Space: Utah’s Decades of Tech Expertise Paying Off

The Beehive State is rising among the leaders in the emerging big business of space, and it’s not hard to see why. With a vibrant history of space-centric work dating back to the dawn of the Space Age in the mid-20th century, Utah is well-positioned to benefit from the global expansion of space efforts.

Utah’s space industry is taking off

From the early seeds of what would become the massive Space Dynamics Lab at Utah State University to the increased use of Dugway Proving Ground as a preferred destination for a growing list of both private and public space flight operations, Utah’s space bona fides are undeniable.

“I think and firmly believe that Utah’s future will be shaped more by this industry than any other,” said Aaron Starks, president and CEO of 47G, a nonprofit organization that partners with government, private industry, and academia to turn Utah into “the world’s premier ecosystem for aerospace, defense and cyber companies.”

The Business of ‘Newspace’

Starks said “newspace” industries, a term that refers to efforts to develop low-cost access to space and/or spaceflight technologies, is helping drive growth in Utah. “Newspace is an emerging category that is really more futuristic than anything we have seen in the state before,” he said. “We’re in an accelerated growth period and it’s one being driven by this evolution of space-related business and research.”

Northrop Grumman’s rocket power components have become the workhorses behind cutting-edge spaceflight systems

Aerospace giant Northrop Grumman has had a Utah presence for over 80 years and is the state’s biggest employer in its sector. The company conducts work in a wide array of areas, including aerospace and defense systems in Utah, but its rocket power components have become the workhorses behind cutting-edge spaceflight systems, including NASA’s Space Launch System rocket.

Elite Lab Developing ‘Leading Edge’ Technology

The Space Dynamics Laboratory occupies a unique niche as a research and development entity wholly owned by Utah State University but operating as an independent nonprofit. The lab has developed small “cube” satellites that will be deployed to capture radio frequency images of the sun as part of ongoing efforts to better monitor solar activities.

The Space Dynamics Lab is leading the technology that enables commercial companies

“Our charge is to be absolute thought leaders in technology and innovation in space and air and sea and the cyber domain for the (Department of Defense),” said Jed Hancock, president of the Space Dynamics Lab. “We’re on the leading edge of advanced technology and rarely build anything twice.”

The Coolest Companies You’ve Never Heard Of

RAM Aviation, Space and Defense is a privately held St. George company that has carved out a niche as a premier supplier of flight propulsion components. The company has built propulsion components for NASA’s Space Shuttle Program, the International Space Station, and SpaceX’s vehicles, as well as Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser space plane.

RAM Aviation is seeing rapid growth in the spaceflight industry

“Ten years ago, the work on valves for space-related vehicles was probably around 1% of our volume,” said RAM CEO Gregg Robison. “Now it’s 20% and the fastest-growing area for us.”

Utah’s space industry is taking off, and it’s not hard to see why. With its vibrant history, innovative companies, and elite research institutions, the Beehive State is well-positioned to lead the charge in the emerging big business of space.