Colorado Governor Jared Polis and the Global Business Development Division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced that Astro Digital, a developer of micro-satellite systems and infrastructure, will expand into Littleton. The company provides satellite mission support, including comprehensive satellite technology development and flight operations support for applications such as earth observation and communications.
Astro Digital is one of 2,000 aerospace companies now operating in Colorado, which represents 26% growth over five years. More people work in aerospace per capita than in any other state, with 55,000 direct employees and another 184,000 Colorado workers indirectly supporting the industry. Astro Digital chose Colorado for the access to talent and the overall strength of the space ecosystem.
“We are thrilled to expand our operations into Colorado as we ramp up production of our larger satellite systems for both commercial and government customers. The aerospace ecosystem and access to talent are major contributors in our decision to expand into Colorado,” said Chris Biddy, CEO of Astro Digital.
In Colorado, the company expects to create 141 net new jobs at an average annual wage of $126,589, which is 170% of the average annual wage in Jefferson County. The positions include accountants, specialists and engineers.
The Colorado Economic Development Commission approved up to $1.9 million in a performance-based Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit over an eight-year period. These incentives are contingent upon Astro Digital, referred to as Project Skyhawk throughout the OEDIT review process, meeting net new job creation and salary requirements.
“Astro Digital’s expansion in Jefferson County bolsters the quality jobs we seek for our residents, while building best in class satellite technology for the world’s most critical functions,” said Jefferson County Economic Development Corporate President and CEO Jansen Tidmore. “Their continued faith in our community’s business ecosystem is a testament that our regional approach to economic development continues to foster the best outcomes for the best companies in the world — and beyond.”
In addition to Colorado, Astro Digital considered Utah for expansion. The company currently has over 75 employees, 15 of whom immediately started in Colorado with an additional 40 employees anticipated in 2025.
