Astrobotic, a leading space robotics company, has recently announced its plans to establish a groundbreaking “Moonshot Innovation Center” in Pittsburgh. The company has purchased a vacant five-story building and intends to transform it into a state-of-the-art space campus that will foster innovation, drive job creation, and advance cutting-edge technologies.
This new endeavor comes as part of an ongoing effort by Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration to position Pennsylvania as a frontrunner in innovation and economic development. Governor Shapiro, along with Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger, joined Astrobotic to make this exciting announcement at the Moonshot Museum on the North Shore.
Astrobotic has acquired a 46,000-square-foot building located at 1106 Reedsdale Street in Pittsburgh and plans to invest $20 million in extensive renovations to transform it into a hub of space-related activities. The facility will house Astrobotic’s new space campus, providing the company with the necessary space to expand its operations and pursue its mission of making space accessible to the world.
Additionally, the ground floor of the building will be leased to the Keystone Space Collaborative for its Keystone Innovation Center. This center will serve as a collaborative space for Keystone members and will house the AFWERX/SpaceWERX Pittsburgh Hub.
Through this new space campus, Astrobotic aims to position Pittsburgh as a regional and national leader in the space industry. The company has a strong track record and is known for its groundbreaking work in space robotics and lunar lander development. Astrobotic’s Peregrine lunar lander, set to launch in December 2023, will be the first American spacecraft to land on the Moon since the Apollo program.
This investment by Astrobotic in Pennsylvania demonstrates the state’s growing prominence in the technology and innovation sectors. It also highlights the exceptional workforce and resources available in the Pittsburgh region.
FAQ:
Q: What is Astrobotic’s plan for the vacant five-story building in Pittsburgh?
A: Astrobotic plans to transform the building into a space campus to foster innovation and create new jobs.
Q: What will be housed in the building’s ground floor?
A: The ground floor will be leased to the Keystone Space Collaborative for its Keystone Innovation Center.
Q: What is Astrobotic’s mission?
A: Astrobotic aims to make space accessible to the world through its advanced space robotics capabilities and lunar lander development.
Q: When will Astrobotic’s Peregrine lunar lander launch?
A: The Peregrine lunar lander is scheduled for launch in December 2023.