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 -- 10 resources
Business Services -- 9 resources
| Organization ▲ | Location | Type | Business Focus | Business Stage | Space Focus Level | Space Involvement | University | Social Media | AD | SD | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBU Innovation Center | St. Bonaventure | Startup Community | General | Foundation | Low | St. Bonaventure University | 148 (R) | 57 (R) | |||
| Fredonia Technology Incubator (FTI) | Fredonia | Startup Incubator | Technology | Foundation | Moderate | Hosted "Orbitist" | SUNY Fredonia | 150 (R) | 57 (R) | ||
| 43North | Buffalo | Startup Accelerator | Technology | Early Growth | Low | 141 (D) | 63 (D) | Invest $5M annually in their startups, invest Buffalo Niagara affiliated | |||
| Forge Buffalo | Buffalo | Startup Accelerator | General | Growth | Low | 141 (D) | 63 (D) | 43North affiliated | |||
| Launch NY | Buffalo | Financial Services | Technology | Early Growth | Low | University at Buffalo | 141 (D) | 63 (D) | Invest Buffalo Niagara affiliated, has venture fund "Launch NY Seed Fund" | ||
| Western New York Innovation Network (WIN) | Buffalo | Startup Community | General | Early Growth | Low | University at Buffalo | 141 (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 Labs | Buffalo | Startup Incubator | Technology | Early Growth | Low | 141 (D) | 63 (D) | ||||
| Buffalo Founder Institute | Buffalo | Startup Accelerator | Technology | Early Growth | Low | 149 (D) | 63 (D) | 37 Angels affiliated | |||
| Invest Buffalo Niagara | Buffalo | Economic Development | General | Growth | Low | 149 (D) | 63 (D) |
Civic Sector -- 9 resources
Colleges & Universities -- 30 resources
| Institution ▲ | Location | Code | Resources | Social Media | Members | AD | SD | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Bonaventure University | St. Bonaventure | Degree Program | Physics | unknown | 148 (R) | 57 (R) | Program offers both a traditional and engineering track. | |
| St. Bonaventure University | St. Bonaventure | Student Group | ORION Astronomy Club | unknown | 148 (R) | 57 (R) | Student group that utilizes the St. Bonaventure Observatory. | |
| St. Bonaventure University | St. Bonaventure | Student Group | Sigma Pi Sigma | unknown | 148 (R) | 57 (R) | Physics honor society. | |
| St. Bonaventure University | St. Bonaventure | Civic Institution | St. Bonaventure University Observatory | unknown | 148 (R) | 57 (R) | The Orion Astronomy Club utilizes the Observatory. | |
| SUNY Fredonia | Fredonia | Degree Program | Physics | unknown | 150 (R) | 57 (R) | ||
| SUNY Fredonia | Fredonia | Student Group | Astronomy Club | unknown | 150 (R) | 57 (R) | Aims to generate student interest in Astronomy. | |
| SUNY Fredonia | Fredonia | Student Group | Engineering & Physics Society | unknown | 150 (R) | 57 (R) | Focused on outreach and facilitating growth of undergraduate Physics students. | |
| SUNY Fredonia | Fredonia | Civic Institution | Fredonia Technology Incubator | unknown | 150 (R) | 57 (R) | Facilitates business innovation and economic growth through technology. | |
| Alfred University | Alfred | Degree Program | Physics & Astronomy | unknown | 148 (R) | 58 (R) | Numerous areas of concentration with a wide range of astronomy courses available. | |
| Alfred University | Alfred | Civic Institution | Stull Observatory | unknown | 148 (R) | 58 (R) | Numerous telescopes available for student use, the largest of which is a 20" Newtonian. | |
| Alfred University | Alfred | Degree Program | Planetary Science (Minor) | unknown | 148 (R) | 58 (R) | Geared towards Astronomy and Geology students who wish to apply their studies to other planets utilizing the Stull Observatory. | |
| Alfred University | Alfred | Degree Program | Saxon Fly (Drone Club) | unknown | 148 (R) | 58 (R) | Recreational drone club with big ambitions. | |
| Alfred University | Alfred | Degree Program | Society of Women Engineers | unknown | 148 (R) | 58 (R) | Assists those in STEM fields to settle into the professional world, specifically young women. | |
