Hundreds of people gathered in Federal Way Tuesday as part of Seattle Space Week, celebrating Washington’s role in the space industry while discussing what it will take to keep that momentum going
Washington is already home to dozens of space companies building everything from satellites to propulsion systems.
Kelly Maloney, chair of the board for Space Northwest, said Washington plays a major role in satellite production.
“Being able to look at rockets being built and satellites being built right now. 68% of all operational satellites in space are being built right here in Washington state,” Maloney said.
One of the companies growing its footprint in the region is Portal Space Systems, based in Bothell. The company builds spacecraft designed to move quickly between orbits.
CEO Jeff Thornburg said the company started in his garage in 2021. Today, Portal has about 65 employees and is moving into a 65,000-square-foot facility.
Thornburg believes the Seattle area has the potential to become an even bigger hub for the industry.
“We’re on the verge of being able to build a space ecosystem here in Seattle to rival what’s happening in Los Angeles or the greater Denver, Colorado area or things happening in Texas and Florida,” Thornburg said.
But as companies grow, Thornburg said he would like to see it become easier for them to find and establish manufacturing facilities.
“As companies look for facilities for manufacturing growth, I’d like to see us look at more opportunities to make that process more streamlined,” he said.
State data shows Washington has more than 90 space companies employing more than 13,000 people. The industry generates more than $4 billion in economic activity each year, and that number is expected to double this year.
Gov. Bob Ferguson also announced a new Washington Space Council, created to help the state remain competitive as the industry expands.
Maloney said the council could give Washington a stronger voice when opportunities become available.
“We are going to be able to advocate for ourselves more so than before, especially on a federal level when opportunities come about,” Maloney said.
Industry leaders say that growth could also mean more jobs in Washington, including positions for technicians, manufacturers and support staff, not just engineers.
“You just have to have an interest in helping to build next-generation machines, components, and technology that pushes humanity further into the solar system,” Thornburg said.
The new Washington Space Council, spearheaded by the governor’s office, is expected to help companies grow through grants and other resources.
