Phoenix, AZ — Governor Katie Hobbs has officially revived the Arizona Space Commission, appointing seven distinguished leaders across industry, science, and education to steer its mission forward. This move positions Arizona at the forefront of space technology and workforce development, reinforcing the state’s commitment to aerospace innovation and economic growth.
After a decade-long dormancy, the Commission was reinstated following Governor Hobbs’ signing of HB2254 last year. Tasked with expanding Arizona’s presence in space, aeronautics, and aviation, the Commission will identify high-impact projects, develop aerospace-related educational opportunities, and collaborate with the Arizona Commerce Authority. It will also be responsible for publishing a strategic plan every two years to guide the state’s aerospace trajectory.
“Creating economic opportunity and advancing innovation are essential to realizing the Arizona Promise,”said Governor Katie Hobbs. “The Arizona Space Commission will solidify our leadership in space exploration and help cultivate a highly skilled workforce for the industries of the future.”
Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, echoed the Governor’s sentiment, emphasizing Arizona’s advantages in aerospace and defense.
“Arizona is fully poised to be a leader in the growing space economy,” said Watson. “With world-class universities, a thriving aerospace sector, and promising startups, the Arizona Space Commission will be instrumental in accelerating our momentum.”
Arizona’s Aerospace Ascent
Arizona has steadily emerged as a powerhouse in the space and aerospace industries, ranking #1 in the nation for guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing jobs and among the top five states for aerospace and defense employment. With the commercial space sector booming and reshoring efforts increasing, Arizona stands to capture a significant share of the $540 billion-a-year space economy.
In just the past two years, major players like BlackStar Orbital, Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic, and Northrop Grumman have expanded their operations in the state, reinforcing its appeal as a premier destination for aerospace investment. However, continued strategic investments and partnerships are necessary to sustain Arizona’s leadership in the sector.
A Commission Built for the Future
The Arizona Space Commission will play a pivotal role in shaping the state’s aerospace strategy, ensuring competitiveness and long-term success. The newly appointed members bring expertise from diverse backgrounds, spanning private industry, academia, and government.
Governor’s Appointees:
- Grant Anderson – CEO, Paragon Space Development Corporation; expert in life support systems for extreme environments
- Dr. Jim Bell – Regents Professor, ASU; leading planetary scientist and NASA collaborator
- Dr. Erika Hamden – Director, University of Arizona Space Institute; specialist in space mission development
- Shawn Linam – CEO, Qwaltec; former NASA instructor and space operations expert
- Lisa Morris – VP, Virgin Galactic; supply chain leader driving Arizona’s space manufacturing hub
- Douglas Nicholls – Mayor of Yuma; advocate for economic development in the space industry
- Mike Vargas – STEM Educator; dedicated to fostering the next generation of aerospace professionals
As Arizona continues to rise as a space industry leader, the relaunch of the Arizona Space Commission marks a significant step toward innovation, job creation, and economic expansion. By bringing together top-tier experts and aligning with industry demands, the state is well-positioned to shape the future of aerospace and space exploration.
