Entrepreneur
Spencer
Schar
takes a keen interest in the impact of tech and aerospace companies as a newly
defining feature of Denver and Colorado’s increasingly prominent role as a
global aerospace hub. This article will look at the state’s indisputable
position as an aerospace industry leader, with the U.S. Air Force having
established multiple critical space operations across the state in recent years.
SMEs and fresh talent have been
enticed to Colorado in droves, providing vital materials, skills, and support and
helping to establish an extensive collaborative ecosystem in the state to
support the influx of new aerospace and technology start-ups. Colorado
currently ranks among the top U.S. states for space entrepreneurship, with more
than 60% of its aerospace companies employing10 or less workers as of 2021.
Home to one of Viasat’s larger
campuses, Colorado has built on its position as a defense contractor
foundation, earning a solid reputation in the aerospace industry over the
course of several decades. Vicky Lea is a spokesperson for the Colorado Space
Coalition. She suggests that whereas her job once involved convincing people
that the state was ideal for aerospace businesses, today companies from around
the world are proactively approaching her about relocating to the state,
attending exhibits to discuss how Colorado is a finalist for site relocation or
expansion.
Today, nine of America’s top
aerospace contractors have significant operations in Colorado, including the
likes of Raytheon, Ball Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman. The
state is also home to several major U.S. Department of Defense facilities, with
its universities ranking among the most prestigious globally in the field of
aerospace engineering.
Aside from military academies, the
University of Colorado Boulder ranks among America’s top five universities in
terms of the number of astronauts it produces, as well as being recognized as
the top NASA-funded university globally.
With a $5.3 billion annual payroll, Colorado’s aerospace industry supports over 240,000 direct and
indirect jobs, as well as a roster of more than 1,000 companies and suppliers.
Today, Colorado is home to U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, U.S.
Space Command, North American Aerospace Defense Command, U.S. Army Forces
Strategic Command, and U.S. Northern Command.
Colorado’s extensive assets and
expertise in military aerospace make it an ideal candidate for NASA-led
operations. While the state lacks an official NASA space station, the agency
frequently utilizes Colorado’s aerospace contractors on projects. NASA has also
awarded contracts to develop private space stations to several Coloradan
companies, as well as providing extensive funding for aerospace education and
research at state institutions.
