Brady PieperArizona is reviving its cosmic efforts by establishing the Arizona Space Commission, which has lied dormant for the past decade.
The new commission, announced by Gov. Katie Hobbs earlier this month, will be the state’s next step to promote and expand space, aeronautics and aviation industries. In addition to bolstering the state’s competitiveness, the Arizona Space Commission will leverage partnerships with industry stakeholders to solidify the state’s leadership in space exploration and workforce development.
“Bolstered by world-renowned universities, a robust aerospace and defense industry, promising startups and unique natural advantages, Arizona is fully poised to be a leader in the growing space economy,” President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority Sandra Watson said. “The Arizona Space Commission will convene leaders from across our state to propel our momentum to the next level.”
The space-faring initiative will be guided by seven appointees from related industries, including representatives at Arizona State University, the Arizona Space Institute, the City of Yuma, local STEM educators and various private partners.
Informing policymaking decisions, the Arizona Space Commission will develop a statewide strategy that will reinforce the state’s leadership in the space, defense manufacturing and aerospace industries.
This strategy, including project estimates and evaluations of external funding sources, will be delivered to the governor and presidents of the senate and house biannually.
In addition to establishing the commission, the passing of HB2254 will also authorize the Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Fund to administer grants, gifts and donations to support the commission’s research and development.
Funding opportunities will be available to businesses and nonprofit organizations that are involved in the space exploration or aeronautics industry, according to the bill language.
These potential funding programs will be designed to support projects, including but not limited to:
- Developing emerging human space flight technologies.
- Researching space exploration and space flight.
- Workforce training to promote space exploration and flight.
- Constructing infrastructure that supports the establishment and maintenance of a spaceport.
- Multiyear projects, involving space-defense and space commercial use-related initiatives.
The new commission will also work on developing aerospace-related educational opportunities to ensure Arizona’s workforce is prepared for the high-demand jobs in space and related fields.
As the state continues to reinforce in the space industry, the commission is anticipated to make key strategic investments, empower industry stakeholders and pursue additional public-private partnerships. Interested entities may find more information about the initiative on the Governor’s Office website.
Image by SpaceX-Imagery from Pixabay
