Western NY Region

Western New York is famous for Niagara Falls, buffalo wings, and the Buffalo Bills. It is also home to an impressive concentration of space resources in multiple sectors, generating significant space-related activity that serves as a powerful foundation for future growth.

The space and aerospace ecosystem supports over 14,000 jobs in Western New York, with representation in aerospace, core space, and space defense subsectors. The regional private sector is dominated by the Moog Space & Defense Group, with other major employers working in life support, space system testing, software development, and defense.

The academic sector is full of dynamic universities offering programming in astronomy, physics, aerospace, and engineering. There are also multiple on campus planetariums in K-12 districts around metro Buffalo, and the region is home to a high concentration of schools participating in amateur rocketry competitions.

The civic space sector in Western New York is as rich as the private sector and academic spheres. Multiple public observatories, recently renovated planetariums, and a diverse array of community groups offer numerous ways for residents to participate in the regional space ecosystem.

Western New York may be known for its majestic waterfalls, delicious food, and national sports teams, but one day soon it will also be known for its powerhouse space ecosystem.

Including 83 organizations and resources throughout the Western NY Region!

Business Capital | Business Services | Civic Sector | Higher Education | K-12 Schools | NYers In Space | Planetariums & Observatories | Space Companies

Business Capital -- 10 resources

OrganizationLocationTypeBusiness FocusBusiness StageSpace Focus LevelSpace InvolvementAssetsUniversitySocial MediaADSDNotes
Buffalo Innovation Accelerator FundBuffaloVenture CapitalTechnologyEarly GrowthLowUniversity of Buffalo146 (D)61 (D)
Buffalo Innovation Seed FundBuffaloVenture CapitalTechnologyEarly GrowthLowUniversity of Buffalo146 (D)61 (D)
Rand CapitalBuffaloVenture CapitalGeneralGrowthLow141 (D)63 (D)
Launch NY Seed FundBuffaloVenture CapitalTechnologyEarly GrowthLowUniversity at Buffalo141 (D)63 (D)
SCP Buffalo Incubator/Z80 Labs FundBuffaloVenture CapitalTechnologyEarly GrowthLow141 (D)63 (D)New York Ventures affiliated
M&T BankBuffaloInvestment BankGeneralLate GrowthLow$143 billion141 (D)63 (D)
Buffalo AngelsBuffaloAngel GroupGeneralEarly GrowthLow141 (D)63 (D)
WNY Venture AssociationBuffaloAngel GroupGeneralEarly GrowthLow141 (D)63 (D)
Summer Street Capital PartnersBuffaloVenture CapitalGeneralGrowthLow149 (D)63 (D)
Buffalo BillionBuffaloNYS AgencyGeneralEarly GrowthLow149 (D)63 (D)$1 billion invested in Buffalo for economic growth, potential $500 million additional

Business Services -- 9 resources

OrganizationLocationTypeBusiness FocusBusiness StageSpace Focus LevelSpace InvolvementUniversitySocial MediaADSDNotes
Fredonia Technology Incubator (FTI)FredoniaStartup IncubatorTechnologyFoundationModerateHosted "Orbitist"SUNY Fredonia150 (R)57 (R)
SBU Innovation CenterSt. BonaventureStartup CommunityGeneralFoundationLowSt. Bonaventure University148 (R)57 (R)
43NorthBuffaloStartup AcceleratorTechnologyEarly GrowthLow141 (D)63 (D)Invest $5M annually in their startups, invest Buffalo Niagara affiliated
Buffalo Founder InstituteBuffaloStartup AcceleratorTechnologyEarly GrowthLow149 (D)63 (D)37 Angels affiliated
Forge BuffaloBuffaloStartup AcceleratorGeneralGrowthLow141 (D)63 (D)43North affiliated
Invest Buffalo NiagaraBuffaloEconomic DevelopmentGeneralGrowthLow149 (D)63 (D)
Launch NYBuffaloFinancial ServicesTechnologyEarly GrowthLowUniversity at Buffalo141 (D)63 (D)Invest Buffalo Niagara affiliated, has venture fund "Launch NY Seed Fund"
Western New York Innovation Network (WIN)BuffaloStartup CommunityGeneralEarly GrowthLowUniversity at Buffalo141 (D)63 (D)New York State certified Business Incubator, connects several incubators in the western region of NY State including Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and Niagara Counties
Z80 LabsBuffaloStartup IncubatorTechnologyEarly GrowthLow141 (D)63 (D)

