NH is Destination for Space Sector
NH is becoming a prominent hub for the space sector, as evidenced by the Northeast STTAR Expo, which showcased the state's advanced aerospace and space manufacturing ecosystem.
Northeast STTAR Expo Provides Showcase for NH Aerospace Industry
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Business by business, New Hampshire has quietly established itself as a platform and launch pad for research, innovation, and manufacturing, not just on Earth but also in space, aerospace, and national defense.
Products in this sector are now New Hampshire’s number one export, as highlighted by Lucy Lange, commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs, on October 28th at the STTAR Expo at the University of New Hampshire in Durham.
Randy Makee, executive director of the NH Aerospace and Defense Consortium, emphasized the state's leadership in space and aerospace, stating, “New Hampshire is far and away the biggest state for space and aerospace in New England.”
STTAR Expo: A Showcase for Innovation
STTAR, an acronym for Space, Technology, Trade, and Research, the two-day expo on October 28th and 29th aimed to foster networking, collaboration, and awareness of the thriving industry in the region. The event brought together innovators, producers, scientists, engineers, investors, bankers, students, and representatives from the U.S. Space Force and Department of War.
UNH President Elizabeth Chilton noted the significance of New Hampshire's role in the space industry, ranging from solar storm research to rocket component manufacturing.
Space, Aerospace, and Defense: A Growing Sector in NH
The space, aerospace, and defense sector currently contributes 8% to New Hampshire's GDP and 22% to its exports, according to industry experts. Over 300 businesses in NH support this industry in various capacities, including:
- Propulsion
- Materials science
- Advanced manufacturing
- Autonomous systems
- Software and hardware development
- Cybersecurity
- Securing the supply chain
These businesses are responsible for creating, scaling, and distributing components used in rockets, satellites, and the International Space Station.
Makee highlighted New Hampshire's strengths in education, innovation, manufacturing, and workforce development, making it an ideal location for space-related ventures. He noted the state's ability to be "faster to market, less expensive, and more innovative," with a growing space economy expected in the Northeast.
Unveiling New Hampshire's Hidden Gem
Until now, the space industry in New Hampshire has operated largely under the radar. The STTAR Expo served as a much-needed platform to showcase the state's capabilities, attracting approximately 440 visitors on the first day. Among the 57 exhibitors were Nu-Cast in Londonderry, a family-owned business specializing in aluminum casting for planes, missiles, and satellites.
Cole Tavani, CEO of Nu-Cast, shared, "We specialize in aerospace and defense but can make anything out of aluminum." Their products include joysticks for helicopters, chassis for optical systems on tanks, engine caps, impellers, and more.