| Buffalo State | Buffalo | Degree Program | Physics | unknown | 149 (D) | 61 (D) | Program includes a 3+2 Engineering option. | |
| Buffalo State | Buffalo | Student Group | Astronomy Geology Club | 41 | 149 (D) | 61 (D) | Projects, field trips, and social events sponsored by a very unique merger of the Astronomy and Geology clubs. | |
| Buffalo State | Buffalo | Civic Institution | Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium | unknown | 149 (D) | 61 (D) | Located directly on campus for use by both students and the public. | |
| University of Buffalo | Buffalo | Degree Program | Computational Physics (BS/MS) | unknown | 141 (D) | 63 (D) | Unique program blending work from the Physics & Computer Science Departments. | |
| University of Buffalo | Buffalo | Degree Program | Mathematical Physics | unknown | 141 (D) | 63 (D) | Designed for students who want to pursue graduate level work in physics or mathematics. | |
| University of Buffalo | Buffalo | Degree Program | Physics | unknown | 141 (D) | 63 (D) | Ideal for students considering graduate level work in Physics. | |
| University of Buffalo | Buffalo | Degree Program | Aerospace Engineering (MS) | unknown | 141 (D) | 63 (D) | Program designed to prepare students for leadership positions in the aerospace industry. | |
| University of Buffalo | Buffalo | Degree Program | Robotics (MS) | unknown | 141 (D) | 63 (D) | Diverse program designed to expand student knowledge and capabilities with automation. | |
| University of Buffalo | Buffalo | Degree Program | Artificial Intelligence (MS) | unknown | 141 (D) | 63 (D) | Prepares students for a future driven by advances in AI. | |
| University of Buffalo | Buffalo | Degree Program | Physics (MS) | unknown | 141 (D) | 63 (D) | Combines classroom learning with hands on research. | |
| University of Buffalo | Buffalo | Student Group | SEDS | unknown | 141 (D) | 63 (D) | Multiple project groups, including Rocketry. | |
| University of Buffalo | Buffalo | Student Group | AIAA | unknown | 141 (D) | 63 (D) | 2 projects focused on microgravity & design-build-fly competitions | |
| University of Buffalo | Buffalo | Student Group | Mechnical & Aerospace Engineering GSA | unknown | 141 (D) | 63 (D) | Graduate level organization (provides a lounge for students). | |
| University of Buffalo | Buffalo | Student Group | Physics Graduate Student Association | unknown | 141 (D) | 63 (D) | Advocates for graduate Physics students. | |
| University of Buffalo | Buffalo | Student Group | Women in Science & Engineering | unknown | 141 (D) | 63 (D) | Supports women in Physics. | |
| University of Buffalo | Buffalo | Student Group | Phi Sigma Rho National Engineering Sorority | unknown | 141 (D) | 63 (D) | National sorority for women in STEM. | |
| University of Buffalo | Buffalo | Student Group | McNair Scholars Program | unknown | 141 (D) | 63 (D) | Supports low-income & minority students in pursuing graduate and doctoral studies. |
K-12 Schools -- 17 resources
NYers In Space -- 3 resources
| Astronaut ▲ | Birthplace | Missions | Time In Space | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edward Gibson | Buffalo | Skylab 4 | 84 days, 1 hours, and 15 minutes | Spent more than 15 hours on 3 separate EVA's. |
| James Pawelczyk | Elma | STS 90 | 15 days, 21 hours, and 50 minutes | 1st full blooded Polish-American in space. |
| William Gregory | Lockport | STS 67 | 16 days, 15 hours, and 8 minutes | 1st Albanian-American in space. |
| Total time in space: 116 days, 14 hours, and 13 minutes | ||||
Planetariums & Observatories -- 14 resources
Space Companies -- 33 resources
| Organization | Category | Specialization | Revenue | Employment ▲ | Social | Location | Comments | AD | SD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alkegen | Core Space | Aerospace Manufacturing | $2.4 billion (Local) |
1301 | Tonawanda | Develops lightweight fire-resistant materials for aerospace applications, including NASA's Exploration Ground Systems program. | 140 (D) | 61 (D) | |
| Allied Motion Technologies | Space & Defense | Aerospace Manufacturing | $500 million (Site Specific) |
