Polis-Primavera Administration Celebrates Innovation and Economic Growth in Aerospace Industry

DENVER - Governor Jared Polis and Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera celebrated Colorado’s contributions to the aerospace industry on the ninth annual Colorado Aerospace Day at the state capitol happening today. Colorado has served as America’s hub for aerospace for over 60 years, and our thriving aerospace industry employs over 274,000 people either directly or indirectly statewide working at the forefront of aerospace innovation and collaboration across the commercial, national security, and civil space sectors. 

“Colorado’s nation-leading aerospace industry fuels small businesses, supports good-paying jobs, reflects the Colorado spirit of innovation and collaboration and is essential to America’s national security,” said Gov. Polis. 

“Colorado is the best place to live, work, and play, so it is no wonder that Colorado is the natural home base for the aerospace industry. We are committed to ensuring that Colorado remains a national aerospace leader and to showcasing our dynamic, collaborative, and innovative aerospace ecosystem in Colorado,” said Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera, who serves as the co-chair of the Colorado Space Coalition.  

Under the Polis-Primavera administration, Colorado continues to lead the nation in employment in the private sector aerospace industry per capita, and is home to over 500 companies within the aerospace ecosystem. 84% of Colorado’s aerospace companies are small businesses, reflecting Colorado’s status as a business-friendly destination. The aerospace economy has grown over 30% statewide in the past five years, which is 12% above the national average.

Colorado is the epicenter of national security space and plays a critical role in supporting vital missions in the space domain. Colorado’s robust and collaborative ecosystem, including military installations and major commands, private aerospace companies, academic and research institutions, and public entities, makes Colorado the only home for U.S. Space Command. The decision to move U.S. Space Command was not made on merits and used an untested process which lacked transparency. Relocating U.S. Space Command would cost significant taxpayer dollars and threaten our national security during this critical moment. Space Command has continued to execute this vital mission at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs. Governor Polis and Lt. Governor Primavera have called for integrity to be restored to the process.