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Home to NASA's Largest Rocket Engine Test Complex in the USA
NASA's Stennis Space Center in Mississippi has been crucial to every NASA mission since the 1960's.
Home to 13 defense bases and installations for the Army, Navy, Air Force & U.S. Coast Guard
From shipbuilding to rocket testing, Mississippi boasts impressive numbers in the defense industry.
Home to the FAA's Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Mississippi State University leads other member universities & more than 100 industry partners.
Home to industry leaders like Lockheed Martin, Relativity Space, Airbus, Stark Aerospace & Many More
Today, major companies reply on Mississippi's supportive business climate to succeed.
MISSISSIPPI, USA
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Mississippi is revolutionizing the aerospace industry, with NASA’s Stennis Space Center, industry leaders like Airbus Helicopters, Rolls-Royce, Aerojet Rocketdyne and Northrop Grumman and world-class R&D driving innovation. Here, we’re fueling the future of flight and space exploration. Discover more at mississippi.org.
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Assure - THE FAA's Center of Excellence for UAS Research
Mississippi, USA
ASSURE is comprised of 24 of the world's leading research institutions and more than a hundred leading industry and government partners. ASSURE members are core to three FAA UAS test sites, lead four FAA research centers, have seven airfields and a 340 UAS fleet - 24 more UAS than the USAF.
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Mississippi, USA
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Mississippi, USA
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Mississippi, USA
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News
Hush Aerospace locating operations in Tupelo
Unmanned aerial systems designer and manufacturer Hush Aerospace is locating operations in Tupelo. The project represents a corporate investment of $13.975 million and will create 80 jobs.
Hush Aerospace will establish a state-of-the-art facility for the assembly, manufacturing, testing and evaluation of UAS in Tupelo. The company’s move will enhance the domestic drone market by providing cutting-edge UAS/robotic platforms and components that meet the rigorous standards of NASA and the military. In turn, this will enhance national security by onshoring UAS design and production. In addition to government contract work, the company’s drones may be used in various commercial applications, including package delivery, agriculture, photography, cinematography, infrastructure inspections, mapping and surveying.
The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance for the construction of the company’s 60,000-square-foot facility. MDA also is providing assistance through the MFLEX tax incentive plan. AccelerateMS is providing a Mississippi Works grant to support the critical training needs of Hush Aerospace and will support the company’s long-term workforce goals and objectives for this project. The project is also receiving support from Tupelo, Lee County, Tennessee Valley Authority and Appalachian Regional Commission.
Hush Aerospace is headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia, with an international office in the United Kingdom. Its expansion into Mississippi recognizes the significant growth of the global UAS market and the need to efficiently deliver UAS into the government and commercial space. Learn more at hush.aero.
Hush Aerospace will establish a state-of-the-art facility for the assembly, manufacturing, testing and evaluation of UAS in Tupelo. The company’s move will enhance the domestic drone market by providing cutting-edge UAS/robotic platforms and components that meet the rigorous standards of NASA and the military. In turn, this will enhance national security by onshoring UAS design and production. In addition to government contract work, the company’s drones may be used in various commercial applications, including package delivery, agriculture, photography, cinematography, infrastructure inspections, mapping and surveying.
The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance for the construction of the company’s 60,000-square-foot facility. MDA also is providing assistance through the MFLEX tax incentive plan. AccelerateMS is providing a Mississippi Works grant to support the critical training needs of Hush Aerospace and will support the company’s long-term workforce goals and objectives for this project. The project is also receiving support from Tupelo, Lee County, Tennessee Valley Authority and Appalachian Regional Commission.
Hush Aerospace is headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia, with an international office in the United Kingdom. Its expansion into Mississippi recognizes the significant growth of the global UAS market and the need to efficiently deliver UAS into the government and commercial space. Learn more at hush.aero.
03 Apr 2025
Relativity Space breaks ground on new test stand at Stennis Space Center
Leading 3D-printed rocket company Relativity Space has broken ground on a new vertical test stand at the A-2 complex located at NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Hancock County. In October 2022, Relativity announced a large $267 million expansion at Stennis that will create 630 jobs. The new test stand, part of the larger expansion, will support advanced vertical stage testing for Terran R, the company’s medium-to-heavy lift reusable rocket.
