Home to the world’s second-busiest spaceport and a rich air and space legacy, the Central Coast is a competitive frontier for space and advanced air-mobility innovation.
Major space launch providers are rapidly expanding operations at Vandenberg SFB, injecting millions of dollars in new investment and hiring hundreds of Central Coast residents.
Cutting-edge companies developing satellites, drones and electric air taxis, and designing and building the components and systems behind space missions are also expanding across the region. Forging the future of transportation, connectivity, scientific discovery and global challenges like climate resiliency, these companies also provide wide avenues into high-quality jobs that pay well above the region’s median wage.
By pairing bold vision with strategic action and broad collaboration, we are establishing the region as a center of gravity shaping the future of these industries, employing thousands of Central Coast residents, and inspiring the next generation to look to the skies and dream big.
What we're doing
Focused action to drive near-term wins and progress
1.
Attracting and expanding space + aerospace companies by actively engaging with companies in the sector, marketing the region’s ecosystem and advantages, and providing concierge expansion and location support.
2.
Driving development of space launch facilities by coordinating with Space Launch Delta 30, commercial users and developers to establish office, industrial and payload processing facilities on and off base.
3.
Leveraging airfields for emerging aerospace technologies by working with the region’s 16 private and public airfields to support testing and development of next-gen drones, air mobility innovations, space technology, and horizontal space launch.
SYSTEM CHANGES WE'RE CHAMPIONING
Broad-based activity to achieve the longer-term structural shifts, institutional alignment and cross-sector consensus needed for success
Transformative federal investment in spaceport and airport infrastructure
Vandenberg SFB and the region’s airports need critical upgrades to support growing launch activity and air mobility R&D. We are building on successful advocacy with federal and state representatives to secure additional funding for these advancements.
State commitment and investment in space launch
To compete with states like Florida and Texas, California must stake out a global role in the rapidly growing space sector by prioritizing investment, industry development, and the creation of a statewide space entity to enhance agency coordination and support. We are collaborating with partners across the state to forge this opportunity.
Milestones + Momentum
Insights + Impact
A new Space Age at Vandenberg
The nation’s Western Range is emerging as a competitive frontier in the 21st-century space race.…
Learn more
A dynamic aerospace ecosystem
Explore the companies and unique assets driving a $1.5B industry with 7,000 jobs. …
Exlpore
Space innovation is our legacy
… And our future. Dive in to where we’ve been — and where we’re headed.…
Read More
