If Silicon Valley is the leading hub for AI, then Colorado is the mecca for aerospace innovation. Over the years, the state has attracted key players to its borders and today hosts a mix of military and research agencies alongside several private companies looking to provide innovation within both public and private sectors. These aerospace firms have been at the forefront of new developments like autonomous drones and new-age spacecraft that may one day change how we think about space travel.
Below are some of the top aerospace companies operating in Colorado.
Aerospace Companies in Colorado
- BAE Systems
- The Aerospace Corporation
- Lockheed Martin
- Sierra Space
- Gogo
- Ursa Major
- True Anomaly
Top Aerospace Companies in Colorado
BAE Systems is a global defense and aerospace corporation that works for civil and government ventures. In its aerospace vertical, the company designs and develops hardware ranging from fighter jets to satellites and telescopes. For example, BAE Systems contributed advanced optical technologies to the James Webb Space Telescope, which are essential for processing the data captured by the system.
Astro Digital is a California-based aerospace company that recently announced a significant Colorado expansion in the coming years. The company provides end-to-end mission design services, but it is most notable for developing micro-satellite systems. According to Astro Digital, its micro-satellite can provide remote sensing and data-capturing capabilities.
The Aerospace Corporation is an American nonprofit organization that conducts research and provides development services. Some of its services include rocket design and testing, cybersecurity for space assets and tracking space debris to ensure safe rocket launches.
Caliola Engineering is a DoD contractor that aims to solve mission-critical problems for its clients in the U.S. government. It hires experts in SATCOM, HF communications, waveform design and mission planning. The woman-owned small business is headquartered in Colorado Springs.
Maxar Technologies leverages a vast archive of high-resolution satellite imagery in combination with AI-enabled software solutions to deliver precise insights that can support both national security and commercial interests. The company is headquartered in Westminster and has additional Colorado operations in Longmont and Colorado Springs.
Red 6 is a veteran-owned business that’s using augmented reality to drive innovation in air combat training for pilots. Its Advanced Tactical Augmented Reality System, known as ATARS, works in combination with the company’s EVE Headset to support multi-player AR experiences across high-speed use cases and in outdoor, full daylight environments.
Lockheed Martin is one of the best-known aerospace companies in the world, thanks to its years of success in collaborating with the U.S. Department of Defense. For example, it has developed several fighter jet systems, like the F-35 Lightning and F-22 Raptor. Additionally, the company has worked with NASA, provides cybersecurity systems and has developed AI platforms for national defense.
True Anomaly describes its innovations as being at the intersection of space, software and AI. Since launching in 2022, the company has developed an autonomous orbital satellite system with multi-modal sensors that can be deployed in tactical missions. Additionally, its Mosaic platform provides real-time tracking and characterization software of objects in space.
Broomfield-based Sierra Space is developing novel technologies to make space more accessible. Since launching in 2021, it has set out to create a winged commercial spaceplane that would deliver large cargo payloads to the International Space Station. Another of its projects involves the development of a simulated space habitat that aims to enable businesses to develop in zero-gravity environments.
Ursa Major is developing novel propulsion systems for the space and defense sectors. The company aims to provide reusable and high-performance systems to private companies and governmental agencies. According to Ursa Major, the development of its systems made it the first American company to use an oxygen-rich staged combustion engine.
Since its founding, Voyager Space has completed over 1,500 missions and is now developing solutions for space travel. Its products include solid missile propulsion systems and non-GPS position systems used for defense purposes.
Boeing is one of the largest aerospace companies in the world. The company is known for developing and manufacturing various commercial aircraft; however, its other pursuits include satellites, spacecrafts and air defense vehicles. Boeing has also served as the primary contractor to the International Space Station and routinely provided operational and maintenance support.
Gogo provides customizable connectivity solutions for the business aviation industry. Using air-to-ground and satellite-based technologies, it can equip aircrafts with internet services for video streaming, live conferencing and internet browsing.
