OneRedmond Advocacy Update October 2026

From Redmond to Orbit: Advancing Washington's Space Economy Through Innovation and Collaboration

Recent milestones highlight Redmond's leadership in space innovation, the growing importance of statewide collaboration, and new opportunities for international partnerships.

Redmond's role in the global space economy continues to gain momentum. From satellites manufactured locally and deployed into orbit to new statewide initiatives and international engagement, recent events have demonstrated the strength of our region's space industry and the importance of connecting business, government, and industry leaders.

For OneRedmond, these milestones reflect the mission behind the Redmond Space District: elevating Redmond's position as one of the world's premier space clusters while supporting the partnerships, policies, and investments that will help the industry continue to grow.

A New Chapter for Washington's Space Economy

OneRedmond recently attended the Seattle Space Week Kickoff at The Museum of Flight, where two significant moments underscored Washington's leadership in the space sector.

Bob Ferguson signed an executive order establishing the Washington Space Council, a statewide initiative designed to bring together government, industry, academia, and other stakeholders to strengthen Washington's position in the rapidly evolving space economy. The council represents an important opportunity to coordinate efforts, identify industry needs, and support policies that encourage innovation, investment, and workforce development.

For communities like Redmond, where space technology and advanced manufacturing are major drivers of economic activity, this type of collaboration is essential to maintaining a competitive business environment and supporting long-term industry growth.

The evening also celebrated the achievements of Washington's space companies. SpaceX/Starlink received Space Northwest's North Star Award, with Cornelia Rosu accepting the honor on behalf of the team.

With Starlink satellites manufactured in Redmond, the recognition was particularly meaningful for our local space industry and the talented workforce behind it.

Built in Redmond. Deployed in Orbit.

The impact of Redmond's space industry was also on display during a recent successful Starship flight, which included the first orbital deployment of Starlink V3 satellites.

Footage of the deployment captured an extraordinary view of a satellite above Earth, accompanied by a special acknowledgment of the team responsible for its production in Redmond.

It was a remarkable reminder that the technology being developed and manufactured in our community is helping power space exploration and connectivity on a global scale.

Redmond's space legacy stretches back nearly six decades, beginning with Rocket Research, whose propulsion work helped establish the region's aerospace expertise. Today, that foundation has expanded into a diverse ecosystem of companies specializing in satellite manufacturing, spacecraft propulsion, advanced engineering, communications, software, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and emerging space technologies.

In fact, more satellites are manufactured in Redmond than in any other city in the world, reinforcing the city's position as a major center for space innovation.

The continued success of these companies also demonstrates the importance of supporting a skilled workforce, a strong business environment, and the infrastructure needed for advanced technology industries to thrive.

Connecting Redmond's Space Industry to the World

While Redmond's technology reaches into orbit, the Redmond Space District is also building connections here on Earth.

On September 25, OneRedmond and the Redmond Space District welcomed a delegation of space industry leaders from Saudi Arabia as part of the U.S. Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program.

The delegation included representatives from government agencies, research institutions, and private industry, with expertise spanning space regulation, engineering, entrepreneurship, aerospace research, and international cooperation.

The visit provided an opportunity to introduce participants to Redmond's space ecosystem, exchange perspectives on the industry's future, and explore opportunities for stronger international relationships. These conversations are increasingly important as the global space economy expands and emerging space nations seek opportunities to collaborate with established centers of innovation. For OneRedmond, welcoming international delegations is also an opportunity to showcase the companies, talent, and technological capabilities that make Redmond an attractive destination for business development and investment.

The visit provided an opportunity to introduce participants to Redmond's space ecosystem, exchange perspectives on the industry's future, and explore opportunities for stronger international relationships.

These conversations are increasingly important as the global space economy expands and emerging space nations seek opportunities to collaborate with established centers of innovation.

For OneRedmond, welcoming international delegations is also an opportunity to showcase the companies, talent, and technological capabilities that make Redmond an attractive destination for business development and investment.

The Redmond Space District: A Global Identity for Local Innovation

Established in 2023 by OneRedmond in partnership with the City of Redmond, the Redmond Space District is not a physical location, but an economic development initiative and brand created to strengthen and showcase Redmond's space industry.

It brings together the region's expertise in advanced manufacturing, satellite engineering and space systems, communications and ground infrastructure, software innovation, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and emerging space technologies.

Through the Redmond Space District, OneRedmond works to elevate the visibility of local space companies, support business growth and expansion, strengthen workforce and talent pipelines, attract new investment, and connect industry leaders with policymakers and potential partners.

These efforts extend beyond Redmond. By collaborating with regional and statewide partners, the initiative supports a broader vision of Washington as a global leader in the space economy.

Looking Ahead: Supporting the Next Era of Space Innovation

The recent Starlink deployment, establishment of the Washington Space Council, and visit from Saudi Arabia's space delegation each tell a different part of the same story.

Redmond is not simply participating in the global space economy. Our community is helping shape its future.

As the industry continues to evolve, maintaining that leadership will require collaboration across business, government, education, and research, along with policies that support innovation, investment, and a strong talent pipeline.

OneRedmond remains committed to championing these priorities, strengthening relationships between industry and government, and ensuring Redmond's space companies have the connections, visibility, and support needed to succeed.

From Redmond to orbit and beyond, the opportunities ahead are extraordinary.

Learn more about the Redmond Space District: https://www.oneredmond.org/redmond-space-district/