Space Science and the Colorado Economy
Fact Sheet
“Space science plays a key role in Colorado’s economic vitality and quality of life. It is extremely important to retain, nurture and grow space and related industries in our state. We’re excited about the Denver Museum of Nature & Science’s Space Odyssey exhibition because it will educate and energize our future workforce about fascinating topics relating to space.”
Joe Blake, President/CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce
DENVER—According to the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce:
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Current projections indicate that Colorado will recognize an increase of more than 200,000 jobs related to the space sector by 2010.
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Approximately 90 percent of Colorado’s space revenues are generated by eight major industry employers: Ball Aerospace, Boeing, Computer Sciences Corp., EchoStar, Hughes Space & Communications, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and Northrop Grumman.
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Colorado is a key strategic location for space-related military organizations, including U.S. Space Command, NORAD, Air Force Space Command and the recently acquired Northern Space Command.
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There are more than 100 companies in the State of Colorado that provide space-related materials, equipment, software and services.
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Colorado’s space industry currently generates approximately 38,000 jobs, which indirectly create an additional 75,000 jobs statewide; this total of 113,000 jobs can be expected to increase to a total of 232,000 jobs by 2010.
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In addition to private sector employees, nearly 14,000 government employees in Colorado work in the space industry.
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Colorado’s commercial space industry is predicted to grow at a real compound growth rate of 6.3 percent through 2010.
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At least 14 Colorado universities and colleges currently offer space-related curricula and/or departments.
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Over $100 billion will be expended on space technology in Colorado over the next several years.
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The Colorado Aerospace Advocate Office (organized by the Governor’s Office) helps pull together economic, political and educational initiatives involved in retaining and growing Colorado’s space industry.
Note to media: For interviews and more information on the importance of space science and Space Odyssey to the Colorado economy, please call the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Development Department at (303) 534-8500.
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