Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the launch of the Michigan Space Innovation Hub, a statewide network designed to accelerate growth in the state's space economy. The hub, anchored at Newlab Detroit within the Michigan Central Innovation District, received a $1.2 million one-year grant from the Michigan Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation.
The hub will connect manufacturers, startups, researchers, investors, workforce partners, and federal agencies to provide access to advanced testing and manufacturing capabilities, a digital resource platform, supplier support, talent development pipelines, and collaborative workspace. Kevin Cronin will serve as Executive Director of Aerospace at Michigan Central.
Michigan's aerospace industry includes more than 900 companies employing roughly 30,000 workers. The U.S. space economy accounted for $142.5 billion of total GDP in 2023. Key initiatives include Sprint to Supply Space, a program to expand Michigan's space-qualified manufacturing capacity, and the annual Michigan Space Summit.
Michigan has been at the forefront of space innovation since the 1940s. The University of Michigan played a significant role in early crewed space flight and the Apollo program, including the Apollo 15 lunar mission, whose three crew members were all University of Michigan alumni.
The Space Innovation Hub officially launches October 28, 2026.