Seattle – Governor Bob Ferguson unveiled a new Governor’s Space Council on Sept. 28, highlighting Washington’s long‑standing leadership in the space industry. The 23‑member panel brings together elected officials, aerospace executives, university scholars and labor representatives to advise the governor on how the state can stay competitive and expand its role in the global space economy.
Local leaders join the council
Among the council’s 23 members are two Kent officials: Mayor Dana Ralph and State Senator Claudia Kauffman, D‑Kent. Their presence underscores the importance of Kent’s historic contributions to aerospace, from Boeing’s lunar rover production in the late 1960s to today’s cutting‑edge launch‑vehicle development.
Two aerospace executives also represent Kent’s thriving private sector. Andy Lapsa, CEO and co‑founder of Stoke Space, and Michael Edmonds, Chief Commercial Officer of Blue Origin, will lend their industry expertise to the council’s work.
Council’s mission and priorities
The council will evaluate Washington’s competitive position relative to other states and nations, identify barriers and opportunities for industry growth, and assess workforce‑development, education and research needs. It will also examine infrastructure and supply‑chain capacity, and explore the feasibility of Washington‑based commercial launch capabilities.
“Washington has deep roots in the space industry,” Governor Ferguson said at the Museum of Flight in Seattle. “But the industry moves at an incredible pace. To remain a national leader, we cannot be complacent. My council will help us innovate and adapt as this sector rapidly grows.”
Economic impact of the state’s space sector
According to the governor’s office, Washington is home to more than 90 space companies employing over 13,000 workers. These firms generate roughly $4.6 billion in annual economic activity and $1.6 billion in payroll. Approximately two‑thirds of the world’s operational satellites are built in the state, and local universities play a critical role in research, development and training the next generation of aerospace talent.
Full council roster
- Andy Lapsa – Stoke Space (Kent)
- Rob Meyerson – Interlune (Seattle)
- Jeff Thornburg – Portal Space Systems (Bothell)
- Austin Link – Starfish Space (Tukwila)
- Colin Doughan – Gravitics (Marysville)
- Michael Edmonds – Blue Origin (Kent)
- Lisa Scalpone – Amazon LEO (Redmond)
- Cornelia Rosu – SpaceX (Redmond, local office)
- Kelly Maloney – Space Northwest (Seattle)
- Dana Ralph – Kent mayor
- Angela Birney – Redmond mayor
- Claudia Kauffman – D‑47th District (Kent)
- Alex Ybarra – R‑13th District (Quincy)
- Brendan Wales – FUSE (Bellevue)
- Jason Chan – IAM 751 (Seattle)
- Ray Goforth – SPEEA (Tukwila)
- Bill Pike – PNNL (Seattle)
- Mehran Mesbahi – University of Washington professor
- Betsy Cantwell – Washington State University president
- Lynn Strickland – Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee
- Trevor Devaney – Hi‑Rel Laboratories (Spokane)
- Scott Keeney – nLIGHT (Camas)
- Philip Johnston – Starcloud (Redmond)
The council’s recommendations will be presented to Governor Ferguson as the state continues to attract private investment, develop a skilled workforce and pursue commercial launch capabilities that could further cement Washington’s status as a global space hub.
Original reporting: Renton Reporter — read the source article.
