FROM THE EDITOR

To BOLDLY GO

“Space … the final frontier.

The famous words of the Star Trek title sequence played in many heads, including mine, as the world watched William Shatner launch into space last month aboard a Blue Origins New Shepard rocket as part of a crewed suborbital mission. After landing, the 90-year-old actor who portrayed space explorer Captain James T. Kirk of the USS Enterprise in the original Star Trek series, was moved to tears when considering the fragility of our planet. “This air which is keeping us alive is … immeasurably small when you think in terms of the universe,” he said. “Mars doesn’t have it.”

True enough, but if some Central Florida–based researchers have anything to do with it, that will soon change. From studying and simulating regolith to grow food on places like Mars, to figuring out ways to outsource energy and data production to robot labor in space, the brain trust of the Space Coast is reaching for the stars— quite literally. Read about the work of Florida Tech and University of Central Florida researchers and scientists, and marvel at the space industry advances being shaped right here at home, in “The Sky is Not the Limit” on page 68.

In this future-themed issue, we also look at Orlando’s ambitious plans to become a future-ready city. What does that mean? For starters, it’s about innovation—tech accelerators, a soon-to-be-built vertiport to house an air taxi, autonomous mobility, a highspeed rail. But the future is not all computers and technology; it’s about people, too. Health and safety, including a clean environment for all, inclusivity, and sustainability are among the pillars being addressed. Because growth is great, but only if it’s holistic and smart. Our leaders get that. Turn to “Future Facing,” on page 76, to learn more.

In the innovation conversation, we couldn’t leave out Walt Disney. The man with the grand vision for an entertainment hub that inspired dreams and pushed the boundaries of invention would be proud to see his Walt Disney World at 50. As Central Florida’s most iconic attraction celebrates a half-century, we take a look at Disney’s path to success, fueled largely by the power of imagination and a belief that anything’s possible. Some might even call it magic. Don’t miss “Magical Milestone,” our report on the past, present, and future of the happiest place on Earth, on page 82.

Live long and prosper, friends!

CAPEHART

Daphne Nikolopoulos Editor in Chief

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