Southern California, August 30, 2025
News Summary
Southern California’s aerospace sector is rapidly evolving with innovative startups leading the charge, including Vast’s plans for the Haven-1 commercial space station and Varda Space Industries’ advancements in pharmaceuticals through microgravity research. The industry increased its workforce by 11,000 jobs over the past year, driven by both traditional companies and new ventures. This revitalization is further supported by significant investments and the region’s engineering talent, continuing a legacy of aerospace excellence.
California – Southern California’s aerospace industry is witnessing a significant transformation, driven by an influx of innovative startups and substantial job growth. Key players in the region are developing groundbreaking projects that could redefine commercial space travel and related technologies.
Among the most ambitious initiatives, Vast, a startup located in Long Beach, is in the process of fabricating what could become the first commercial space station, named Haven-1. This project aims to replace the aging International Space Station (ISS) as it nears retirement. Vast is planning to launch its initial small station next year and is positioning itself to secure a contract from NASA to facilitate this transition, vying for competition against other space giants like Blue Origin.
In El Segundo, Varda Space Industries is making strides in the pharmaceutical sector by successfully growing molecular crystals in microgravity, which could lead to improved injection methods for cancer treatments. The company has raised approximately $329 million in venture capital and is committed to establishing automated laboratories in space to enhance drug purity.
Additionally, AstroForge from Seal Beach is focused on a unique venture to mine asteroids for platinum, proposing a potential value of billions of dollars. Their innovative approach taps into an emerging market in space mining, leveraging cutting-edge technology to explore untapped resources beyond Earth.
Southern California’s space economy is thriving again, building on the region’s rich aerospace legacy, which has historically produced significant milestones such as the Apollo capsule and the space shuttles. The resurgence can be attributed to the influence of SpaceX, founded in 2002 by Elon Musk, which has developed low-cost, reusable rocket technology. Notably, while SpaceX has shifted major operations to Texas, many new aerospace startups around the area have been established by former SpaceX employees—about 128 companies linked to ex-employee founders, with 63 located in Southern California.
This past year, the aerospace and defense sectors in Southern California added 11,000 new jobs, and these jobs come with salaries averaging $141,110, significantly above the county’s average wage. Currently, the region employs over 58,700 workers in aerospace and defense, reflecting a healthy demand for skilled labor.
Efforts to redevelop areas like Long Beach are also contributing to the industry’s growth. The Smoky Hollow neighborhood, which was once a refinery area, is now transforming into a hub for aerospace and advanced manufacturing. Long Beach has actively been rezoned to attract high-quality manufacturers and startups, fostering collaborative environments for talent to thrive. Companies such as Relativity Space are taking advantage of this growth—they have developed 3D-printed rocket engines and expanded operations in Long Beach.
Investment from well-known Silicon Valley figures and venture capital firms continues to enrich the region’s ecosystem, enabling companies like Rocket Lab and Relativity Space to expand operations significantly. Rocket Lab is reportedly aiming for record launches while securing important satellite launch contracts.
As the aerospace sector in Southern California expands, the high concentration of engineering talent remains a significant asset. Local universities are producing skilled laborers that these startups fiercely compete for. Future space-related projects are expected to push technological boundaries, signaling promising advancements in aerospace and pharmaceuticals.
FAQ
What is Haven-1 and who is behind it?
Haven-1 is a project by Vast, a startup in Long Beach, which aims to fabricate the first commercial space station to replace the International Space Station (ISS).
What breakthroughs are Varda Space Industries working on?
Varda Space Industries is focused on growing molecular crystals in microgravity for pharmaceuticals, potentially resulting in more effective drugs for cancer patients.
How many new jobs have been created in Southern California’s aerospace industry?
In the past year, the aerospace and defense industries in Southern California have added approximately 11,000 new jobs.
Who are some of the notable startups contributing to aerospace growth in Southern California?
Notable startups include Vast, Varda Space Industries, AstroForge, and Relativity Space, among others, driving innovation and expansion in the region.
Key Features of Southern California’s Aerospace Industry
| Company | Project/Focus | Financial Backing | Job Creation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vast | Commercial Space Station – Haven-1 | Undisclosed | Part of 11,000 new jobs |
| Varda Space Industries | Microgravity Drug Development | $329 million in venture capital | Part of 11,000 new jobs |
| AstroForge | Asteroid Mining | Undisclosed | Part of 11,000 new jobs |
| Relativity Space | 3D Printed Rocket Engines | Undisclosed | Part of 11,000 new jobs |
| Rocket Lab | Satellite Launch Services | Undisclosed | Part of 11,000 new jobs |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Los Angeles Times: How the New Space Economy is Transforming Southern California
- KFI AM 640: Space Startups Boost Southern California Economy
- Payload Space: SoCal Will be Space Central with or without Elon, Experts Say
- Los Angeles Business Journal: Special Report on Aerospace
- McKinsey & Company: Space – The $1.8 Trillion Dollar Opportunity
- Wikipedia: Aerospace Industry
- Google Search: Southern California Space Economy
- Google Scholar: Southern California Space Industry
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aerospace Industry Overview
- Google News: Southern California Aerospace
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
