California, August 30, 2025
News Summary
California’s aerospace industry is experiencing significant growth with the emergence of innovative startups such as Vast and Varda Space Industries, bolstered by $329 million in investment. Despite major companies relocating, the region has created around 11,000 new jobs in the aerospace sector over the past year, with high average salaries. Additionally, the area is becoming a hub for cutting-edge technologies in both aerospace and pharmaceuticals, demonstrating a robust demand for talent and innovation in Southern California.
California is witnessing a remarkable surge in its aerospace industry, driven by an influx of innovative space startups and significant job growth. This revitalization is occurring despite major players like SpaceX relocating operations to Texas, creating a new ecosystem of companies that are working on groundbreaking technologies aimed at both advanced manufacturing and pharmaceuticals.
Noteworthy among these startups is Vast, headquartered in Long Beach, which is at the forefront of developing Haven-1, a pioneering commercial space station intended to succeed the soon-to-be-retired International Space Station (ISS). Vast aims to launch its first small station next year and is actively pursuing contracts from NASA to solidify its position in the burgeoning commercial space sector.
In another innovative venture, Varda Space Industries in El Segundo has made significant strides in the growth of molecular crystals in microgravity. The potential outcome of this research is the production of more effective pharmaceuticals, particularly improving injection techniques for cancer treatment. With $329 million in venture capital backing, Varda is also focused on automating laboratory processes in space to enhance drug purity.
Further illustrating the innovative spirit of Southern California, AstroForge from Seal Beach is setting its sights on mining asteroids for valuable materials, specifically platinum, which could yield billions of dollars. This ambitious project demonstrates the diverse range of aspirations among new aerospace ventures in the region.
The aerospace economy in Southern California is experiencing a renaissance, with approximately 11,000 new jobs created in the aerospace and defense sectors over the past year. The average wage for these jobs is significantly higher than the county average, standing at about $141,110 annually. The LA Economic Development Corporation reports that more than 58,700 workers are now employed in these sectors, showcasing the robust demand for talent in aerospace engineering and technology.
This resurgence in aerospace innovation is largely attributed to the legacy of the area’s history in aerospace production, which includes milestones such as the Apollo capsule and the X-15 rocket. Many of the new startups have been founded by former SpaceX employees, contributing to around 128 emerging companies linked to ex-SpaceX staff, with over 63 of these located in Southern California.
Investment from notable Silicon Valley investors, including Peter Thiel, along with active venture capital firms, has further boosted this economic growth for space-related companies. In particular, Long Beach has transformed the Smoky Hollow neighborhood from a former refinery area into a vibrant hub for aerospace and advanced manufacturing, driven by favorable zoning policies aimed at attracting high-quality manufacturers and startups.
Other companies, like Rocket Lab and Relativity Space, are also experiencing growth in Long Beach. Rocket Lab has set aggressive targets for launch frequency, while Relativity Space intends to lead the market with its cutting-edge 3-D printed rocket engines and has secured important satellite launch contracts. The emphasis on collaboration among startups and manufacturers in Long Beach provides a conducive environment for innovation and talent acquisition, particularly within engineering sectors.
As these startups continue to evolve, they are poised to push the boundaries of technology, opening new horizons in both aerospace and pharmaceuticals. The engineering talent pool in Southern California is a crucial asset, aiding these new enterprises in their quest for advancement.
FAQs about Southern California’s Aerospace Industry
- What is Haven-1?
- Haven-1 is a planned commercial space station being developed by Vast in Long Beach, aiming to replace the International Space Station.
- What is Varda Space Industries working on?
- Varda Space Industries is focused on growing molecular crystals in microgravity for pharmaceuticals to improve drug efficacy for cancer patients.
- What is AstroForge’s goal?
- AstroForge aims to mine asteroids for platinum, which has the potential to be highly profitable.
- How many jobs have been added to the aerospace sector in Southern California?
- This past year, the aerospace and defense industries in Southern California added approximately 11,000 new jobs.
- What is the average salary in the aerospace industry in Southern California?
- The average salary for workers in the aerospace and defense sectors is about $141,110 per year.
Chart of Key Features of Southern California’s Aerospace Industry
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Startups | Vast, Varda Space Industries, AstroForge |
| New Jobs Added | 11,000 |
| Average Salary | $141,110 |
| Aerospace Employees | 58,700 |
| Aerospace Companies Linked to Ex-SpaceX Employees | 128 (63 in Southern California) |
| Investment in Space Startups | $329 million raised by Varda alone |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Los Angeles Times: How the New Space Economy is Transforming Southern California
- KFI AM 640: Space Startups Boost Southern California Economy
- Victorville Daily Press: Southern California Logistics Airport – A Victorville Economic Power
- McKinsey & Company: Space – The $1.8 Trillion Dollar Opportunity for Global Economic Growth
- Payload Space: SoCal Will Be Space Central With or Without Elon, Experts Say
- Wikipedia: Aerospace Industry
- Google Search: Southern California Space Startups
- Google Scholar: Southern California Aerospace Industry
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Space Economy
- Google News: Southern California Aerospace
Author: Anaheim Staff Writer
Anaheim Staff Writer The Anaheim Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREAnaheim.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Anaheim, Orange 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 major conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center, including NAMM and VidCon, exciting games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center, and developments at Disneyland Resort Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, plus leading businesses in hospitality, entertainment, and innovation that power the local economy As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