The entire project, which includes several new engine test stands, a full-scale second stage stand, office buildings and a vehicle hangar, will enable the company to increase its testing, increase the speed of iterative learning cycles and shorten speed to market. Originally designed to withstand a maximum thrust of 1.5 million pounds, the A-2 test stand is being upgraded by Relativity to accommodate thrust of more than 3 million pounds, positioning it at the forefront of America’s commercial space program. The expansion brings Relativity’s total footprint at the site to nearly 300 acres, making it the largest commercial presence at Stennis.
Relativity also has 10-year leases for the E-2 and E-4 stands and has commercial use agreements for the E-1 site with continued improvements in the R-Complex for new engine and stage test infrastructure.
The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance for infrastructure improvements. MDA also is providing assistance through the Aerospace Initiative Incentives Program, which provides tax incentives to companies that locate or expand in Mississippi and manufacture, assemble or process products, components or systems for the aerospace industry or provide research and development or training services for the sector. Hancock County and Stennis Space Center also are assisting with the project.
Since forming in 2016, Relativity has operated multiple production, test and launch sites across the United States. Relativity employs over 1,000 people across the United States and is actively hiring in the Gulf Coast region as its presence continues to grow.
The entire project, which includes several new engine test stands, a full-scale second stage stand, office buildings and a vehicle hangar, will enable the company to increase its testing, increase the speed of iterative learning cycles and shorten speed to market. Originally designed to withstand a maximum thrust of 1.5 million pounds, the A-2 test stand is being upgraded by Relativity to accommodate thrust of more than 3 million pounds, positioning it at the forefront of America’s commercial space program. The expansion brings Relativity’s total footprint at the site to nearly 300 acres, making it the largest commercial presence at Stennis.
Relativity also has 10-year leases for the E-2 and E-4 stands and has commercial use agreements for the E-1 site with continued improvements in the R-Complex for new engine and stage test infrastructure.
The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance for infrastructure improvements. MDA also is providing assistance through the Aerospace Initiative Incentives Program, which provides tax incentives to companies that locate or expand in Mississippi and manufacture, assemble or process products, components or systems for the aerospace industry or provide research and development or training services for the sector. Hancock County and Stennis Space Center also are assisting with the project.
Since forming in 2016, Relativity has operated multiple production, test and launch sites across the United States. Relativity employs over 1,000 people across the United States and is actively hiring in the Gulf Coast region as its presence continues to grow.
03 Apr 2025
RTX expands high-tech manufacturing footprint in Mississippi
Raytheon, an RTX business, broke ground today on a 17,000-square-foot expansion of its Consolidated Manufacturing Center in Forest. The project is a $50 million corporate investment and will create 100 high-skill jobs over the next five years.
Raytheon will construct a new building on its Forest campus to serve as a hub for the production, test and integration of Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band pods for the U.S. Navy and Australian government, as well as airborne radar programs. This investment marks Raytheon’s third expansion in Forest since 2013.
The Mississippi Development Authority and Scott County partnered with Raytheon to support building improvements and facility expansion needs for the project.
NGJ-MB is an advanced electronic attack system that denies, disrupts and degrades enemy technology, including communication tools and air defense systems. Raytheon began Low-Rate Initial Production in Forest in 2021 and was awarded a third LRIP contract in 2023, enabling the team to begin delivering this critical capability for the U.S. Navy fleet and beyond.
For 40 years, Raytheon has been part of the Forest community. RTX employs more than 1,000 people and spends over $253 million annually with Mississippi suppliers. Construction of the new facility will begin in October 2023 with completion expected by December 2026.
Raytheon will construct a new building on its Forest campus to serve as a hub for the production, test and integration of Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band pods for the U.S. Navy and Australian government, as well as airborne radar programs. This investment marks Raytheon’s third expansion in Forest since 2013.
The Mississippi Development Authority and Scott County partnered with Raytheon to support building improvements and facility expansion needs for the project.
NGJ-MB is an advanced electronic attack system that denies, disrupts and degrades enemy technology, including communication tools and air defense systems. Raytheon began Low-Rate Initial Production in Forest in 2021 and was awarded a third LRIP contract in 2023, enabling the team to begin delivering this critical capability for the U.S. Navy fleet and beyond.
