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
FNN Honors Teen Reporter Isabella Schmitt as She Graduates and Pursues Communications Degree
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News proudly celebrates Isabella Schmitt as she marks an important milestone with her high school graduation and prepares to begin an exciting new chapter pursuing Communications in college.
Over the years, Isabella has represented the next generation of young voices with professionalism, creativity, determination, and passion.
Through reporting opportunities, community involvement, and media experiences, she has continued to shine both on and off camera while inspiring others through her dedication and work ethic.
Jenny Rosario, Vice President of Florida National News, praised Isabella’s accomplishments and bright future ahead.
“Watching Isabella grow both personally and professionally has been truly inspiring,” Rosario said. “She represents the future of journalism, communications, and storytelling. Her passion, confidence, and commitment to making a positive impact through media are remarkable, and we are incredibly proud of all she has accomplished.”
Rosario added that Isabella’s decision to pursue Communications in college is a natural next step for someone with such strong talent and determination.
“The world of media and communications needs more young voices like Isabella’s,” Rosario said. “We know this is only the beginning of many great accomplishments to come.”
Florida National News congratulates Isabella Schmitt and the entire Class of 2026 on this exciting achievement.
“Keep dreaming big and telling stories that matter,” Rosario added.
Central Florida News
Orlando Commissioner Tony Ortiz Files for Mayor, Could Become City’s First Puerto Rican Mayor
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Tony Ortiz, a longtime Orlando city commissioner, former Marine, and former law enforcement officer, has officially filed to run for mayor of Orlando following Mayor Buddy Dyer’s announcement that he will not seek re-election.
Ortiz filed his candidacy ahead of the November 2027 nonpartisan mayoral election. If elected, he would become Orlando’s first Puerto Rican mayor.
GROWING FIELD OF CANDIDATES
Ortiz joins a growing field of candidates that includes State Representative Anna Eskamani, who could become Orlando’s first Iranian American mayor if elected, along with Elliot Kahanna and Abdelnasser Luth.
In his campaign announcement, Ortiz emphasized issues affecting residents across Orlando, including housing affordability, public safety, homelessness, transportation, economic opportunity, and neighborhood stability.
“As the City of Orlando continues to grow and evolve, residents across the city are increasingly focused on the issues that shape everyday life,” Ortiz stated in his campaign announcement.
LAW ENFORCEMENT BACKGROUNDS RESONATE WITH ORANGE COUNTY VOTERS
Political observers note that Orange County voters have historically supported candidates with backgrounds in local, state, and federal law enforcement or public safety roles.
Examples include Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, former Orange County sheriff; former U.S. Congresswoman Val Demings, former Orlando police chief; former State Senator Victor Torres, a former NYC Transit Police officer; Maitland City Commissioner Keith Givens, a retired FBI agent; former State Representative Daisy Morales, a former HSI official; Apopka City Commissioner Diane Velazquez, a former NYPD officer; and former Orlando City Commissioner Samuel Ings, a former Orlando police officer.
Florida National News Photo
HISTORIC OPPORTUNITY FOR REPRESENTATION
Ortiz’s candidacy highlights the continued growth and political influence of Central Florida’s Puerto Rican community. If successful, his election would mark a historic milestone for Puerto Rican representation in Orlando city government.
Business
Orlando Regional REALTOR Association Event Highlights Orange County Growth, Housing Trends and Economic Outlook
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) hosted its second annual State of Real Estate event for Orange County on April 17, bringing together industry professionals, policymakers and community leaders to examine the region’s housing market and economic outlook.
Held at ORRA’s headquarters in Orlando, the event focused on the evolving dynamics of residential and commercial real estate across Central Florida. Discussions centered on housing affordability, economic growth and long-term regional development.
Speakers and Panelists
- Lawrence Yun — Chief Economist, National Association of REALTORS
- Maria Henson — Senior Director of Market Research & Insights, Visit Orlando
- Racquel Asa — Head of External Affairs, Central Florida Expressway Authority
- Amy Mercado — Property Appraiser, Orange County
- Chris Atwell — Moderator, 2026 ORRA President
Industry experts said Central Florida’s economy continues to grow, though at a more measured pace. While housing and stock market wealth remain near record highs, job growth is softening, consumer sentiment has declined and loan defaults are rising — creating a market shaped by mixed signals.
Panelists noted the housing market has shifted into a more stable phase compared to the rapid growth seen during 2020 and 2021, with more balance and sustainable conditions.
Despite short-term fluctuations, long-term fundamentals remain strong. Orange County’s tax base has grown significantly since 2023, while the broader Central Florida region has experienced a 23% population increase over the past decade, with more than 1,200 people moving to the area each week.
Infrastructure and tourism were also highlighted as key drivers of future growth. Officials pointed to major roadway investments by the Central Florida Expressway Authority and the region’s continued strength as a tourism hub, drawing more than 75 million visitors in 2024.
“We’re operating in a global economy where interest rates, supply chains and migration policies all influence what happens at the local level,” said ORRA CEO Cliff Long.
Economic Trends Show Mixed Signals
Experts emphasized that strong asset values are being offset by softer job growth and declining consumer confidence.
Housing Market Enters Stable Phase
The market has transitioned from pandemic-driven volatility to a more balanced and sustainable pace.
Growth, Infrastructure and Tourism Drive Future
Population growth, infrastructure investment and tourism continue to support long-term expansion in Central Florida.
ORRA’s Impact and Benefits on the Real Estate Industry
The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association provides critical market insights, advocacy and professional resources for REALTORS® across Central Florida. Its events foster collaboration between industry leaders, policymakers and the community, helping guide responsible growth, inform housing policy and strengthen the regional real estate market.
