Washington, D.C. — July 15, 2026 — The Commercial Space Federation (CSF), the leading trade association representing the commercial space industry, today announced the launch of its State and Local Council (SLC), a new membership body that convenes states and regions to collectively address the commercial space sector’s most pressing capacity challenges and to align regional strengths into national capability.
The Council launches with four founding members representing some of the nation’s most active and fastest-growing space regions: the Texas Space Commission, the Arizona Space Commission, Space Florida, and Space Northwest. The Council will convene states to meet the nation’s growing demand for launch, infrastructure, supply chain, and workforce.
The Challenge: National Demand, Regional Capacity
The United States is confronting space capacity challenges that no single state can solve alone. Launch demand is surging, infrastructure is strained, supply chains are stretched, and the workforce pipeline must scale quickly to keep pace with an industry that is now foundational to economic competitiveness and national security. Meeting that demand is a national imperative, and the capabilities that answer it live in the states.
About the State and Local Council
The State and Local Council gives regional space and economic-development organizations two things most cannot build on their own: a trusted, informed presence in Washington and a direct line into the commercial space industry. Members receive regular briefings on federal priorities, appropriations movement, and regulatory shifts; as well as a connective thread to CSF member companies evaluating expansion, site needs, and supply-chain partners.
Just as important, the Council creates a forum for states to work with one another. Through roundtables, working groups, and strategic dialogues, members can align investments to fill national gaps rather than duplicate effort.
“America’s leadership in space depends on the strength of the industrial base that supports it. Across the country, states are investing in launch infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, workforce development, research, and supply chains that are critical to meeting growing commercial and national security demands. The State and Local Council brings those leaders together to share best practices, align regional strengths with national priorities, and help ensure the United States has the capacity, resilience, and coordination needed to lead the next era of commercial space.” —Dave Cavossa, President, Commercial Space Federation
Founding Member Perspectives
“Texas Space Commission commends the Commercial Space Federation for establishing the State and Local Council. By connecting states with one another—and with clear signals from industry as well as federal agencies—this Council can help America’s space economy thrive. The Lone Star State is committed to accelerating investment, strengthening our workforce, expanding critical infrastructure, and creating opportunities nationwide for space activities that improve life here on Earth.”
—Norman Garza, Jr., Executive Director, Texas Space Commission
“Arizona is proud to be an inaugural member of the State and Local Council alongside our friends at Space Florida, the Texas Space Commission, and Space Northwest because we are a rising space state built to win the new space race. CSF and its State and Local Council are vital to moving commercial space forward because the real innovation happens in the states. Arizona is where every Apollo moonwalker trained, and today we deliver elite manufacturing, university-led missions, a powerful aerospace supply chain, and emerging spaceports in Yuma and Sierra Vista. Our libertarian spirit and cowboy culture of bold independence drive the fearless innovation America needs. As a key space leader, we’re a key voice in the conversation to shape space policy, strengthen supply chains, and secure U.S. dominance in the trillion-dollar space economy.”
—Brett Mecum, Chairman, Arizona Space Commission
“Washington State’s space ecosystem is one of our great economic strengths, shaped by major industry anchors, ambitious growth companies, entrepreneurs, and a deep base of technical talent and advanced manufacturing capability. Space Northwest is proud to join the Commercial Space Federation’s State and Local Council to help connect Washington’s strengths with national policy conversations, industry priorities, and the next phase of commercial space growth.”
—Kelly Maloney, Chair, Board of Directors, Space Northwest
“Joining the Commercial Space Federation’s State and Local Council gives Florida a direct line into the federal conversations that shape where this industry invests and grows. It’s a natural extension of the work we’re already doing to connect Florida’s aerospace ecosystem to national demand.”
—Rob Long, Colonel (Ret.), President and CEO, Space Florida
Membership in the Commercial Space Federation’s State and Local Council is open to state and regional space organizations. Organizations interested in learning more or becoming members should contact Kelli Kedis Ogborn, Strategic Advisor for Global Markets and Industry Engagement, at kko@commercialspace.org.
About CSF
Founded in 2006, CSF and its members are laying the foundation for democratizing access to outer space for scientists, students, civilians, and businesses, while working toward the goal of expanding the U.S. Commercial Space Economy. Through the promotion of technological innovation, CSF and its diverse membership are guiding the bolstering of U.S. leadership in aerospace and inspiring America’s next generation of engineers and explorers. CSF also serves as the commercial space industry’s primary advocate with the U.S. Congress and the Administration, helping inform the development and implementation of policy priorities.
