Educate Space License Plate

Newly designed "Space Plate" available at tag offices
The Challenger license plate program has been expanded
to recognize the Space Shuttle Columbia and her crew.

The existing Challenger license plate, which became the United States' first specialty license plate in 1987, has been redesigned, and is now available at County Tag Offices for an annual fee of $27.00.

Proceeds are shared by The Astronauts Memorial Foundation (AMF) and the Technological Research and Development Authority (TRDA).

Why a New Space Plate?

In the wake of the February 1, 2003 loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia and its seven-member crew, Senator Bill Posey and Representative Ralph Poppell sponsored new legislation to expand the scope of the existing plate to also memorialize the Columbia crew. The bill passed with a unanimous vote and was signed into law by Governor Bush.

The original Challenger license plate was issued by the State of Florida in 1987 in remembrance of the Challenger space shuttle disaster. Over the last 15 years, the plate has remained one of the most popular specialty license plates in the state.


The Astronauts Memorial Foundation The AMF maintains a permanent memorial to the fallen astronauts, The Space Mirror, as well as a "living memorial" via teacher education and technology training programs conducted at The Center for Space Education, a 47,000-square-foot facility located at the Kennedy Space Center. "Tens of thousands visit The Space Mirror every year to pay tribute to these exceptionally brave men and women who truly embraced the spirit of exploration," said Stephen Feldman, Ph.D., president of The AMF. "In addition, we have been able to use plate funds to continue the quest set forth by these adventurous explorers by developing valuable teacher training programs that are making a direct impact in Florida schools."		Technological Research and Development Authority The TRDA uses its proceeds to also enhance education through scholarship programs such as The Endeavour Academy. In addition, the TRDA uses plate funds to sponsor workforce development programs, such as the Florida NASA Business Incubator, as well as minority- and women-owned business programs. "Purchasing the new space plate is an excellent way for all Floridians to show their support for the U.S. space program and pursuit of exploration," said Frank Kinney, executive director of the TRDA. "This support is important for the State of Florida because it means retention and creation of jobs, a healthy economy, technology outreach and advancements that benefit all of our futures."