Humans have come a long way in terms of aviation since first taking to the skies in 1903, continuing to soar ever higher until Sputnik 1 finally broke through the atmosphere in 1957. Since that pivotal moment, the aerospace industry has evolved to cover more ground so we can continue exploring upward. We now have an International Space Station operating as our collective hub for all travel to the stars, several locations serving as launch points and an entire workforce devoted to innovation and the constant pursuit of new frontiers.
Known as “Space City,” Houston is one of the largest hubs for aerospace research, development and manufacturing in the world, with many companies and organizations calling the city home due to the proximity to NASA's Johnson Space Center. Though their focuses vary, these aerospace companies in Houston are pivotal to making the most of our skies, both above and below the atmospheric layer.
Aerospace Companies In Houston To Know
- NASA
- Boeing
- Lockheed Martin
- Collins Aerospace
- Airbus
- Axiom Space
- Million Air
- Oceaneering
Founded: 1961
The Johnson Space Center is the home base for NASA flights into orbit, with its famed Mission Control Center operating as a hub for every human space mission since Gemini IV in 1965. Additional facilities on the campus include the Spacecraft Analysis Room where engineering and scientific personnel work to deliver additional support to MCC operators, as well as the Space Center Houston museum that provides civilians with viewpoints into NASA’s rigorous process.
Founded: 1916
Boeing is one of the world’s largest aerospace manufacturers, with operations that extend across commercial aviation, defense and space exploration. Its Houston office plays a key role in the company’s space operations specifically, including developing spacecraft for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program and supporting various other spaceflight and exploration initiatives.
Founded: 2018
Collins Aerospace designs and builds systems that power commercial and military aircraft. Formed from a merger of UTC Aerospace systems and Rockwell Colling, the company supplies components that enable space flight, such as landing gear, navigation systems and life-support equipment. Besides aerospace, Collins Aerospace also works on commercial aviation and national defense projects.
Founded: 1955
Lockheed Martin is a prominent aerospace manufacturer, known for developing aircraft, spacecraft and propulsion systems. The company is a long-time partner of NASA, developing crafts for deep-space exploration and most recently the X-59 Quesst, an experimental aircraft capable of reaching supersonic speeds.
Founded: 1964
Oceaneering is a major figure in industries like aerospace, maritime, and oil & gas, providing a vast selection of integrated solutions to conquer even the largest industrial and infrastructural challenges. Located adjacent to the Johnson Space Center campus, Oceaneering Space Systems focuses its attention on turnkey design, development, manufacturing, certification, maintenance, testing, and maintenance of space-based robotics, automation, satellites, human space flight systems and thermal protection systems.
Founded: 2003
Airbus is a manufacturer and provider of aircraft, helicopters, military transports, satellites and launch vehicles, along with various pieces of support equipment to keep pilots and passengers secure at all times. Utilizing cutting-edge technologies, digital capabilities and scientific excellence, Airbus aims at keeping the world better connected when producing vehicles and crafts for both everyday and emergency use.
Founded: 2012
Arch Aerial offers end-to-end commercial drone services designed to provide crucial overhead imaging capabilities to organizations in the energy and construction industries. Services include aerial mapping, 3D modeling, facility inspection, pipeline documentation and emergency planning, delivering insights to site managers in record time for effective planning.
Founded: 2015
Axiom Space supports innovation both on the ground and in our atmosphere. Offering spaceflight training, manufacturing capabilities, space exploration research and critical systems development, the company is key in supporting further travel into outer space — recently announcing plans to pioneer the first private, commercial flight to the International Space Station.
Founded: 1955
Bristow Group is a provider of industrial aviation solutions, specializing in helicopters of various sizes with use-cases spanning multiple industries. Their fleet of nearly 300 vehicles allows the company to provide tailored solutions to the oil and gas industry, as well as short-distance transportation capabilities that prioritize safety with top-tier equipment and industry-leading regulations.
Founded: 2017
Cemvita’s multidisciplinary team leverages unique scientific and logistical capabilities to develop carbon-negative solutions that impact companies involved in deep space exploration, mining and the petrochemical industry. Reducing the use of carbon is key to combating the detrimental effects of the ongoing climate crisis, and Cemvita Factory’s various platforms provide tailored ways to be efficient while facilitating development across crucial industries.
Founded: 2015
Hylio develops drone technology that lessens the physical burden of crop spraying in fields. Aerial drones from Hylio have a capacity to hold six gallons of feed and allow farmers and agriculturalists to bring more precision across fields while using less product.
Founded: 2012
InTech Aerospace are providers of rugged and efficient interiors for commercial aircraft. Their products provide quality aesthetics and high performance capabilities that bring planes of any size into the modern age. The company utilizes custom molds and thermoforming equipment to bring comfort and durability to any aircraft.
Founded: 2013
Intuitive Machines manufactures autonomous space exploration technologies that facilitate and offer solutions to a variety of aerospace challenges. Offering cradle-to-grave aerospace engineering, integration and testing services, Intuitive Machines has been involved in the development of the Universal Return Vehicle, lunar lander designs, ISS payload systems, satellite systems and additional advancements.
Founded: 1996
Mercury Fuels is an independent aviation fuel provider empowering the aerospace industry with customized solutions that keep the skies open for travel. Contract fuel, bulk fuel, fuel management, delivery logistics, inventory management and credit/processing services are available, along with customized solutions to provide optimal value to aviation clients.
Founded: 1984
Million Air provides aircraft operators and personnel with luxury experiences upon arrival at airports, hangers and docking locations within its network. From offloading and maintenance services to conference rooms, luxury crew cars, lounges, refreshments and private events, Million Air acts as an extension of aviation crews to ensure the wellness of both machinery and those who operate it.
Founded: 2010
Operating on the Johnson Space Center campus, Waypoint 2 Space offers both civilians and those participating in space operations with focused training, utilizing top-tier advanced equipment and facilities. Ideal for those wanting to be involved in the aerospace industry or make their way into orbit, real-time training courses at Waypoint 2 Space are available at three levels, each immersive enough to prepare, test and ready students for the rigors of space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Houston called “Space City”?
Houston got the nickname “Space City” because it is home to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, which has been the hub for human spaceflight training, research and mission control since the 1960s.
What aerospace companies have offices in Houston?
Major aerospace players in Houston include NASA, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Collins Aerospace, Airbus and Oceaneering.
What kinds of aerospace jobs are available in Houston?
Houston’s aerospace sector offers careers in engineering, manufacturing, research and software development, among other fields, supporting everything from commercial aviation to space exploration.