Civic Sector -- 9 resources


Colleges & Universities -- 30 resources

InstitutionLocationCodeResourcesSocial MediaMembersADSDComments
St. Bonaventure UniversitySt. BonaventureDegree ProgramPhysicsunknown148 (R)57 (R)Program offers both a traditional and engineering track.
St. Bonaventure UniversitySt. BonaventureStudent GroupORION Astronomy ClubFacebookunknown148 (R)57 (R)Student group that utilizes the St. Bonaventure Observatory.
St. Bonaventure UniversitySt. BonaventureStudent GroupSigma Pi Sigmaunknown148 (R)57 (R)Physics honor society.
St. Bonaventure UniversitySt. BonaventureCivic InstitutionSt. Bonaventure University Observatoryunknown148 (R)57 (R)The Orion Astronomy Club utilizes the Observatory.
SUNY FredoniaFredoniaDegree ProgramPhysicsunknown150 (R)57 (R)
SUNY FredoniaFredoniaStudent GroupAstronomy Clubunknown150 (R)57 (R)Aims to generate student interest in Astronomy.
SUNY FredoniaFredoniaStudent GroupEngineering & Physics Societyunknown150 (R)57 (R)Focused on outreach and facilitating growth of undergraduate Physics students.
SUNY FredoniaFredoniaCivic InstitutionFredonia Technology Incubatorunknown150 (R)57 (R)Facilitates business innovation and economic growth through technology.
Alfred UniversityAlfredDegree ProgramPhysics & Astronomyunknown148 (R)58 (R)Numerous areas of concentration with a wide range of astronomy courses available.
Alfred UniversityAlfredCivic InstitutionStull Observatoryunknown148 (R)58 (R)Numerous telescopes available for student use, the largest of which is a 20" Newtonian.
Alfred UniversityAlfredDegree ProgramPlanetary Science (Minor)unknown148 (R)58 (R)Geared towards Astronomy and Geology students who wish to apply their studies to other planets utilizing the Stull Observatory.
Alfred UniversityAlfredDegree ProgramSaxon Fly (Drone Club)Twitter   unknown148 (R)58 (R)Recreational drone club with big ambitions.
Alfred UniversityAlfredDegree ProgramSociety of Women Engineersunknown148 (R)58 (R)Assists those in STEM fields to settle into the professional world, specifically young women.
Buffalo StateBuffaloDegree ProgramPhysicsunknown149 (D)61 (D)Program includes a 3+2 Engineering option.
Buffalo StateBuffaloStudent GroupAstronomy Geology Club41149 (D)61 (D)Projects, field trips, and social events sponsored by a very unique merger of the Astronomy and Geology clubs.
Buffalo StateBuffaloCivic InstitutionWhitworth Ferguson PlanetariumTwitter   unknown149 (D)61 (D)Located directly on campus for use by both students and the public.
University of BuffaloBuffaloDegree ProgramComputational Physics (BS/MS)unknown141 (D)63 (D)Unique program blending work from the Physics & Computer Science Departments.
University of BuffaloBuffaloDegree ProgramMathematical Physicsunknown141 (D)63 (D)Designed for students who want to pursue graduate level work in physics or mathematics.
University of BuffaloBuffaloDegree ProgramPhysicsunknown141 (D)63 (D)Ideal for students considering graduate level work in Physics.
University of BuffaloBuffaloDegree ProgramAerospace Engineering (MS)unknown141 (D)63 (D)Program designed to prepare students for leadership positions in the aerospace industry.
University of BuffaloBuffaloDegree ProgramRobotics (MS)unknown141 (D)63 (D)Diverse program designed to expand student knowledge and capabilities with automation.
University of BuffaloBuffaloDegree ProgramArtificial Intelligence (MS)unknown141 (D)63 (D)Prepares students for a future driven by advances in AI.
University of BuffaloBuffaloDegree ProgramPhysics (MS)unknown141 (D)63 (D)Combines classroom learning with hands on research.
University of BuffaloBuffaloStudent GroupSEDSTwitter   unknown141 (D)63 (D)Multiple project groups, including Rocketry.
University of BuffaloBuffaloStudent GroupAIAAFacebookunknown141 (D)63 (D)2 projects focused on microgravity & design-build-fly competitions
University of BuffaloBuffaloStudent GroupMechnical & Aerospace Engineering GSAunknown141 (D)63 (D)Graduate level organization (provides a lounge for students).
University of BuffaloBuffaloStudent GroupPhysics Graduate Student Associationunknown141 (D)63 (D)Advocates for graduate Physics students.
University of BuffaloBuffaloStudent GroupWomen in Science & Engineeringunknown141 (D)63 (D)Supports women in Physics.
University of BuffaloBuffaloStudent GroupPhi Sigma Rho National Engineering Sororityunknown141 (D)63 (D)National sorority for women in STEM.
University of BuffaloBuffaloStudent GroupMcNair Scholars Programunknown141 (D)63 (D)Supports low-income & minority students in pursuing graduate and doctoral studies.

