In this interview, Dr. Dale Moore—Chair of the Maryland Aerospace and Technology Commission and a nationally recognized leader in defense, aerospace, and innovation strategy—shares his perspective on Maryland’s aerospace ecosystem and the forces shaping its future.
For readers who may not be familiar, what is the mission of the Maryland Aerospace and Technology Commission?
The mission of the Maryland Aerospace and Technology Commission (MATC) is to promote innovation across space exploration and commercial aerospace, including the integration of space, aeronautics, and aviation into Maryland’s economy. We’re expanding this work to encompass the full spectrum of aerospace opportunities, connecting and strengthening Maryland’s innovation ecosystem to accelerate end-to-end product development statewide.
Maryland has a long aerospace legacy—but how would you describe the state’s aerospace identity today?
Maryland is a recognized leader in aerospace, known for world-class research, development, manufacturing, testing, and operational support across both aerospace and space sectors. Aerospace is a critical pillar of our economy and a defining element of Maryland’s technologically driven identity, formally recognized as a Maryland lighthouse sector. Our culture of discovery and exploration continues to drive impact nationally and globally.
What makes Maryland’s aerospace ecosystem different from other states competing in this space?
Maryland is home to more than 9,000 aerospace-related businesses and one of the most educated, diverse, and technically skilled workforces in the country.
What truly differentiates us is our end-to-end integrated research, development, test and evaluation pipeline—supported by world-class federal, academic, and commercial labs; unique test ranges; and strong logistics and operational capabilities. This gives us everything we need to be leaders in aerospace today and well into the future.
One of our differentiating assets is our diverse natural environment and geography which conveniently supports our critical work. Combined with close proximity to federal decision-makers in the Washington, D.C. corridor, this ecosystem allows Maryland to move new technologies forward faster and more effectively. We also have the benefits of our ocean-front beaches and waterfront living thanks to the Chesapeake Bay, and the Potomac and Patuxent Rivers.
How do federal assets like NASA Goddard, NAVAIR, DoD partners, and research universities shape Maryland’s aerospace momentum?
These organizations are world leaders in their broad mission domains. They provide unique and enabling capabilities that differentiate Maryland from other states. NASA Goddard serves as the center of NASA’s science and research missions, including landmark achievements like the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes. Maryland also plays a key role in supporting and expanding launch capabilities at Wallops Island.
PAX River Maryland is the home of the Naval Air Systems Command, a $60B enterprise responsible for the full life-cycle of naval aviation systems research, development, acquisition and support. This includes the Naval Air Warfare Center – Aircraft Division with its world-class research and development laboratories, 50,000 square miles of instrumented test range, the Navy Test Pilot School and hosts the busiest flight test center in the world at the Atlantic Test Range.
I should also mention the key roles that Fort Meade plays in leading cyber security, the Army’s Aberdeen Proving Ground for advanced combat vehicles and robotics, NSWC Carderock for ship design and development as well as the National Institute of Standards and Technology as critical players in moving new system technologies forward.
What role do small and mid-sized companies play alongside major aerospace players in Maryland?
In many ways our small and medium-sized businesses are our secret sauce for catalyzing product and service entrepreneurism, innovation and support system integration. These businesses enable a robust continuum that spans from basic research through product development, delivery and support. Across the aerospace sector these businesses form an ecosystem and supply chain that promotes dynamic competition for new ideas, advanced capabilities and increased value to meet growing market demands. Our mid-sized companies are great partners for our small businesses as well as our prime contractors and the federal and state governments as they connect the dots and synergize constructive interactions for seamless collaboration. They facilitate and integrate advanced technologies so that they can operate at the leading edge of mission effectiveness and emerging market capabilities.
Are there any under-the-radar strengths in Maryland’s aerospace sector that deserve more attention?
Maryland understands that nothing gets done without people, and developing our people is priority #1. Maryland has the highest concentration of aerospace engineers in the country and is laser focused on educating, developing and delivering the critical skills and capabilities that will transform the aerospace sector and create the new paradigms of the future.
From the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future in K–12 education to the University System of Maryland and community colleges, the state is deeply committed to developing the talent and skills needed to solve the most complex challenges facing society.
In my view, Maryland is heads-up, guided and heads-down, focused on addressing the toughest challenges, and solving the most difficult problems for our society every single day.
If you had to explain why aerospace matters to everyday Marylanders in one sentence, what would you say?
Maryland is perfectly positioned to lead the way for the next generation of aerospace products, services and applications, and as a result of driving the future of aerospace we are positioning ourselves to thrive and prosper across the entire State.
What are some of the biggest challenges facing the aerospace industry right now and where do you see the biggest opportunity for growth?
The pace of global aerospace innovation is accelerating rapidly, driven by advances in artificial intelligence, autonomy, advanced manufacturing, propulsion, hypersonics, digital engineering, and emerging fields like quantum technologies. These shifts present both challenges and tremendous opportunities.
To help harness these advances, Maryland has established Aerospace and Technology Zones to foster collaboration, accelerate innovation, and better leverage our collective capabilities. Initiatives such as the University System of Maryland’s SMART Center and NAWCAD’s Joint Simulation Environment are transforming how advanced systems are developed, tested and deployed.
How is the state working to build a strong aerospace workforce pipeline from students to experienced professionals?
Maryland is building a fully integrated K–20 workforce development continuum that connects government, industry and academia. We are investing in experiential learning, apprenticeships, internships, certifications, micro-credentials, and advanced degree programs to meet both current and future needs.
We’re very mindful of the advancement in technologies like quantum, artificial intelligence, computer science, data science and analytics as well as advanced materials and manufacturing. We also recognize the growing importance of developing the requisite soft skills; as increasingly, work will be performed by collaborative teams of scientists, experts and generalists, support for specialty areas and effective leadership skills will be needed to execute complex systems development and drive change and transformation at a pace needed to compete.
