The future of humanity points to space – to open new frontiers, preserve our fragile planet, and bring us together. From the early days of the Apollo program to the achievements of innovators such as Blue Origin and SpaceX, space has inspired young professionals in the Pacific Northwest to pursue STEM careers and created technologies that we rely upon every day. 

 

Space Northwest seeks to build upon the rich legacy of the Pacific Northwest’s more than 60-year space economy through innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship and build bridges to innovative careers for all.

 

We seek to strengthen and grow the Pacific Northwest’s established and developing space communities and attract new space interests. Through coordinated efforts with key stakeholders, we will advance a set of 12 strategic objectives that cover entrepreneurship, workforce development, marketing, and public relations, academic and corporate partnerships, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA).

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Initially, Space Northwest activities will be conducted across Washington state, later expanding into the three contiguous states and one non-contiguous state in the region making up the Pacific Northwest: Oregon, Montana, Idaho, and Alaska, respectively. From inception, our various programs will focus on local, state, and regional communities. Over time, we will establish both national and global reach with our messaging and engagement. 

 

Washington state’s space ecosystem is viewed globally as a growing and evolving commercial space economy positioned for accelerated growth over near-and-longer terms. Washington’s space community enjoys a strong and engaged multi-sector system made up of large, medium, and small established OEMs; start-ups; suppliers; higher education; research facilities; manufacturing training facilities; related industry associations; entrepreneurs; downstream vendors; and associated sectors such as defense, civil, national security, and technology. 

 

During the Apollo program, three Lunar Roving Vehicles were built at the Boeing Space Center in Kent, Washington. They each operated successfully on the Moon as part of Apollo missions 15 thru 17 and are still on the moon to this day. The rovers were designated as Washington State Historical Landmarks in 2020.

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We see a dramatic shift in the next two to five years when Blue Origin's New Glenn and Orbital Reef, and SpaceX’s Starship and other new launch technologies are available and large volumes of payload are able to be sent to new destinations around the solar system. 

 

The current space workforce is inadequate to capitalize on the opportunities presented by this new paradigm. Space companies in the Pacific Northwest are struggling to fill key roles, especially engineering and technical positions. We also must increase representation of women and people of color in space endeavors and STEM careers in general. We can do this by using space innovation to address community needs.