
The initial acquaintance between ISU, the International Space University and Florida Tech, the Florida Institute of Technology took place in the summer of 2012. At that point in time, the ISU Space Studies Program (SSP) took place in Florida, making use of the outstanding modern Florida Tech facilities located on their lovely campus in Melbourne.
It became very quickly evident that, thanks to the closeness with the legendary Kennedy Space Center, there was a wealth of space knowledge at Florida Tech which was an asset for the program participants.
Florida Tech was also clearly accustomed to working with a group of international participants, having themselves a large intercultural student body. At the end of the session, the management of both parties therefore came to the obvious conclusion that it would be regrettable to interrupt this excellent relationship.
Such cooperation could entail a wide spectrum of joint study activities, exchange of lecturers and students, which are now being examined in detail. As a result of these reflections, it was decided to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding covering further cooperation.
As Prof. Dwayne McCay, Executive Vice President of Florida Tech, expressed this:
"Occasionally one is fortunate enough to develop a relationship that makes both institutions better. Last summer that happened for FIT when ISU used our campus for 9 weeks. The MOU we signed today extends those opportunities for at least the next five years and hopefully even longer."
This memorandum was signed in ISU, in Strasbourg, on 12 November 2012.
ISU President, Walter Peeters, signing the memorandum, stated:
"During SSP12, I had the chance to visit twice FIT in Florida. Walking on the campus, one senses the radiation of concentrated energy and knowledge. It was evident from the first moment that this was a University we had to remain in contact with, sharing very similar values. I am delighted that this contact has continued and results in the signing of this MOU, which opens the path for mutually benefitting endeavors."






