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47gs outlines Utah’s aerospace and defense growth, cites opportunities in air mobility, space and critical minerals
Summary
47gs told the committee that aerospace, defense and space now account for a large portion of Utah’s economy and described efforts to convene industry, universities and federal partners to accelerate manufacturing, advanced materials, critical minerals and air mobility initiatives.
SALT LAKE CITY — Aaron Stark, chief executive of 47gs, briefed the Public Utilities, Energy and Technology Committee on efforts to grow Utah’s aerospace, defense and space ecosystem, highlighting advanced manufacturing, air mobility and critical minerals as priorities for economic development and national security.
Stark said the sector accounts for roughly 20% of Utah’s economic output and emphasized that recent state policy and investments have created momentum for manufacturing, satellite work, advanced materials and workforce development. He described partnerships across industry and higher education, including research parks and university programs focused on high‑temperature materials and satellite systems.
Why it matters: Stark told committee members that advanced manufacturing and space‑related technologies create higher‑paying jobs and supply chains that intersect with state energy and infrastructure policy. He said Utah hosts critical minerals needed for defense and advanced electronics and that federal agencies have signaled spending and policy incentives for domestic production.
47gs leadership described plans to convene major defense contractors, local manufacturers and universities, noting support from state appropriations earlier in 2022 and partnerships with the Weber State research park and other institutions. Stark said 47gs will steward initiatives on critical minerals, advanced air mobility and space manufacturing, and he encouraged continued legislative support to scale testing, workforce training and private investment.
The committee thanked 47gs for the update and recognized that energy availability, workforce development and infrastructure are central to expanding the aerospace and defense cluster in Utah. The briefing was informational; no committee action was taken.
