The Falcon 9 SpaceX rocket lifts off from space launch complex 40 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Fla., early Tuesday, May 22, 2012. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Tallahassee, Fla. 3-6-13

Astronauts invaded Florida's capitol building today.

It's all part of the annual Space Day. Both NASA and private space officials and lobbyists stopped by to promoted and advocate for programs in the state.

Despite NASA retiring the space shuttle program, billions of dollars are still brought into the state through space and tech jobs. However, Florida has to battle other states with space programs like Texas, California and even New Mexico.

"There's a lot of competition with the state of Florida now," said Space Day chair Don White. "We want to make sure that [just because the] Shuttle has retired but the space industry is very important to us and in some ways it will be better that we're diversified."

Press Release: Lockheed Martin Corporation

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL - Representatives from Florida's aerospace industry will visit Tallahassee on March 6, 2013, to participate in Florida Space Day 2013 and share with legislators opportunities the industry brings to Florida and the nation's space program.

Former NASA Astronaut Bob Crippen, pilot of the first orbital test flight of the Shuttle program and former NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Director, will be making appearances throughout the event. Space-related exhibits will also be available on the third floor rotunda of the Capitol.

Originally posted here:

Florida Space Day: Aerospace Representatives Visit Capitol