Private aerospace companies are trying to mold a modern orbital ecosystem driven as much by profits as it is by exploration. Already home to the nation’s second largest commercial space economy, the Centennial State is a major launch pad in more ways than one.
Even though Colorado is already enjoying aerospace-industry cluster growth, state and metro Denver economic development officials are not slowing down on efforts to attract more.
Air Force One lands at the Colorado Springs Airport with then-President Donald Trump while Air Force Two sits on the tarmac at Peterson Air Force Base in February 2020.
The Pentagon rated Peterson Air Force base at the bottom of the pack in its access to air transport and ability to handle distinguished visitors in a document justifying its decision to award U.S. Space Command to Alabama. In this image, both planes were at Peterson while Trump and Vice President Mike Pence campaigned in the Pikes Peak region.
CHRISTIAN MURDOCK, THE GAZETTE
Gazette File