For 40 years, Raytheon has been part of the Forest community. RTX employs more than 1,000 people and spends over $253 million annually with Mississippi suppliers. Construction of the new facility will begin in October 2023 with completion expected by December 2026.
03 Apr 2025
Greenville Kearns Aerospace Maintenance expanding in Washington County
Greenville Kearns Aerospace Maintenance is investing in its aircraft maintenance operations in Greenville. The project is a $11.75 million corporate investment and will create 31 new jobs.
GKAM specializes in aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul, as well as avionics/structure modifications, manufacturing, inspection and kitting for military and civilian aircraft. Since 2022, the company has leased a hangar at Mid Delta Regional Airport, where it previously committed to creating 250 jobs.
With this newest investment, GKAM plans to retrofit two existing aircraft hangars to be used for aircraft painting, paint striping, hazmat capture and hazmat storage and containment. The 31 new jobs will bring the total number of jobs committed to by GKAM to 281. Additionally, the new capabilities will make GKAM one of the largest aircraft depots in the U.S. and the largest veteran-owned small business in the U.S.
Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program. AccelerateMS and Washington County also are assisting with the project.
GKAM expects to complete the expansion by the end of the second quarter of 2025. Soon after, the company plans to fill the 31 new jobs.
GKAM specializes in aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul, as well as avionics/structure modifications, manufacturing, inspection and kitting for military and civilian aircraft. Since 2022, the company has leased a hangar at Mid Delta Regional Airport, where it previously committed to creating 250 jobs.
With this newest investment, GKAM plans to retrofit two existing aircraft hangars to be used for aircraft painting, paint striping, hazmat capture and hazmat storage and containment. The 31 new jobs will bring the total number of jobs committed to by GKAM to 281. Additionally, the new capabilities will make GKAM one of the largest aircraft depots in the U.S. and the largest veteran-owned small business in the U.S.
Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program. AccelerateMS and Washington County also are assisting with the project.
GKAM expects to complete the expansion by the end of the second quarter of 2025. Soon after, the company plans to fill the 31 new jobs.
03 Apr 2025
Stark Aerospace expanding in Columbus
Global aerospace and defense company Stark Aerospace is expanding in Lowndes County to support a new contract with the U.S. Navy. The project will create at least 96 new jobs.
Stark Aerospace recently was awarded a $61.454 million contract by the U.S. Navy for missile canister production in support of the Mark 41 Vertical Launching System, an on-board missile canister launching system. The contract includes additional options that, if exercised, can increase the cumulative value of the contract to $312.8 million.
Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance for infrastructure improvements. The agency also is providing assistance through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program.
Construction is slated to be complete within the next year with new jobs being filled immediately.
Stark Aerospace recently was awarded a $61.454 million contract by the U.S. Navy for missile canister production in support of the Mark 41 Vertical Launching System, an on-board missile canister launching system. The contract includes additional options that, if exercised, can increase the cumulative value of the contract to $312.8 million.
Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance for infrastructure improvements. The agency also is providing assistance through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program.
Construction is slated to be complete within the next year with new jobs being filled immediately.
03 Apr 2025
Skydweller Aero bringing operations to Hancock County
Skydweller Aero Inc. is bringing its flight test and aircraft modification operations to Hancock County. The project represents a corporate investment of $15 million, as well as $40 million in advanced solar powered aircraft inventory. The project will create at least 36 new jobs.
Skydweller Aero is a transatlantic cutting-edge aerospace company developing solar powered aircraft solutions capable of achieving perpetual flight with heavy and powerful payload capacity. Utilizing technology based upon the longest continuous renewably powered flight program in history, this fast-growing startup is developing a new class of unmanned aircraft, providing the persistence of geosynchronous satellites with the powerful sensing capabilities and the flexibility of a large, airborne platform. Skydweller Aero’s U.S. and global headquarters are in Oklahoma City, and it has European offices headquartered in Spain.
The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, as well as through the Airport Revitalization Revolving Loan Program. Hancock County is assisting with the construction of the hangar, and AccelerateMS is assisting with workforce training.
