Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain
Washington’s space economy is closely tied to Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, which recently faced challenges leaving two astronauts stranded on the International Space Station. The decision was made to return the astronauts back to Earth in an empty cabin due to technical issues during the journey. This setback adds to Boeing’s history of troubles with Starliner, dating back several years.
Despite Boeing’s focus on its commercial airplane business in the Seattle area, other key players in the local space industry include Amazon, Blue Origin, and SpaceX. These companies cover various aspects of the space supply chain and contribute significantly to the region’s space ecosystem.
Industry experts highlight companies like SpaceX and Amazon producing satellites through their divisions like Starlink and Project Kuiper, as well as Blue Origin developing rocket engines and spacecraft. Additionally, numerous startups and suppliers play a vital role in supporting these larger companies by providing essential components for NASA missions and satellite services.
Innovation is also thriving within the Seattle space industry, with startups such as STOKE Space working on cutting-edge technologies like fully reusable rockets. These initiatives are led by former employees of major players like Blue Origin and SpaceX.
2024-09-11 07:15:02
Post from phys.org
