 350 comments and questions from local residents.
Congressman Frost on Economic Policy & Rising Costs
One Reddit user asked: Do House Democrats have a plan to offer an alternative to Trump’s economic policy?
Congressman Frost responded:
“We can’t just oppose Trump’s billionaire takeover—we must provide our vision. People don’t want marginal improvements, they want bold, transformational change.
Expanding Medicare so no one must choose between medical bills and rent.
Increasing affordable housing and enacting strong renter protections.
Holding corporations accountable for price gouging and price fixing.
Raising the minimum wage so workers aren’t stuck with $7.25 an hour.We have a popular agenda, and we must fight to reclaim the narrative. While Republicans cover up their SignalGate scandal, Democrats are working to lower costs. I’ve championed price-lowering legislation to reduce property insurance costs, grocery prices, rental fees, and prescription drug costs, including capping EpiPen prices.”
Concerns Over Federal Education Cuts & Public School Support
Another Orlando resident expressed concerns over federal funding cuts to Title I schools, fearing that many students will lose access to free lunch programs.
Congressman Frost, whose mother was a public school teacher for 37 years, responded:
“Florida’s state government is actively working to dismantle public education. Title I funding is crucial for schools serving low-income communities. In February, I marched with fellow members of Congress to the Department of Education’s doors to fight back against threats to public education.
It took Department of Homeland Security officers in body armor to keep us out. That should tell you how serious this is.
Parents, teachers, and school administrators must pressure elected officials at all levels to oppose Trump’s efforts to dismantle the Department of Education. A strong federal education system is more important than ever.”
Food Insecurity: Second Harvest’s Government Support Cut
A Reddit user voiced concerns over Second Harvest Food Bank losing federal food shipments, which impacts over 300 local food pantries, churches, and shelters that rely on their support.
Congressman Frost assured residents that he is taking action:
“This week, the Trump Administration canceled federal food shipments to Second Harvest, and it’s likely not a temporary cut. Hunger is a devastating crisis, affecting both physical and mental health.
I was able to secure $200,000 for Second Harvest to help offset their energy costs for food storage, but I will continue fighting for more resources to ensure families in our district don’t go hungry.”
Stay Connected with Florida National News for More Political Coverage
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