K-12 Schools -- 17 resources

SchoolLocalityFacilitiesNotesADSD
Orchard Park Central School DistrictOrchard ParkThe American Rocket Challenge Participant2023 entrant in the Great American Rocketry Challenge.142 (D)60 (R)
West Seneca High SchoolWest SenecaThe American Rocket Challenge Participant2020 entrant in the Great American Rocketry Challenge.142 (D)60 (R)
Lancaster High SchoolLancasterThe American Rocket Challenge Participant2020 entrant in the Great American Rocketry Challenge.143 (D)60 (R)
Clarence High SchoolClarenceThe American Rocket Challenge Participant2024 entrant in the Great American Rocketry Challenge.144 (R)60 (R)
East Aurora High SchoolEast AuroraThe American Rocket Challenge Participant2024 entrant in the Great American Rocketry Challenge.147 (R)60 (R)
Holland Central School DistrictHollandThe American Rocket Challenge Participant2020 entrant in the Great American Rocketry Challenge.147 (R)60 (R)
Immaculate Conception SchoolEast AuroraThe American Rocket Challenge Participant2020 entrant in the Great American Rocketry Challenge.147 (R)60 (R)
Iroquois Central School DistrictElmaThe American Rocket Challenge Participant2020 entrant in the Great American Rocketry Challenge.147 (R)60 (R)
Frontier Central School DistrictHamburgThe American Rocket Challenge Participant2020 entrant in the Great American Rocketry Challenge.149 (D)60 (R)
Buffalo Academy of the Sacred HeartBuffaloThe American Rocket Challenge Participant2020 entrant in the Great American Rocketry Challenge.146 (D)61 (D)
Williamsville High SchoolWilliamsvilleWilliamsville Space Lab PlanetariumState of the art immersive multimedia facility open to students and the general public, hosting up to 20,000 students and young learners annually. Planetarium renovated in 2014 with community support and a state grant for $300,000.146 (D)61 (D)
International School 45BuffaloThe American Rocket Challenge Participant2020 entrant in the Great American Rocketry Challenge.149 (D)61 (D)
Nardin AcademyBuffaloThe American Rocket Challenge Participant2020 entrant in the Great American Rocketry Challenge.149 (D)61 (D)
Lackawanna High SchoolLackawannaLackawanna High School PlanetariumState of the art planetarium available for students of all ages.142 (D)63 (D)
Maryvale Intermediate SchoolCheektowagaMaryvale Intermediate School PlanetariumProgram went dark but came back to life, actively serving district students.143 (D)63 (D)
Buffalo Academy of ScienceBuffaloThe American Rocket Challenge Participant2020 entrant in the Great American Rocketry Challenge.149 (D)63 (D)
International Prep School at GroverBuffaloThe American Rocket Challenge Participant2020 entrant in the Great American Rocketry Challenge.149 (D)63 (D)

NYers In Space -- 3 resources

AstronautBirthplaceMissionsTime In SpaceNotes
Edward GibsonBuffaloSkylab 484 days, 1 hours, and 15 minutesSpent more than 15 hours on 3 separate EVA's.
James PawelczykElmaSTS 9015 days, 21 hours, and 50 minutes1st full blooded Polish-American in space.
William GregoryLockportSTS 6716 days, 15 hours, and 8 minutes1st Albanian-American in space.
Total time in space: 116 days, 14 hours, and 13 minutes

