NewSpace Nexus Helps Companies Thrive in the Space Industry 

Courtesy of NewSpace Nexus

More than 240 space industry companies already work in New Mexico, up from 60 when NewSpace Nexus was founded in 2019. And their work to grow the space industry is just getting started. NewSpace is on a mission to accelerate the pace of space innovation with their many partners. Their vision is to grow the industry from New Mexico for the nation and beyond. 

“We’re supporting the robust space industry ecosystem that’s already here, while also helping to grow the space economy and attract more companies,” says Casey Anglada DeRaad, CEO of the nonprofit. “From day one, we have been focused on Uniting & Igniting the space industry to support our innovators, grow the economy and strengthen national security while we collectively capitalize on the multi-trillion-dollar opportunity.” 

Courtesy of NewSpace Nexus

That means bringing companies and leaders together to collaborate, share knowledge, build products and commercialize them. The NewSpace Co-Innovation Hub offers resources and collaboration space and hosts events for stakeholders to learn from one another, NewSpace, its partners and community. Its Launchpad facility includes access to shared work, test and demonstration spaces as well as shared equipment and office space. 

NewSpace Launchpad

“We have more than 40 companies working out of the NewSpace Launchpad, and have already served about 100 companies in moving from Concept to Product to Sales^TM, to ultimately help get their products into space,” DeRaad says. “Within two years of our programs launching we have directly supported these companies to gain an economic impact of $70 million from our flagship NewSpace Ignitor incubator-like program and have enabled $112 million total to date in financial impact for our space companies. 

Courtesy of NewSpace Nexus

“We support our companies across all areas of the space economy, from in-space manufacturing to communications to those that are trying to enter the space ecosystem from another sector. We’re working to advance progress from both an individual and industry level to remove some of the barriers companies face to strengthen the end-to-end innovation pipeline.”

NewSpace Center

One identified barrier was the need for a secure facility where companies can work to fulfill classified government contracts. NewSpace Nexus is addressing that need with plans for a 30,000-square-foot NewSpace Center, coming in 2026, that aims to bring 1,000 jobs to New Mexico. The facility will provide a multiuse space with secure facilities critical for entrepreneurs needing to conduct work at classified levels. 

“There’s such a wealth of resources within NewSpace and across its ecosystem,” DeRaad says. “We have resources and expertise to support companies, working collaboratively with many partners. We want them to grow and succeed, and we’re excited to welcome them here.” 

To learn more about NewSpace Nexus, visit newspacenexus.org.