Astro Digital, a micro-satellite system and infrastructure development company, is expanding into Littleton. 

Colorado, with 2,000 aerospace companies in operation, has more people working in the industry per capita than any other state, according to a news release from the governor’s office and the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. 

There are 55,000 direct aerospace employees in Colorado and another 184,000 employees indirectly supporting the industry.

The company’s expansion is expected to create 141 new accountant, specialist and engineer jobs in Jefferson County with an average annual wage of $126,589, the release said.

Astro Digital, which provides satellite mission support, chose to expand into Colorado because of “the access to talent and the overall strength of the space ecosystem,” according to Astro Digital CEO Chris Biddy.

“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,” Biddy said. 

Gov. Jared Polis called Colorado the “center of the space ecosystem.”

“We’re thrilled the company will expand in our great state, reducing the time it takes to launch satellite missions and creating 141 new good-paying jobs for Coloradans,” Polis said. 

The Colorado Economic Development Commission approved almost $2 million in a performance-based job growth incentive tax credit over eight years, contingent on Astro Digital meeting job creation and salary requirements, according to the news release.

The announcement of Astro Digital’s expansion into Colorado comes just over a week after global aerospace company Safran Defense & Space Inc. announced a new manufacturing facility to build electric propulsion thrusters in Parker in Douglas County.

Raymond Gonzales, president of the Metro Denver Economic Development Council, said the two recent aerospace announcements showcase “Colorado’s position as the nation’s leading aerospace hub.”

“Astro Digital’s decision to establish its headquarters in Colorado is a testament to our state’s existing leadership in aerospace and technology,” Gonzales said. “We are thrilled to welcome Astro Digital to our community and look forward to the immense value they will add to Colorado’s economy and innovation landscape.”

The company has over 75 employees and 15 of them immediately started in Colorado. Another 40 will come in 2025, according to the release.