NASA’s transformative influence on the U.S. economy continues to soar, with new details highlighting the agency’s economic contributions. In a recent report, NASA showed the immense economic value of its activities across multiple fields.
Nathalie P. Voorhees Center conducted a study at the University of Illinois at Chicago, indicating that NASA’s initiatives produced more than $75.6 billion in economic output in fiscal year 2023.
The report underscores NASA’s role in bolstering various sectors, including space exploration, scientific research, and technology. These fields drive innovation, stimulate job creation, and contribute to the nation’s tax revenue.
In fiscal year 2023, NASA supported over 304,000 jobs nationwide and contributed $9.5 billion to federal, state, and local tax revenues. This is no small feat—NASA’s investments go well beyond space; they reach into climate research, technology advancements, and international partnerships, creating economic impact in communities nationwide.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson explained the agency’s importance to the economy, innovation, and future generations. “To invest in NASA is to invest in American workers, American innovation, the American economy, and American economic competitiveness,” Nelson stated. He emphasized that NASA’s work expands our understanding of the universe and drives economic growth and quality of life.
NASA’s contributions reach nearly every state in the country. Forty-five states saw more than $10 million in economic impacts each, and eight states experienced contributions of over $1 billion, underscoring NASA’s nationwide reach and profound influence across the U.S.
One of NASA’s flagship projects, the Moon to Mars initiative, represents the agency’s most ambitious work in space exploration. As part of the Artemis missions, this initiative focuses on sustainable lunar exploration and aims to send crewed missions to Mars. The Moon to Mars initiative alone generated over $23.8 billion in economic output in 2023.
This program supported close to 96,500 jobs across the nation and contributed $2.9 billion in tax revenue, marking about 32% of NASA’s total economic footprint. NASA’s Moon to Mars program has positioned the agency as a major economic force by creating jobs and driving significant tax revenue.
NASA’s work extends far beyond space exploration, with substantial investments in climate science. The agency’s climate change research and technology activities produced $7.9 billion in economic output 2023. These activities also created nearly 33,000 jobs nationwide, contributing over $1 billion in tax revenue.
The importance of NASA’s climate investments cannot be overstated. The agency’s research provides critical data on Earth’s changing climate, which informs conservation policies and innovation, underscoring NASA’s role as a scientific leader on pressing environmental issues.
NASA’s work benefits every U.S. state, with each state seeing some economic impact. Most states benefited from impacts exceeding $10 million. These financial benefits reach even the states without NASA centers, spreading opportunities in various industries and fields.
States with a significant economic impact include those hosting NASA centers and major aerospace and research partners. NASA also influences local economies by supporting education, training, and STEM programs, preparing future talent for scientific and technological careers.
NASA’s reach continues beyond national borders. The agency manages numerous international partnerships and projects, including the International Space Station. In fiscal year 2023, NASA held 644 active international agreements, collaborating with global partners.
The International Space Station (ISS) is a central component of NASA’s global partnerships, involving 15 countries and five space agencies. The ISS promotes knowledge-sharing and peaceful exploration, representing the spirit of international collaboration. NASA strengthens its role as a global scientific leader by working across borders.
Beyond its international influence, NASA also collaborates widely within the U.S. In 2023, the agency managed 2,628 active partnerships across the country. These included 629 new domestic agreements and 109 new international collaborations, demonstrating NASA’s expansive reach.
NASA has partnerships in 47 states and collaborates with 587 non-federal organizations, including universities, research centers, and private industry partners. This broad network of alliances shows NASA’s commitment to working closely with U.S. institutions, benefiting research, innovation, and local economies.
Another essential impact of NASA’s work comes from its “spinoff” technologies, which often reach the public through consumer products. These spinoffs come from technology initially developed for NASA missions and find applications in various industries. In fiscal year 2023, NASA reported 1,564 new technology disclosures, 40 patent applications, and 69 new patents issued.
These innovations benefit diverse fields, including medical devices, transportation, environmental monitoring, and food production. NASA’s tech transfer activities also led to over 5,200 new software usage agreements in 2023 alone.
Scientific research is at the core of NASA’s economic influence. It drives advancement in fields like engineering and environmental science. In 2023, scientific research comprised 19% of NASA’s total economic impact. By prioritizing R&D, NASA fuels innovation that helps solve pressing issues.
NASA-funded scientific research improves life on Earth and expands humanity’s understanding of the universe. From studying distant planets to monitoring ecosystems on Earth, the agency’s R&D fuels progress in ways that affect more than just scientists.
NASA’s latest report demonstrates the agency’s crucial role in advancing the U.S. economy, creating jobs, and inspiring future generations. NASA’s contributions are transformative by driving projects like the Moon to Mars program and investing in climate science. The agency’s partnerships also expand its reach, linking it with institutions, industries, and innovators across the U.S. and the world.
As NASA continues to explore space and study our planet, its work will likely have an even more profound economic impact. NASA’s forward-thinking investments fuel immediate advancements while laying the groundwork for future scientific and technological progress. Each mission and partnership contributes to the U.S. economy, inspires innovation, and secures NASA’s place as a leader in space and science.