Press Releases

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene joined with Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD) for a roundtable conversation with companies and organizations leading, innovating, and building Washington state’s space cluster. The discussion focused on what is being done to sustain and grow Washington’s space industry, and what Congress can do to help foster growth. The event was hosted by Aerojet Rocketdyne, who also led DelBene and Hoyer on a tour of their Redmond facility.

The discussion was a continuation of Hoyer’s “Make It In America” jobs plan that aims to produce the best conditions for U.S. businesses to create and sustain good-paying jobs that help build a strong middle class. In Washington state, the economic impacts of the space economy are estimated to be $1.7 billion, supporting approximately 6,000 jobs. 

“The Pacific Northwest is a hub for innovation and creativity, and I am committed to ensuring our space industry has the tools necessary for success. I want to thank Whip Hoyer and all of today’s attendees for underscoring the importance of ensuring our space industry continues to thrive and expand. By doing these things, thousands of hardworking middle class families will reap the benefits, continuing our region’s proud tradition to always make it in America,” said DelBene.

"Rep. DelBene is a leader in Congress when it comes to job creation and supporting economic growth, and I want to thank her for inviting me to see the exciting work happening in Washington state to spur innovation, create jobs, and build new businesses," said Whip Hoyer. "Democrats are pursuing the Make It In America plan to increase access to education and skills training, promote entrepreneurship, and strengthen our nation's infrastructure. If we can make progress in these areas, we can help more Americans get ahead, and that's exactly what I saw during my visit today. I am impressed by what's being done in Washington state to grow a critical industry."

“We appreciated the opportunity to share with Representatives DelBene and Hoyer our site’s proud history of domestically designing, qualifying, manufacturing, and testing spacecraft propulsion elements right here in Redmond,” said Ken Young, general manager of Aerojet Rocketdyne’s Redmond Operations. “Over the past 50 years, our engines have powered spacecraft to every planet in the solar system, the sun, and interstellar space, helping to further solidify U.S. leadership in space exploration.” 

“Systima is proud to be a part of the growing space industry in Washington State and as a small business that is growing and expanding we greatly value the dedication from our district congressional representative, Susan DelBene, and Whip Hoyer to support our industry’s needs,” said Systima’s President, Tom Prenzlow.

"Washington state is home to a wide variety of space interests and we appreciate Congresswoman DelBene taking an active role in identifying ways to support and grow our state's space economy. As part of the Aerospace Futures Alliance, the Washington State Space Coalition is working to raise the profile of the industry, help develop the talent pipeline, and leverage the existing supplier base in support of this growth. Washington is a leading player in the projected $3 trillion global space industry," said Kelly Maloney, president and CEO of the Aerospace Futures Alliance and the Washington State Space Coalition.

Companies and organizations in attendance included:
• WA State Department of Commerce
• Aerojet Rocketdyne
• Aerospace Futures Alliance and the Washington State Space Coalition
• Blue Origin
• Boeing (Space Sector) 
• Janicki Industries 
• MSNW
• Spaceflight Industries
• Stratolaunch 
• Systima Technologies
• Tethers Unlimited Inc.
• University of Washington 
• Washington State University 

Congresswoman DelBene represents Washington’s first congressional district. She is vice-chair of the New Democrat Coalition. She serves on the House Ways and Means Committee and the Budget Committee.