Construction is slated to begin in early November with operations expected to begin by the end of the year.
Skydweller Aero is a transatlantic cutting-edge aerospace company developing solar powered aircraft solutions capable of achieving perpetual flight with heavy and powerful payload capacity. Utilizing technology based upon the longest continuous renewably powered flight program in history, this fast-growing startup is developing a new class of unmanned aircraft, providing the persistence of geosynchronous satellites with the powerful sensing capabilities and the flexibility of a large, airborne platform. Skydweller Aero’s U.S. and global headquarters are in Oklahoma City, and it has European offices headquartered in Spain.
The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, as well as through the Airport Revitalization Revolving Loan Program. Hancock County is assisting with the construction of the hangar, and AccelerateMS is assisting with workforce training.
Construction is slated to begin in early November with operations expected to begin by the end of the year.
03 Apr 2025
Anduril Industries expanding operations in Stone County
Anduril Industries is expanding its operations in McHenry. The project represents a corporate investment of $75 million and will create 60 new jobs.
Anduril is a defense technology company on a mission to transform U.S. and allied militaries with advanced technology. Anduril combines modern software expertise with a rapid and differentiated approach to hardware development and manufacturing.
The company, based out of Costa Mesa, California, acquired Adranos, Inc. last year, along with its solid rocket motor production site in Stone County. The expansion will enhance the capabilities of that facility to increase the propellant mixing and solid rocket motor annual production capacity from 600 to more than 6,000 tactical-scale solid rocket motors. The expansion supports growing demand from Anduril’s customers.
The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program. MDA also is assisting with building and site improvements. AccelerateMS and Stone County are assisting with the project, as well.
To support production growth, Anduril is now actively hiring for more than 60 new highly skilled roles in Stone County, which it hopes to fill by the end of 2024.
Anduril is a defense technology company on a mission to transform U.S. and allied militaries with advanced technology. Anduril combines modern software expertise with a rapid and differentiated approach to hardware development and manufacturing.
The company, based out of Costa Mesa, California, acquired Adranos, Inc. last year, along with its solid rocket motor production site in Stone County. The expansion will enhance the capabilities of that facility to increase the propellant mixing and solid rocket motor annual production capacity from 600 to more than 6,000 tactical-scale solid rocket motors. The expansion supports growing demand from Anduril’s customers.
The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program. MDA also is assisting with building and site improvements. AccelerateMS and Stone County are assisting with the project, as well.
To support production growth, Anduril is now actively hiring for more than 60 new highly skilled roles in Stone County, which it hopes to fill by the end of 2024.
03 Apr 2025
Aurora Flight Sciences expanding in Lowndes County
Aerosystems manufacturing company Aurora Flight Sciences is expanding in Columbus. The project is a $43,794,998 investment and will create 63 new jobs.
The company is adding 50,000 square feet of new manufacturing space onto its existing aerosystems production facility. The company also is refurbishing 40,000 square feet, adding new equipment and machining and improving its automated fiber placement technology.
The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program. AccelerateMS and Lowndes County also are assisting with the project.
A subsidiary of Boeing, Aurora Flight Sciences designs, builds and flies advanced aircraft and enabling technologies for commercial and defense applications. The company opened its Columbus facility in 2005.
Aurora Flight Sciences plans to fill the 63 new jobs by the end of 2025.
The company is adding 50,000 square feet of new manufacturing space onto its existing aerosystems production facility. The company also is refurbishing 40,000 square feet, adding new equipment and machining and improving its automated fiber placement technology.
The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program. AccelerateMS and Lowndes County also are assisting with the project.
A subsidiary of Boeing, Aurora Flight Sciences designs, builds and flies advanced aircraft and enabling technologies for commercial and defense applications. The company opened its Columbus facility in 2005.
Aurora Flight Sciences plans to fill the 63 new jobs by the end of 2025.
03 Apr 2025
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About
Mississippi: Launching the Future of Space and Aerospace Innovation
For decades, Mississippi has been an aerospace pioneer. Today, companies throughout the state produce everything from composite jet engine components to helicopters to 3D-printed rockets. Mississippi is home to world-class aerospace R&D, testing and evaluation facilities, which anchor an impressive aerospace ecosystem that’s transforming the future of aerospace.
