Five reasons why Colorado is the best choice for the permanent location of U.S. Space Command
The state of Colorado is popular for many reasons: an active community, thrill takers who ski all winter and climb fourteeners all summer, strong willed and passionate about what we do, highly educated and ready to take on the world. Each city in Colorado has a unique facet, something that makes them stand out above the rest. Here in Colorado, we know one thing is certain, we are ready to take on the next generation and propel forward with our space expertise.
Sitting at an elevation of 6,035 feet in the sky, Colorado Springs is home to the Space Foundation (World Headquarters) and Discovery Center, five military installations, and a wide diversity of skillsets in satellite operations, cybersecurity, homeland security, defense and intelligence missions – to name a few. What more does the 11th Combatant Command in the Department of Defense need?
Here are five reasons we think Colorado is the ideal location for the permanent establishment of U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM):
1.) Colorado is already the epicenter of national security space
Home to the temporary headquarters of USSPACECOM, three of the U.S. Air Force’s five space wings, and the U.S. Air Force Reserve’s only space wing, there is no place better equipped to support this new command. And with hundreds of billions of dollars invested in new military space infrastructure, we offer the best return on investment and are best positioned to meet USSPACECOM’s growing demands and help advance our country’s mission in space.
The establishment of USSPACECOM is already a well-oiled machine in the region, with the support and new leadership role of Gen. John W. Raymond, a home is already being established right at the base of the Rockies. Permanently assigning USSPACECOM in Colorado creates terrific synergy as the state is home to four of the country’s six Space Wings, the Army’s only Space Brigade, and NORAD/NORTHCOM Headquarters.
2.) A fueled talent pipeline in Colorado
Colorado ranks first in the nation for our concentration of aerospace employees with more than 27,000 employees at private aerospace companies. A vast array of university programs and degrees create a never-ending talent-pipeline with a fueled hunger for higher-learning and a drive towards the future. In Colorado Springs, the U.S. Air Force Academy offers the country’s No. 1 undergraduate program in aerospace engineering.
Just a short trek north in Boulder, CO, The University of Colorado Boulder receives more NASA funding than any other public university and is also a leading university for training astronauts and providing a pipeline of qualified aerospace workers.
3.) Five military bases in the Pikes Peak region
Six active duty military installations live in Colorado including five right here in the Pikes Peak region: United States Air Force Academy, Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, Fort Carson Army Post, Schriever Air Force Base, and Peterson Air Force Base – the current, temporary home of USSPACECOM. We are the national epicenter for aerospace and defense industries.
4.) Strong community support for our military bases, veterans, and their families
Committed to building a community for our military bases, Colorado has a rich military history with a deep connection to the veterans and their families that live within the state, along with support systems in place for those looking to transition.
Created in 1941 to convince the Army to locate Camp Carson in this community, the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC’s Military Affairs Council is now composed of 135 members representing all corners of our business community. Our region recognizes that military affairs are an essential part of development both to the Colorado Springs region and the state as a whole, ensuring the region feels like home to the men and women serving in our country.
5.) A legacy reputation for innovation in the foothills
Highly educated entrepreneurs and well-established companies are right at your fingertips in Colorado. The state has more than 500 space-related companies and suppliers with nine of the country’s major space contractors. Some of these major contributors include Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrup Grumman, Jacobs, and L3Harris.
In addition to innovative companies, Colorado offers high-altitude test sites which afford access to mountainous terrain, agriculture, valleys, and rivers. These include the Chaffee County UAS test area, and an 8,000-square-mile air space in the San Luis valley where testing can be conducted to heights of up to 15,000 feet. Colorado has horizontal launch facilities like Colorado Air and Space Port serving as America’s hub for commercial space transportation, research, and development.
Colorado, home of USSPACECOM
Colorado is proud of our growing economy, and we hope to remain the home to USSPACECOM and the many future generations committed to protecting our skies to come.
To join our vast aerospace & defense industry or to learn more about why Colorado is the ideal location for the U.S. Space Command, contact us for more information and join the conversation online #usspaceCOm.