Planetariums & Observatories -- 14 resources

OrganizationLocationTelescopejobsADSDPartnersNotes
Beaver Meadow ObservatoryJava20.00"1147 (R)57 (R)Buffalo Astronomical AssociationDark sky site open to group members.
Challenger Learning Center of the Twin Tier RegionAlleganyN/A1148 (R)57 (R)NASAExtensive virtual and in person space program offerings.
St. Bonaventure University ObservatorySt. Bonaventure11.00"1148 (R)57 (R)St. Bonaventure UniversityThe Orion Astronomy Club utilizes the Observatory.
Martz-Kohl ObservatoryFrewsburg24.00"1150 (R)57 (R)Marshal Martz Memorial Astronomical AssociationFocused on public outreach and events.
Stull ObservatoryAlfred32.00"1148 (R)58 (R)Alfred UniversityPrimarily used for undergraduate teaching & research.
Williamsville Space Lab PlanetariumWilliamsvilleN/A11146 (D)61 (D)Williamsville CSDState of the art immersive multimedia facility open to students and the general public.
Ferguson PlanetariumBuffaloN/A3149 (D)61 (D)Buffalo State CollegeLocated directly on campus for use by both students and the public.
Challenger Learning Center of LockportLockportN/A1144 (R)62 (R)Challenger Learning CenterCommunity center that uses space exploration as a theme to promote youth interest in STEM.
Niagara Aerospace MuseumNiagara FallsN/A6145 (R)62 (R)Located in the old Niagara Airport terminal building, weekly programs and events available.
Niagara County Community College PlanetariumSandbornN/A1145 (R)62 (R)
Buffalo Museum of ScienceBuffaloN/A79141 (D)63 (D)(Buffalo in Space)Special exhibit linking the city of Buffalo to space.
Ancient Eyes ProductionsCheektowagaN/A1143 (D)63 (D)Ancient Eyes ProductionsOnly traveling planetarium show in Western New York.
Maryvale Intermediate School PlanetariumCheektowagaN/A1143 (D)63 (D)Douglas Unified School DistrictPlanetarium renovted in 2014 with community support and a state grant for $300,000.
Explore & More Childrens MuseumBuffaloN/A39149 (D)63 (D)NASAMember of NASA's Museum & Informal Education Alliance.