1600 | 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) | |
| 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) | |
| Calspan Air Services | Aerospace | Aerospace Development & Support | 88 | Niagara Falls | Aircraft maintenance and supply facility attached to Niagara Falls International Airport. | 145 (R) | 62 (R) | ||
| Calspan Business Park | Aerospace | Aerospace Development & Support | $52 million (Global) |
129 | Buffalo | Industry leading advanced aerospace testing facility. | 143 (D) | 63 (D) | |
| Cobham Mission Systems | Core Space | Launch, Rocketry, & Propulsion | $220 million (Global) |
227 | 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) | |
| Conax Technologies | Core Space | Aerospace Manufacturing | $58.5 million (Local) |
102 | 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) | |
| Honeywell | Aerospace | Aerospace Manufacturing | 150 | Buffalo | This location specializes in R&D and chemical manufacturing. | 142 (D) | 63 (D) | ||
| ITT Enidine | Space & Defense | Aerospace Manufacturing | $110 million (Global) |
275 | Orchard Park | This facility specializes in a diverse array of parts manufacturing for aerospace and defense clients. | 142 (D) | 60 (R) | |
| Lesath International | Space & Defense | Launch, Rocketry, & Propulsion | $1000 thousand (Global) |
1 | 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) | |
| 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) | ||
| 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) | |
| 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) | |
| Moog Space & Defense Group | Space & Defense | Space Force/Military | $2.9 billion (Global) |
14000 | 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 Space & Defense Group | Space & Defense | Space Force/Military | Niagara Falls | Facility is part of Moog's 'Space & Defense' network. | 145 (R) | 62 (R) | |||
| Moog Test Engine Facility | Space & Defense | Launch, Rocketry, & Propulsion | East Aurora | Facility developed in 2016 to replace Niagara Falls facility and expand rocket testing capabilities. | 147 (R) | 60 (R) | |||
| 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) | |
| Northrop Grumman | Aerospace | Space Force/Military | $25.65 million (Site Specific) |
169 | Amherst | 146 (D) | 61 (D) | ||
| PCB Piezotronics | Core Space | Testing & Sensor Development | $281.7 million (Local) |
786 | 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) | |
| 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) | ||
| 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) | |
| SKF Aerospace | Aerospace | Aerospace Manufacturing | $3.5 million (Site Specific) |
61 | Falconer | Aeroengine manufacturing and maintenance facility was expanded in recent years. | 150 (R) | 57 (R) | |
| Stavatti Aerospace | Space & Defense | Space Force/Military | $5.73 million (Global) |
100 | Niagara Falls | Rapidly growing aerospace manufacturer with a large military portfolio. | 145 (R) | 62 (R) | |
| 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) | |
| Taylor Devices | Core Space | Aerospace Manufacturing | $27.1 million (Local) |
123 | 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) | |
| 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) | |
| 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 | 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) | |
| RCM Engineering | Aerospace | Aerospace Manufacturing | 4+ | Buffalo | 146 (D) | 63 (D) | |||
| RCM Engineering | Aerospace | Aerospace Manufacturing | 5+ | Buffalo | Processing & industrial facility. | 149 (D) | 61 (D) | ||
| Lockheed Martin | Space & Defense | Aerospace Manufacturing | $5 million to $10 million (Site Specific) |
20 - 49 | Buffalo | 141 (D) | 63 (D) | ||
| Safran Aerosystems | Aerospace | Aerospace Development & Support | $75 million (Site Specific) |
250 - 1000 | Lancaster | Multiple facilities house subsidiaries of French aerospace heavyweight Safran, employing hundreds of people in developing advanced oxygen support systems. | 143 (D) | 60 (R) |