The Washington, D.C. Metro Area Aero/Space Ecosystem

The Washington, D.C, Metro area, encompassing the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, has rapidly emerged as a national epicenter for aerospace and space innovation, driven by a unique convergence of federal resources, research institutions, and a highly skilled workforce. 

Over the past decade, the region’s aerospace sector has experienced robust growth, with Virginia’s aerospace employment growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.5% from 2012 to 2017, outpacing the national average for the industry during that period. 

In Maryland, the aerospace and defense sector now includes over 9,600 businesses, generating $37.8 billion in annual economic activity and securing $11.5 billion in federal contracts each year.

Jobs for aerospace engineers in Virginia are projected to grow by 12% through 2026 (double the national average of 6%)with the state expecting to reach 2,710 aerospace engineering jobs by that year. 

The area’s robust infrastructure, access to top-tier universities, and proximity to key decision-makers have made it a magnet for innovators and entrepreneurs, supporting a sector that continues to expand its economic footprint and workforce at a pace above the national trend

We put together a list

of DMV area Aero/Space companies to highlight:

Air Space Intelligence - Predictive AI to optimize air traffic management

Amentum - Delivers technical and engineering services globally

Anduril Industries - Autonomous defense systems and AI-powered surveillance platforms

Aperio Global - Space operations and geospatial intelligence

Axta Space Corporation - Integrated payload solutions for space-based RF comms

BlackSky - Real-time geospatial intelligence platform using imaging satellites

BlueHalo, an AV company - Space Superiority, Directed Energy and Missile Defense

CACI International Inc - IT services, cybersecurity, and defense solutions

CMC Electronics - Leading avionics manufacturer

DEFCON AI - AI-driven software solutions for logistics and supply chain operations

General Dynamics - Leading provider of aerospace and defense products

HawkEye 360 - Leading commercial provider of space-based RF data and analytics

Iridium - Global satellite communications company

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions - Unmanned systems, satellite communications, and combat systems

L3Harris Technologies - Advanced defense and commercial technologies in comms and space systems

Leidos - Global science and technology solutions leader

Leonardo DRS - Advanced defense technology company

Lockheed Martin - Designs and manufactures advanced technology systems for space exploration and defense

ManTech Cyber Solutions International - Management and tech services for government clients

MORSE Corp - Deploy solutions for National Security Ecosystem challenges

Wave Engine Corporation - Develops wave engines for jet propulsion that operate without moving parts

Northrop Grumman - Develops solutions in space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace

Parry Labs - Delivers digital systems infrastructure for the modern battlespace

Peraton - Leading mission capability integrator

Quantum Space - Develops maneuverable spacecraft for national defense and commercial space infra

Raytheon - Creates next-generation defense solutions

SAIC - Advanced engineering and IT solutions focusing on cybersecurity and data analytics

Scout Space - Next-generation sensor systems and autonomy software for space domain awareness

Spire - Satellite-based data and analytics services with headquarters in Tysons

Supernal - eVTOL vehicles and Advanced Air Mobility ecosystem

The Aerospace Corporation - Operates federally funded research and development center

True Anomaly - Technology at intersection of spacecraft, software, and AI for space security

Ursa Major - Advanced rocket engines

V2X Inc - Provides mission solutions to defense clients