California’s economy continues to outpace the nation, and the Central Coast is helping power one of its most promising growth sectors.
From Vandenberg Space Force Base to emerging spaceport opportunities and new education + industry partnerships, our region is building momentum as a hub for aerospace innovation, investment, and job creation.
- $4.3 trillion: California’s economy now accounts for 14% of U.S. GDP
- 2,000+ launches: Vandenberg remains the nation’s launch leader
- #1: California ranks first in aerospace R&D, venture capital, and NASA science funding, with 40% of U.S. space-tech patents
Space Vandenberg at the Center
A new GO-Biz report reinforces the Central Coast’s growing role in California’s aerospace economy, highlighting Vandenberg as the nation’s West Coast launch hub and Cal Poly’s development of the CubeSat standard. The report positions the region as a critical link in California’s launch, research, defense, and workforce ecosystem.
As launch activity continues to accelerate, the Space Vandenberg initiative is helping ensure the region is ready to grow with it. Eighteen students from Central Coast colleges and universities began internships at Vandenberg this week, creating direct pathways into aerospace careers. This fall will bring new aerospace-focused programs at Allan Hancock College and K12 STEM career programs, while technical experts come on board to help advance the infrastructure needed to support future launch growth and industry expansion.
Paso Robles Advances Spaceport Vision
Marking another step forward for the Central Coast’s aerospace future, the City of Paso Robles has released an RFP to advance the FAA licensing process for a proposed horizontal launch facility at the Paso Robles Municipal Airport. The effort builds on the region’s growing aerospace momentum, from launches at Vandenberg to innovation and workforce development initiatives across the Central Coast. This could help unlock new opportunities for investment, job creation, and industry growth.
“Pursing an FAA horizontal spaceport license positions our city to participate in one of the fastest-growing sectors of the global economy. This initiative has the potential to attract high-tech investment, create skilled career opportunities, and inspire the next generation of aerospace leaders right here in our community.”
— Paso Robles Mayor John Hamon
More aerospace headlines
+ The storied SLC-6 launchpad—originally built to support the West Coast Space Shuttle program—has been cleared to make way for expanded SpaceX operations in a dramatic demolition. It’s part of a base-wide modernization, as the infrastructure that won the last space race is transforming to win the next one, base officials say. Watch the video>>>
+ Artemis II Pilot Victor Glover returned to his alma mater to share an exclusive recount of his recent flight around the moon and how his time at Cal Poly helped prepare him for the historic mission. Learn more about Glover’s story and Cal Poly connection at calpoly.edu/victor-glover.
“Inspiration drives decision-making. When you’re inspired, you will do something differently.”
— Victor Glover
