Governor Polis, the Metro Denver EDC, the Colorado Space Coalition and the Global Business Development Division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced that Astro Digital, a developer of micro-satellite systems and infrastructure, will establish their headquarters in Littleton, Colorado. The company provides end-to-end satellite mission support, including comprehensive satellite technology development and flight operations support for applications such as earth observation and communications.
“Astro Digital’s decision to establish its headquarters in Colorado is a testament to our state’s expanding leadership in aerospace and technology. This achievement would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of OEDIT, Jefferson County EDC, and the Colorado Space Coalition, whose leadership and commitment were instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. We are thrilled to welcome Astro Digital to our community and look forward to the immense value they will add to Colorado’s economy and innovation landscape,” said Raymond H. Gonzales, President of the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation.
The Metro Denver EDC and the Colorado Space Coalition, a private, business-led economic development organization driven by the support of its corporate and community investors, played a crucial role in Astro Digital’s decision to expand into Colorado by showcasing the region’s unmatched aerospace ecosystem and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders. Their leadership and regional approach to economic development were instrumental in securing this investment, which will bolster Colorado’s status as a leader in space innovation.
“Colorado is at the center of the space ecosystem, and companies like Astro Digital advance our leadership every day. We’re thrilled the company will expand in our great state, reducing the time it takes to launch satellite missions and creating 141 new good-paying jobs for Coloradans,” said Governor Polis.
Astro Digital is one of 2,000 aerospace companies now operating in Colorado, which represents 26% growth over five years. More people work in aerospace per capita than in any other state, with 55,000 direct employees and another 184,000 Colorado workers indirectly supporting the industry. Astro Digital chose Colorado for the access to talent and the overall strength of the space ecosystem.
“We are thrilled to expand our operations into Colorado as we ramp up production of our larger satellite systems for both commercial and government customers. The aerospace ecosystem and access to talent are major contributors in our decision to expand into Colorado,” said Chris Biddy, CEO of Astro Digital.
In Colorado, the company expects to create 141 net new jobs at an average annual wage of $126,589, which is 170% of the average annual wage in Jefferson County. The positions include accountants, specialists, and engineers.
“We’re thrilled Astro Digital is expanding in Colorado. Satellites are critical to so many of the technologies we depend on daily, including location, time, communication and GPS. Companies like Astro Digital ensure satellite missions succeed while creating jobs that sustain families and communities,” said OEDIT Executive Director Eve Lieberman.
The Colorado Economic Development Commission approved up to $1,910,438 in a performance-based Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit over an eight-year period. These incentives are contingent upon Astro Digital, referred to as Project Skyhawk throughout the OEDIT review process, meeting net new job creation and salary requirements.
“Astro Digital’s expansion in Jefferson County bolsters the quality jobs we seek for our residents, while building best in class satellite technology for the world’s most critical functions. Their continued faith in our community’s business ecosystem is a testament that our regional approach to economic development continues to foster the best outcomes for the best companies in the world — and beyond,” said Jefferson County Economic Development Corporate President & CEO, Jansen Tidmore.