Space Companies -- 33 resources

OrganizationCategorySpecializationRevenueEmploymentSocialLocationCommentsADSD
Newbrook Machine Space & Defense Deep Space & Complex Machining $10.1 million
(Global)
32 Silver Creek High complexity machine shop that has worked on projects as diverse as nuclear propulsion to the Pioneer Venus probe. 150 (R) 57 (R)
SKF Aerospace Aerospace Aerospace Manufacturing $3.5 million
(Site Specific)
61 Twitter    Falconer Aeroengine manufacturing and maintenance facility was expanded in recent years. 150 (R) 57 (R)
Astronics Luminescent Systems Core Space Satellite Manufacturing $448 million
(Global)
2400 East Aurora Long history of various testing programs for space electrical systems. 147 (R) 59 (D)
Cobham Mission Systems Core Space Launch, Rocketry, & Propulsion $220 million
(Global)
227 Twitter    Orchard Park Orchard Park facility is home to extensive testing and development facilities including space life support and space propulsion. Customers include NASA's Orion and Space Launch System programs. 142 (D) 60 (R)
ITT Enidine Space & Defense Aerospace Manufacturing $110 million
(Global)
275 Facebook Orchard Park This facility specializes in a diverse array of parts manufacturing for aerospace and defense clients. 142 (D) 60 (R)
PCB Piezotronics Core Space Testing & Sensor Development $281.7 million
(Local)
786 Facebook Depew Offers a broad range of spacecraft testing and sensor development options. Customers include NASA's Orion and Exploration Ground Systems programs. 143 (D) 60 (R)
Safran Aerosystems Aerospace Aerospace Development & Support $75 million
(Site Specific)
250 - 1000 Twitter    Lancaster Multiple facilities house subsidiaries of French aerospace heavyweight Safran, employing hundreds of people in developing advanced oxygen support systems. 143 (D) 60 (R)
Lesath International Space & Defense Launch, Rocketry, & Propulsion $1000 thousand
(Global)
1 Twitter    Buffalo Founded in 2021 in Buffalo to create the next generation of reusable, reliable, and ecological launch vehicles for payloads up to 1500 kg. 144 (R) 60 (R)
Sealing Devices Core Space Aerospace Manufacturing $63.3 million
(Local)
190 Lancaster Manufactures a range of seals and o-rings for aerospace customers, including NASA's Orion and Space Launch System programs. 144 (R) 60 (R)
Moog Space & Defense Group Space & Defense Space Force/Military $2.9 billion
(Global)
14000 Twitter    East Aurora 60+ years working in the space, aerospace, and defense sectors, growing a broad network of subsidiaries across Western NY. Has participated in a wide range of NASA missions including the Orion, SLS, and Gateway programs. 147 (R) 60 (R)
Moog Test Engine Facility Space & Defense Launch, Rocketry, & Propulsion Twitter    East Aurora Facility developed in 2016 to replace Niagara Falls facility and expand rocket testing capabilities. 147 (R) 60 (R)
Alkegen Core Space Aerospace Manufacturing $2.4 billion
(Local)
1301 Twitter    Tonawanda Develops lightweight fire-resistant materials for aerospace applications, including NASA's Exploration Ground Systems program. 140 (D) 61 (D)
UPS Battery Center Ltd Core Space Battery Technology $8.9 million
(Local)
38 Tonawanda Industry leader in manufacturing and supplying sealed lead-acid batteries. Customers have included NASA's Orion program. 140 (D) 61 (D)
Lockheed Martin Space & Defense Space Force/Military 5 Niagara Falls Site of the Lockheed Martin Gravity Systems team, which develops precision accelerometers and gravity gradiometers for commercial and military aerospace applications. 145 (R) 61 (D)
Allied Motion Technologies Space & Defense Aerospace Manufacturing $500 million
(Site Specific)
1600 Twitter    Amherst Global leader in military and aerospace motion control products that are used across a range of applications including aircraft actuation, high-speed drone surface control, munition control, ground vehicles, weapon systems, and many other precision demanding applications. 146 (D) 61 (D)
Apech Labs LLC Core Space Aerospace Manufacturing $5 million
(Local)
10 Buffalo Advanced mechatronics development and testing operation that has done business with NASA. 146 (D) 61 (D)
Lord Corporation/ Stellar Technology Core Space Aerospace Manufacturing $27.2 million
(Local)
100 Amherst Develops a comprehensive line of test and measurement sensors for the space and aerospace industries, including NASA's SLS and Exploration Ground Systems programs. 146 (D) 61 (D)
Northrop Grumman Aerospace Space Force/Military $25.65 million
(Site Specific)
169 Twitter    Amherst 146 (D) 61 (D)
SAIC Space & Defense Space Data/AI 227 Amherst Extensive portfolio of space-based capabilities including systems engineering, virtual training, and robotics. 146 (D) 61 (D)
RCM Engineering Aerospace Aerospace Manufacturing 5+ Twitter    Buffalo Processing & industrial facility. 149 (D) 61 (D)
Taber Industries Core Space Aerospace Manufacturing $15.7 million
(Local)
62 North Tonawanda Offers a range of aerospace manufacturing, engineering, and testing capabilities. Customers include NASA's Orion, Gateway, and Exploration Ground Systems programs. 140 (D) 62 (R)
Lynx Product Group Core Space Aerospace Support & Development $9 million
(Local)
30 Wilson Design and fabrication facility with a specialization in the Life Sciences and medical equipment. Customers have included NASA's Exploration Ground Systems program. 144 (R) 62 (R)
Calspan Air Services Aerospace Aerospace Development & Support 88 Twitter    Niagara Falls Aircraft maintenance and supply facility attached to Niagara Falls International Airport. 145 (R) 62 (R)
Moog Space & Defense Group Space & Defense Space Force/Military Twitter    Niagara Falls Facility is part of Moog's 'Space & Defense' network. 145 (R) 62 (R)
Stavatti Aerospace Space & Defense Space Force/Military $5.73 million
(Global)
100 Twitter    Niagara Falls Rapidly growing aerospace manufacturer with a large military portfolio. 145 (R) 62 (R)
Taylor Devices Core Space Aerospace Manufacturing $27.1 million
(Local)
123 Twitter    North Tonawanda Over 60 years of experience developing shock and vibration systems for the aerospace industry. Customers include NASA's Orion and Exploration Ground Systems programs. 145 (R) 62 (R)
Vishay Americas Core Space Electronics Manufacturing $22.85 million
(Local)
154 Niagara Falls Manufactures a wide range of electronic components and semiconductors for the aerospace and defense industries. Customers include NASA's Space Launch System program. 145 (R) 62 (R)
Washington Mills Electro-Minerals Aerospace Aerospace Manufacturing $22.88 million
(Local)
175 Facebook Niagara Falls Specializes in aluminum oxide grains and abrasives used in aerospace manufacturing. The company provided a lunar surface simulant to NASA in 2023. 145 (R) 62 (R)
Lockheed Martin Space & Defense Aerospace Manufacturing $5 million
to
$10 million

(Site Specific)
20 - 49 Buffalo 141 (D) 63 (D)
Honeywell Aerospace Aerospace Manufacturing 150 Facebook Buffalo This location specializes in R&D and chemical manufacturing. 142 (D) 63 (D)
Calspan Business Park Aerospace Aerospace Development & Support $52 million
(Global)
129 Twitter    Buffalo Industry leading advanced aerospace testing facility. 143 (D) 63 (D)
Conax Technologies Core Space Aerospace Manufacturing $58.5 million
(Local)
102 Twitter    Buffalo Develops high-quality cable & harness assemblies as well as temperature sensors for aerospace and military clients, including NASA's Exploration Ground Systems program. 143 (D) 63 (D)
RCM Engineering Aerospace Aerospace Manufacturing 4+ Twitter    Buffalo 146 (D) 63 (D)

We currently have zero results in this region for the following: MUREP Groups.