Space Advantages

SOARING TO NEW FRONTIERS

Arizona companies are taking space innovations to new heights, developing technology for satellite communications, exploration, defense and commercial travel. Scientists from all over the world visit the Arizona Mount Graham International Observatory and the Lowell Observatory to conduct research on submillimeter wavelengths, extraplanetary systems and star positioning. The state’s public universities are also star players in the sector. Both Arizona State University and the University of Arizona have been instrumental in developing instruments used on the Mars missions and the Mars rovers.

Guided MissIle & Space Vehicle Manufacturing Concentration

Lightcast, 2025

TOP 2

Largest Guided MissIle & Space Vehicle Manufacturing Employment

Lightcast, 2025

$181.6M

In NASA Spending in FY2025

Aerospace-Aeronautical-Astronautical Engineering Program

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

U.S. News & World Report, 2025

TOP 2

Astronomy & Astrophysics R&D Expenditures

University of Arizona - $150 Million

National Science Foundation Higher Education and Development Rankings, 2024

25+

active space missions

Arizona State University

Blue Origin developes resuable launch vehicles and in-space systems that are safe, low cost, and serve the needs of all civil, commercial, and defense customers. The private space company opened a new office in Phoenix, Arizona. The 42,288-square-foot office will contribute to avionics, systems engineering, and supply chain management across Blue Origin's programs. Arizona's strong aerospace presence and workforce make Phoenix an ideal location for Blue Origin's new office. The state's strong business environment that encourages investment and growth also contributed to the company's decision to open an office in Phoenix.

"Blue Origin is thrilled to invest in the Valley and open our site in Phoenix, which offers a vast amount of aerospace engineering and manufacturing talent and excellent universities and trade schools statewide. This partnership will accelerate our mission to reduce the cost of access to space resources for the benefit of Earth."

- Michael Edmonds, Chief Commercial Officer, Blue Origin

Virgin Galactic is an aerospace and space travel company, pioneering human-first spaceflight for private individuals and researchers with its advanced air and space vehicles. Founded by Richard Branson, the company established a facility in Mesa, Arizona. The facility, located adjacent to the Mesa Gateway Airport, is focused on the assembly of Virgin Galactic's Delta-class spaceplanes, the next generation of suborbital spacecraft that will be able to fly more frequently than the existing SpaceShipTwo vehicles.

"Our spaceship final assembly factory is key to accelerating the production of our Delta fleet, enabling a rapid increase in flight capacity that will drive our revenue growth. We're thrilled to expand into the greater Phoenix area, which is home to outstanding aerospace talent, and we look forward to growing our team and fleet at our new facility."

- Michael Colglazier, Chief Executive Officer, Virgin Galactic

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch services and space systems. The company recently acquired Geost, LLC, a Tucson, Arizona-based electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) payload development and manufacturing company and provider to high-priority national security satellites. The acquisition marks Rocket Lab's formal entry into the satellite payload segment, strengthening the company's position as a provider of end-to-end national security space solutions.

"Rocket Lab was founded to disrupt the traditional space industry and we're doing just that by expanding our ability to deliver complete, mission-critical space solutions. With the acquisition of Geost, we're bringing advanced electro-optical and infrared payloads in-house to support secure, responsive, and cost-effective systems at scale."

- Sir Peter Beck, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Rocket Lab

ECOSYSTEM SNAPSHOT

Arizona Space Commission

In February 2025, Governor Katie Hobbs relaunched the Arizona Space Commission as an effort to help propel Arizona to the forefront of space technology, create jobs and help grow Arizona's workforce in critical industries. The Commission will identify potential projects that would advance Arizona's positon in the industry and plan and implement aerospace-related edicational opportunities within the state.

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