HOW WASHINGTON STATE IS SHAPING THE GLOBAL SPACE ECONOMY
Charting the Next Frontier:
HOW WASHINGTON STATE IS SHAPING THE GLOBAL SPACE ECONOMY
By Kelly Maloney— Space Northwest
WASHINGTON STATE HAS EMERGED AS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT LAUNCHPADS FOR THE NEW SPACE AGE. From satellite mega constellations delivering internet to every corner of the globe to propulsion systems bound for the Moon and Mars, the state’ s companies, research institutions, and startups are redefining what’ s possible beyond Earth’ s atmosphere. Fueled by a rare mix of aerospace heritage, cuttingedge technology, and a supply chain that stretches from urban hubs to small-town manufacturing floors, this industry is surging onto the global stage.
Kelly Maloney
CEO of OLI Global and Co-Founder and Board Director, External Communications of Space Northwest SpaceNorthwest. org
SPACE NORTHWEST
The momentum is measurable. In 2018, Washington’ s space industry generated $ 1.8 billion and supported around 6,200 jobs. By 2021, those figures had surged to $ 4.6 billion and over 13,100 jobs— a more than twofold increase in just three years. According to Stan Shull of Alliance Velocity, as of late 2024, direct impact is estimated at $ 5 billion, buoyed by over $ 1.6 billion in startup capital and 1,300-plus current job openings across the sector.
This acceleration has been fueled by the growth of major players like Blue Origin, SpaceX’ s Starlink program, and Amazon’ s Project Kuiper, alongside a rising number of small to mid-size enterprises such as Gravitics, Helion, Space Launch, and highly specialized suppliers. Each role in the space economy generates an additional 1.26 jobs in the region, amplifying the economic effect far beyond core aerospace employment.
This October, Seattle Space Week— timed to coincide with World Space Week— will spotlight that growth, uniting leaders from across the commercial, defense, and research sectors. Backed by Space Northwest’ s programs and partnerships, the event illustrates how Washington’ s space ecosystem is gaining visibility, connections, and global influence.
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