A new Michigan "space hub" will be created in Detroit's Corktown neighborhood, state officials announced on Thursday, Oct. 15.
The first‑of‑its‑kind statewide network is intended to accelerate growth in Michigan’s space economy, and is supported by a nearly $1.2 million one-year grant from the Michigan Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation
(ODAI) at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).The hub will be located at Newlab within the Michigan Central Innovation District and will launch on Wednesday, Oct. 28.
“From automobiles to advanced technologies, Michigan has always built what’s next for the nation,” Whitmer said. “Today’s announcement
builds on our commitment to innovation by strengthening our leadership in the growing space economy. The Space Innovation Hub brings together industry, innovators, and our world-class manufacturing base to ensure Michigan is at the forefront of the next generation of space technologies and creating the jobs of tomorrow.”
In addition to Newlab, Michigan Central’s partners include the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC) and the National Advanced Mobility Consortium (NAMC). Kevin Cronin, Michigan Central’s new executive director of aerospace.
The hub, according to Whitmer's office, will provide a cohesive ecosystem for manufactures, startups, researchers and federal agencies. Key initiatives for the hub include expanding Michigan’s space manufacturing capacity and year-round industry programing.
“Michigan already has so much of what the space industry needs to scale: world-class manufacturing, engineering talent, advanced testing capabilities and a deep supplier base,” said Colleen Hau, managing director at Newlab Detroit. “The Space Innovation Hub gives us a way to connect those assets, bring new companies and opportunities into the state, and help Michigan manufacturers compete for a larger share of the rapidly growing space economy.”
The aerospace industry in Michigan includes more than 900 companies and employs more than 30,000 workers, according to the Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan.
Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan officials launch 'space hub.' Effort hopes to boost innovation
