ANNAPOLIS, MD—The Maryland Department of Commerce has signed a new memorandum of understanding with NASA Goddard Space Flight Center to bolster the state’s aerospace industry.

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.

Under the three-year agreement, NASA and Commerce will work together to promote technology transfer, STEM education, and aerospace industry development. The goal is to create new space-related businesses, support economic development efforts around the two NASA facilities, and collaborate on a report analyzing Goddard’s economic impact in Maryland.

“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.”

The agreement follows a joint workshop on the workforce needs of Maryland’s aerospace industry, which was led by Lt. Governor Aruna Miller. The workshop included government, education, and industry leaders to discuss the skills and education needs of the aerospace workforce.

“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.”

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.