Arizona Space Rising is a collaborative community accelerating growth across Arizona’s space ecosystem.

In 2025, Arizona positioned itself as a leader in the space economy.

F E D E R A L

Space Ops, a nonprofit intermediary serving Arizona, accelerated federal collaboration and funding opportunities across the state, advancing STEM, and strengthening research and facilities that connect government, industry, and academia.

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ARIZONA SPACE COMMISSION

S T A T E

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs and the state Legislature re-established the Arizona Space Commission to develop and advance strategies that promote and expand space, aeronautics, and aviation across the state.

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C O M M U N I T Y

AZ Spacelab, LLC was founded to strengthen Arizona’s space brand and broaden opportunities for engagement across the state’s growing space community.

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M I S S I O N F O R W A R D

S P A C E
C O M M U N I T Y

Provide faster access to connections, opportunities, and collaborations

S T E M
+ J O B S

Prepare the next generation of space-ready talent through accelerators and workforce pathways.

P A R T N E R E D
I N N O V A T I O N

Enable technology transfer and collaboration across federal, state, and industry partners.

R E S E A R C H
F A C I L I T I E S

Expand laboratories and research infrastructure statewide.

N U C L E A R
T E C H

Advance nuclear propulsion and small modular reactors (SMR) to grow global innovation.

ARIZONA SPACE COMMISSION

Appointed by Governor Katie Hobbs and Arizona Legislature in 2025

Grant Anderson

President and CEO
Paragon Space Development Corporation

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Jim Bell

Regents Professor, School of Earth and Space Exploration, Arizona State University

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Jim Cantrell

CEO and Co-Founder
Phantom Space Corporation

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Megan Fitzgerald

Senior Director
Government & Community Relations
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

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Erika Hamden

Director
University of Arizona Space Institute

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Shawn Linam

President and CEO
Qwaltec, Inc.

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Michael McGuire

Adjutant General
Arizona National Guard

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Brett Mecum

President
Cadmus Public Affairs

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Lisa Morris

Vice President Supply Chain
Virgin Galactic

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Len Munsil

President
Arizona Christian University

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Douglas Nichols

Mayor
City of Yuma

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Michael Vargas

Strategic Partnerships Lead
Air and Space STEM Outreach Office
Griffiths Institute

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Steven Zylstra

President and CEO
Arizona Technology Council

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