BALTIMORE, MD (May 29, 2024) — Governor Wes Moore today announced that the Maryland Department of Commerce signed a new memorandum of understanding with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s Goddard Space Flight Center and the Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO). The three-year agreement will support growth in Maryland’s aerospace economy in the area surrounding Goddard, located in Greenbelt, and on the Lower Eastern Shore near the rocket launch site Wallops Flight Facility.
"NASA and MEDCO are synonymous with innovation, growth, discovery, and strength. Today, the State of Maryland reaffirms our commitment to these principles, and others, by investing in this partnership," said Gov. Moore. "Maryland is ready to lead, and by standing united with our partners in both the public and private sector, we will make Maryland more competitive and position our state to win the decade.”
Under the memorandum, Commerce and NASA Goddard will collaborate to promote technology transfer, STEM education, aerospace industry development and community outreach, including raising awareness of resources such as Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer funding. The funding supports the creation and growth of new space-related businesses, leading economic development efforts around the two NASA facilities, and collaborating on a report analyzing Goddard’s economic impact in Maryland.
“Maintaining and growing Maryland’s strategic advantage in the aerospace industry requires collaboration with our formidable partners at facilities like the Goddard Space Flight Center,” said Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Kevin Anderson. “We’re thrilled to sign this agreement, which will support NASA’s innovative work and help make our state more competitive.”
The memorandum signing followed a joint workshop on the workforce needs of Maryland’s aerospace industry, led by Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller and attended by Maryland Historically Black Colleges and Universities, other education stakeholders, and industry leaders.
“This agreement will allow us to advance innovation and increase equitable access to STEM education for Marylanders, and it reflects our commitment to doing so in partnership,” said Lt. Gov. Miller. “By bringing together government, industry, and education, we have what it takes to prepare for the workforce needs of our time, making our state more competitive in the process. An investment in STEM is an investment in Maryland’s future.”
“Our cutting-edge research, and the critical benefits it provides to society, is only possible with the support of strong partnerships outside NASA,” said Goddard Center Director Dr. Makenzie Lystrup, who signed the memo on NASA’s behalf. “I’m grateful to clasp hands with our home state and work together to build up the coalition that will help us all make those next giant leaps.”
MEDCO will work with Commerce and NASA to host business outreach events in Prince George’s County and on the Lower Eastern Shore.
“MEDCO is proud to team with our partners at Maryland Commerce and support the vital mission at NASA’s Goddard Flight Center,” said MEDCO Executive Director Tom Sadowski. “By applying our full capabilities, we will foster innovation and collaborations with education and industry that enhances the mission and helps drive Maryland’s innovation rich economy.”
