(The Center Square) – A micro-satellite systems and infrastructure developer is expanding its operations into Littleton, Colorado.
Astro Digital, a company founded in California nearly a decade ago, is building out in Colorado, Gov. Jared Polis and the Global Business Development Division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced Thursday morning.
Astro Digital “provides end-to-end satellite mission support, including comprehensive satellite technology development and flight operations support for applications such as earth observation and communications,” according to an OEDIT press release.
“Colorado is at the center of the space ecosystem, and companies like Astro Digital advance our leadership every day,” Polis said in the release. “We’re thrilled the company will expand in our great state, reducing the time it takes to launch satellite missions and creating 141 new good-paying jobs for Coloradans.”
About 2,000 aerospace companies now operate in Colorado; that marks a 26% increase over five years.
The state has roughly 55,000 people directly employed in the aerospace industry, while another 184,000 indirectly support the industry.
That said, the state has many workers qualified in the industry.
“We are thrilled to expand our operations into Colorado as we ramp up production of our larger satellite systems for both commercial and government customers,” Chris Biddy, CEO of Astro Digital, said in the release. “The aerospace ecosystem and access to talent are major contributors in our decision to expand into Colorado.”
Astro Digital expects to create 141 net new jobs in Colorado that pay an average of $126,589 annually; that is 170% of the average annual wage in Jefferson County, according to the release. Such positions include accountants, specialists, and engineers, among others.
“We’re thrilled Astro Digital is expanding in Colorado,” OEDIT Executive Director Eve Lieberman said in the release. “Satellites are critical to so many of the technologies we depend on daily, including location, time, communication, and GPS. Companies like Astro Digital ensure satellite missions succeed while creating jobs that sustain families and communities.”
The company could receive up to $$1,910,438 in a performance-based Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit over the next eight years, approved by the Colorado Economic Development Commission. Astro Digital must meet specific job creation and salary requirements to receive these incentives.
“This marks the second major aerospace company announcement in just 10 days, further showcasing Colorado’s position as the nation’s leading aerospace hub,” Raymond H. Gonzales, President of the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation, said in the release. “Astro Digital’s decision to establish its headquarters in Colorado is a testament to our state’s existing leadership in aerospace and technology. This achievement would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of OEDIT, Jefferson County EDC, and the Colorado Space Coalition, whose leadership and commitment were instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. We are thrilled to welcome Astro Digital to our community and look forward to the immense value they will add to Colorado’s economy and innovation landscape.”
Additionally, Jefferson County Economic Development Corporate President & CEO Jansen Tidmore praised the company for bringing jobs to the county.
“Astro Digital’s expansion in Jefferson County bolsters the quality jobs we seek for our residents while building best-in-class satellite technology for the world’s most critical functions,” Tidmore said in the release. “Their continued faith in our community’s business ecosystem is a testament that our regional approach to economic development continues to foster the best outcomes for the best companies in the world — and beyond.”
Astro Digital also considered expanding into Utah, the release said.
Astro Digital has over 75 employees; 15 currently work in Colorado, while the company expects 40 more will join them in 2025.