United States
Amazon’s first launch of Kuiper satellites signals growing development of LEO constellations
The first batch of Amazon Kuiper satellites launched to low Earth orbit aboard an Atlas V rocket. This set of 27 broadband satellites begins a constellation that will eventually number more than 3,000.
Mass production drives demand for space workers
Mass production drives demand for space workers including launch vehicle builders and satellite manufacturers especially in engineering and technical trades.
Space Force Guardians, FY2022-FY2024
The U.S. Space Force (USSF), which falls under the Department of the Air Force, employed 14,890 Guardians at the end of Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, an increase at the end of FY 2023. USSF employment is split approximately in thirds between enlisted, officer, and civilian Guardians.
U.S. space private industry employment, 2014-2024
Growth in private sector space employment has largely been driven by companies involved in the manufacturing of space vehicles, including space vehicle propulsion units, and space vehicle parts and equipment. All three of these areas experienced growth from 2023 to 2024.
Vast on track to achieve first commercial space station
Haven-1 space station is expected to reach orbit in only three years. Vast is following the most demanding timeline of any company working to launch the first commercial space station.
NASA civil servant workforce, 2014-2024
In 2024, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine released a report titled, “NASA at a Crossroads,” that highlighted the importance of maintaining a talented workforce to NASA’s long-term success.
FAA licensed commercial launches, 2015-2025
The FAA licensed a record 157 commercial space flights in 2024 and estimates it could license as many as 172 this year. But top players in the space industry say the FAA lacks the money and employees it needs to keep pace with space industry growth.
U.S. space employment slows in 2024 but retains 10-year double-digit growth
The space sector saw growth across the private sector and government employment. Growth in space employment goes hand in hand with growth in the space economy, as the industry’s success relies on attracting and retaining a highly skilled workforce.
U.S. Space Force impacting Colorado space industry
With nearly half the force’s service members stationed on bases along the Interstate 25 corridor, the Front Range serves as the operational and logistical home to the U.S. military’s space defense capabilities.
Manufacturing trades enrollment at two-year schools in thousands
Technical help may be on the way. Enrollments across U.S. two-year and trade schools for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields in spring 2024 continued recovery from a low that accompanied the global coronavirus pandemic of 2020.