Space Dominance

Michigan Space Dominance Program (MSDP)

The Michigan First Movement operates the Michigan Space Dominance Program (MSDP), a strategic statewide initiative to establish Michigan as a leading national hub for space manufacturing, technology development, launch support, and orbital infrastructure.

MSDP leverages existing federal and state grant funding, including NASA grants, U.S. Space Force and Department of Defense programs, U.S. Department of Commerce EDA grants, and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) initiatives, to attract investment, build infrastructure, train talent, and secure American leadership in space.

Program Goals

• Position Michigan as America’s Midwest Space Power and a top-tier contributor to national space ambitions.

• Create thousands of high-wage jobs in aerospace, manufacturing, engineering, and advanced technology.

• Strengthen U.S. supply chain security by reshoring critical space components and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.

• Inspire young Michiganders to pursue careers in space and innovation.

• Support Michigan’s broader manufacturing renaissance and economic dominance.

Eligible Project Categories 

MSDP is structured to qualify for a wide range of existing grants while advancing strategic priorities:

1. Space Manufacturing and Production

• Construction or expansion of facilities for spacecraft components, satellites, propulsion systems, habitats, and in-space manufacturing equipment.

• Integration with Michigan’s auto, shipbuilding, and advanced manufacturing base for rapid, high-reliability production.

2. Workforce Development and Talent Pipeline

• Apprenticeships, training programs, and certifications for space technicians, engineers, and researchers.

• Partnerships with universities, community colleges, and K-12 schools to build a skilled space workforce, with priority for Michigan residents, veterans, and young patriots.

3. Innovation, R&D, and Technology Development

• Applied research in propulsion, reusable vehicles, lunar resource utilization, quantum sensors, and AI for autonomous spacecraft.

• University-industry collaborations and technology transfer programs focused on keeping IP and manufacturing in Michigan.

4. Infrastructure and Ground Support

• Development of testing facilities, integration centers, clean rooms, and payload processing sites.

• Exploration of northern Michigan or Upper Peninsula sites for suborbital launch and testing capabilities.

5. Supply Chain Security and Economic Impact

• Projects that reshore critical space supply chains and reduce reliance on adversarial nations.

• Community development, housing, and family support initiatives near space hubs to attract and retain talent.

Program Features Designed for Grant Success

• High Flexibility: Projects can be tailored to specific federal or state grant priorities (national security, workforce development, regional innovation, STEM education).

• Technical Assistance Hub: Free or low-cost support for companies, universities, and communities on grant applications, compliance, and project execution.

• Equity and Local Focus: Strong emphasis on opportunities for working Michigan families, veterans, and rural communities.

• Transparency and Outcomes: Rigorous tracking of jobs created, private investment leveraged, technologies developed, and national security contributions. Full public reporting to meet grantor requirements.

• Leveraging Strategy: Expert guidance on stacking NASA, Space Force, EDA, MEDC, and other funds for maximum impact.

Alignment with Existing Grants

MSDP is built to successfully compete for:

• NASA grants and Space Technology Mission Directorate programs.

• U.S. Space Force and Department of Defense innovation and manufacturing grants.

• U.S. Department of Commerce EDA Build to Scale and Public Works grants.

• Michigan Economic Development Corporation strategic investment programs.

Expected Outcomes

• Multiple new space manufacturing and technology facilities in Michigan.

• Thousands of high-wage jobs in aerospace and related fields.

• Strengthened U.S. space industrial base and national security.

• Michigan positioned as a leader in commercial and defense space capabilities.

• Inspiration for a new generation of Michigan patriots to reach for the stars.

The Michigan Space Dominance Program represents a bold, forward-looking use of existing public resources to secure America’s future in space while building prosperity and pride for Michigan families.

Aerospace companies, universities, defense contractors, workforce organizations, and communities are invited to partner with the Michigan First Movement to access technical assistance and pursue grant funding through MSDP.
Space Dominance Now.