Pittsburgh to become ‘space and defense’ district for innovation

PITTSBURGH — A space-centered non-profit is preparing to launch a “Space and Defense Innovation District” in Pittsburgh.

The Keystone Space Collaborative, which supports space innovation in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio, made a preliminary announcement this week.

The non-profit will be partnering with the U.S. Air Force for the district, and will share a location with space company Astrobotic on the North Side.

Astrobotic CEO John Thornton told Channel 11 he is excited for the opportunity to collaborate. He said the goal of the district is to “create a nexus of critical mass activity in the space and defense domain” right here in Pittsburgh.

Channel 11 has covered Thornton’s company before, and its Peregrine Lunar Lander, which will soon head to the moon.

RELATED >> Pittsburgh’s first-ever space convention kicks off on the North Shore

Keystone Space Collaborative will be announcing more details on the planned district during a space conference taking place in Pittsburgh next week.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

©2023 Cox Media Group