California, August 30, 2025
News Summary
California’s aerospace sector is experiencing a significant revival, fueled by innovative startups and job growth. Companies like Vast, Varda Space Industries, and AstroForge are leading groundbreaking developments, from commercial space stations to drug production in microgravity. The region has added 11,000 jobs in aerospace over the past year, with average salaries reaching $141,110. This resurgence is reshaping Southern California’s economic landscape, particularly in areas like Long Beach, which is evolving into a hub for advanced manufacturing.
California is experiencing a significant resurgence in its aerospace industry, driven by a wave of innovative startups and job growth. The region’s space economy has gained momentum as companies like Vast, Varda Space Industries, and AstroForge spearhead cutting-edge developments that could shape the future of space exploration and technology.
Vast, a startup based in Long Beach, is at the forefront of this movement, working on Haven-1, which could become the first commercial space station to orbit Earth, designed to replace the retiring International Space Station (ISS). Meanwhile, Varda Space Industries, located in El Segundo, has made strides in growing molecular crystals in microgravity, paving the way for potentially more effective cancer treatments through improved injections. In Seal Beach, AstroForge is ambitiously aiming to mine platinum from asteroids, a venture that could unlock billions in value.
Southern California has long been synonymous with aviation and aerospace innovation, having produced landmark achievements like the Apollo capsule, space shuttles, and the X-15 rocket plane. This legacy is being reinvigorated in the current aerospace landscape, especially following the significant influence of SpaceX. While SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk in 2002, has relocated much of its operations to Texas, it originally laid the groundwork for many local startups. Approximately 128 companies tied to former SpaceX employees have emerged in Southern California, with 63 situated in the region.
In the past year alone, the aerospace and defense sectors in Southern California added 11,000 new jobs, with average wages soaring to about $141,110, significantly higher than the regional average. The LA Economic Development Corporation has highlighted that the area employs over 58,700 people within these industries, showcasing the economic importance of aerospace to the region. Vast plans to launch its first small station in the coming year and is competing for a NASA contract to eventually replace the ISS, vying against formidable competitors like Blue Origin.
Varda Space Industries has achieved considerable success, raising $329 million in venture capital to fund its development of automated laboratories for producing purer drugs in space. Other local startups, such as Relativity Space, known for its 3-D printed rocket engines, are also making great strides. The landscape in Long Beach has expanded, especially after the closure of the Boeing C-17 production line, with the city actively working to attract advanced manufacturers.
The Smoky Hollow neighborhood in Long Beach has undergone a transformation from a refinery area to a hub for aerospace and advanced manufacturing, fueled by technological innovations. Companies like Rocket Lab are pushing for record launches, while Relativity Space has secured significant contracts for satellite launches. The region is fostering an environment that encourages innovation by rezoning areas to attract top-tier manufacturers and startups, focusing on collaborative settings where talent can thrive.
Southern California’s substantial engineering talent pool is a critical asset for the emerging startups, all of which compete for highly skilled labor from local universities. Future projects in the space sector will continue to push technological boundaries, indicating a promising outlook for both aerospace and pharmaceuticals.
FAQ
What is Vast working on in the aerospace industry?
Vast is fabricating Haven-1, which could become the first commercial space station to orbit Earth, aimed at replacing the retiring International Space Station (ISS).
What advancements has Varda Space Industries made?
Varda Space Industries has successfully grown molecular crystals in microgravity, potentially leading to more effective drug formulations, especially for cancer patients.
What job growth has occurred in Southern California’s aerospace sector?
In the past year, the aerospace and defense industries in Southern California added 11,000 new jobs, with an average wage of $141,110, reflecting the sector’s economic vitality.
Key Features of Southern California’s Aerospace Growth
- Startups: Notable companies include Vast, Varda, AstroForge, Rocket Lab, and Relativity Space.
- Job Creation: 11,000 new jobs added in the past year.
- Average Salary: Aerospace workers earn an average of $141,110.
- Funding: Significant venture capital investments are enabling innovation.
- Area Transformation: Smoky Hollow is now a hub for aerospace and advanced manufacturing.
- Future Potential: Continued advancements in aerospace and pharmaceuticals are expected.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Los Angeles Times: How the New Space Economy is Transforming Southern California
- Wikipedia: Aerospace Industry
- KFI AM 640: Space Startups Boost Southern California Economy
- Google Search: Space startups Southern California
- Payload Space: SoCal Will Be Space Central with or without Elon, Experts Say
- Google Scholar: Space Economy Southern California
- Los Angeles Business Journal: Aerospace Special Report
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Space Exploration
- Victorville Daily Press: Southern California Logistics Airport – An Economic Power
- Google News: Aerospace Southern California
- McKinsey: Space – The 1.8 Trillion Dollar Opportunity for Global Economic Growth
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
