Space Dominace

Michigan Space Dominance: Becoming America’s Great Lakes Space Power

Michigan has a proud aerospace heritage, from building aircraft engines and components during World War II to today’s advanced suppliers, research institutions, and talent pipeline. The Michigan First Movement will transform this foundation into Space Dominance, making Michigan a leading hub for space manufacturing, launch support, orbital infrastructure, and space-related innovation. We will not merely participate in space, we will help America dominate it while creating thousands of high-wage jobs and positioning Michigan as an indispensable part of the new space economy.

Core Vision

Michigan will become the Midwest’s premier space industrial powerhouse, building spacecraft components, advanced propulsion systems, satellites, habitats, and enabling technologies, while leveraging our manufacturing renaissance, energy dominance, and talent attraction to lead in the cislunar economy and beyond.

Key Policy Pillars

1. Manufacturing and Production Leadership

• Space Manufacturing Hubs: Create dedicated Space Industrial Zones with tax incentives, streamlined permitting, and low-cost energy to attract companies building rockets, satellites, propulsion systems, life support, and in-space manufacturing equipment.

• Integration with Existing Strengths: Leverage Michigan’s auto, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing base for rapid production of high-reliability space components (e.g., avionics, thermal systems, composite structures, and reusable vehicle parts).

• Additive Manufacturing Advantage: Expand 3D printing and advanced materials capabilities specifically for space applications (lightweight structures, radiation shielding, on-orbit repair parts).

2. Innovation and R&D Acceleration

• Michigan Space Innovation Fund: Public-private fund supporting research in propulsion, orbital logistics, lunar resource utilization, quantum sensors for space, and AI for autonomous spacecraft.

• University and Workforce Pipeline: Partner with University of Michigan, Michigan State, and technical colleges to expand aerospace engineering, space systems, and orbital mechanics programs. Create apprenticeships and fast-track training for space manufacturing careers.

• Gen Z Patriot Space Initiative: Targeted recruitment of young engineers and technicians with relocation incentives tied to space industry jobs.

3. Infrastructure and Launch Support

• Ground Infrastructure: Develop testing facilities, clean rooms, integration centers, and payload processing sites across the state.

• Great Lakes Spaceport Concept: Explore northern Michigan or Upper Peninsula sites for horizontal launch capabilities, sounding rockets, and suborbital testing, utilizing our cold-weather expertise and vast open spaces.

• Resilient Supply Chain: Ensure domestic sourcing for critical space components, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers (especially adversarial nations).

4. Policy and Economic Incentives

• Space Enterprise Zones: Ultra-low tax and regulatory zones for space companies, tied to job creation and Michigan content requirements.

• Energy Support: Guarantee abundant, low-cost, reliable power (nuclear + natural gas) for energy-intensive space manufacturing and testing.

• Regulatory Fast-Track: Streamlined environmental and safety approvals for space projects while maintaining high safety standards.

• State Procurement Preference: Prioritize Michigan-made space components for any state-supported satellite, research, or defense projects.

5. Strategic Partnerships and National Role

• Federal Alignment: Work closely with NASA, Space Force, and commercial partners to secure major contracts and facilities.

• Defense Space Focus: Position Michigan as a key supplier for military space systems, hypersonics components, and resilient satellite constellations.

• International Cooperation with Safeguards: Partner only with trusted allies while banning CCP or adversarial nation involvement in Michigan space activities.

Implementation and Metrics

• Michigan Space Authority: Dedicated, lean agency to coordinate development, attract investment, and track progress.

• Legislation: Pass the Michigan Space Dominance and Aerospace Renaissance Act.

• Public Dashboard: Track jobs created, facilities opened, contracts secured, patents filed, and Michigan’s national ranking in space-related manufacturing and innovation.

Expected Outcomes

• Tens of thousands of high-wage space and aerospace jobs in Michigan.

• Michigan becomes a top-tier supplier for American space ambitions (Artemis, commercial stations, lunar economy, Mars missions).

• Strengthened national security through domestic space industrial capacity.

• Inspiration for young Michiganders and a new source of state pride.

Space is the ultimate frontier. Michigan will not watch from the sidelines, we will help build and dominate it. By combining our manufacturing might, engineering talent, and visionary leadership, Michigan will become America’s Great Lakes gateway to the stars.

Michigan Builds for Space.
America Leads from Michigan.
Space Dominance Starts Here.

This platform will be introduced as priority legislation. We call on aerospace companies, engineers, defense contractors, and every Michigander who dreams of reaching the stars to help make Michigan Space Dominant.

Great Lakes to the Stars. Michigan takes humaity to new heights.