In 1961, Hancock County, Mississippi, was chosen as the site of a static-fire test facility for the Apollo program. Since then, NASA’s Stennis Space Center has been at the forefront of space exploration, housing the nation’s largest rocket engine test complex and some of the industry’s most influential players.
“If you want to go to the Moon, you first have to go through Hancock County, Mississippi.” That phrase, popular in the 1960s and ‘70s, still rings true today. Mississippi-based aerospace and space companies play a vital role in returning humans to the Moon—and beyond.
In fact, since 2020, Stennis has been awarded more than $2 billion in federal contracts, and it currently is home to 50+ resident tenants employing more than 5,200 people. With a 125,000-acre acoustical buffer zone, tenants can “bring the boom” without disruption. Companies like Aerojet Rocketdyne, Relativity, Rocket Lab and Evolution Space are just a few of the companies turning up the volume at Stennis, investing millions and creating high-tech jobs while steadily building upon Mississippi’s stellar legacy in space innovation.
While Stennis is a national hub for space exploration, space innovation is happening across the state. In Iuka, Northrop Grumman produces composite structures for Antares, Pegasus and Minotaur launch vehicles. General Atomics builds solid rocket motors in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense. In McHenry, Anduril produces tactical-scale solid rocket motors and propellants.
Other major players shaking up the industry from Mississippi include Airbus Helicopters, which operates its North American engineering center in Columbus where it produces military and civilian rotorcraft; and Rolls-Royce, which tests the world’s most advanced jet engines at Stennis to ensure their reliability for commercial and military aircraft. Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Stark Aerospace—the list goes on. These global leaders manufacture uncrewed aerial systems, military aircraft components, missile systems, rocket engines satellite technologies and so much more in communities throughout the state.
With its pro-business policies and skilled aerospace talent pool, Mississippi is the optimal location for companies aiming for the skies, stars and beyond. Explore mississippi.org, and let us get to work for you.
For decades, Mississippi has been an aerospace pioneer. Today, companies throughout the state produce everything from composite jet engine components to helicopters to 3D-printed rockets. Mississippi is home to world-class aerospace R&D, testing and evaluation facilities, which anchor an impressive aerospace ecosystem that’s transforming the future of aerospace.
In 1961, Hancock County, Mississippi, was chosen as the site of a static-fire test facility for the Apollo program. Since then, NASA’s Stennis Space Center has been at the forefront of space exploration, housing the nation’s largest rocket engine test complex and some of the industry’s most influential players.
“If you want to go to the Moon, you first have to go through Hancock County, Mississippi.” That phrase, popular in the 1960s and ‘70s, still rings true today. Mississippi-based aerospace and space companies play a vital role in returning humans to the Moon—and beyond.
In fact, since 2020, Stennis has been awarded more than $2 billion in federal contracts, and it currently is home to 50+ resident tenants employing more than 5,200 people. With a 125,000-acre acoustical buffer zone, tenants can “bring the boom” without disruption. Companies like Aerojet Rocketdyne, Relativity, Rocket Lab and Evolution Space are just a few of the companies turning up the volume at Stennis, investing millions and creating high-tech jobs while steadily building upon Mississippi’s stellar legacy in space innovation.
While Stennis is a national hub for space exploration, space innovation is happening across the state. In Iuka, Northrop Grumman produces composite structures for Antares, Pegasus and Minotaur launch vehicles. General Atomics builds solid rocket motors in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense. In McHenry, Anduril produces tactical-scale solid rocket motors and propellants.
Other major players shaking up the industry from Mississippi include Airbus Helicopters, which operates its North American engineering center in Columbus where it produces military and civilian rotorcraft; and Rolls-Royce, which tests the world’s most advanced jet engines at Stennis to ensure their reliability for commercial and military aircraft. Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Stark Aerospace—the list goes on. These global leaders manufacture uncrewed aerial systems, military aircraft components, missile systems, rocket engines satellite technologies and so much more in communities throughout the state.
With its pro-business policies and skilled aerospace talent pool, Mississippi is the optimal location for companies aiming for the skies, stars and beyond. Explore mississippi.org, and let us get to work for you.
