Ohio: The Future Home for NASA Headquarters?

The Ohio Business Roundtable (OBRT) is proud to join civic and business leaders from across the state in backing the effort to bring NASA Headquarters to Ohio. We recently signed a letter of support to Vice President J.D. Vance and NASA Administrator Designate Jared Isaacman, highlighting why Ohio is uniquely positioned to lead the next chapter of America’s space exploration journey.

Why Ohio?

Ohio’s deep-rooted connection to aviation and aerospace makes it the perfect fit for NASA’s future home. From the Wright Brothers’ pioneering flight to John Glenn’s historic orbit, Ohio’s legacy of pushing the boundaries of flight is woven into the fabric of American history. Today, that legacy continues through the state’s expansive aerospace ecosystem, which is ready to support NASA’s mission with unparalleled expertise, infrastructure, and innovation.

Key Advantages for NASA’s Relocation

✅ Aerospace Heritage & Capabilities: Ohio is home to the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland—one of the nation’s leading innovators in aeronautics, nuclear power, and space technology. The state also boasts over 170 individual NASA suppliers and serves as the largest supplier to Boeing and Airbus. With a robust aerospace manufacturing pipeline, Ohio offers limitless opportunities to streamline and strengthen the development of “Made in America” space exploration products.

✅ Strategic Location & Infrastructure: Ohio’s central location provides easy access to critical national defense installations and top-tier research facilities. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) in Dayton is home to the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), which plays a vital role in advancing warfighting technologies for air, space, and cyberspace forces. Nearby, the National Air & Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) and the National Space Intelligence Center (NSIC) offer direct collaboration opportunities with NASA on space intelligence and defense.

✅ Cost-Efficient Operations: Relocating NASA’s headquarters to Ohio would reduce operational expenses and taxpayer costs. With a lower cost of living, affordable labor market, and competitive business environment, Ohio offers significant financial advantages compared to Washington, D.C.

✅ Collaborative Innovation Hub: Ohio is already at the center of aerospace innovation. The state’s growing network of science and engineering programs, research laboratories, and business leaders in aerospace technology offers NASA an ideal environment for cross-sector collaboration and growth.

Ohio’s Commitment to Space Dominance

In the letter of support, OBRT and Ohio’s business leaders expressed confidence in the state’s readiness to meet the demands of a NASA headquarters relocation. With a highly skilled workforce, world-class research facilities, and a proven record of aerospace excellence, Ohio offers a compelling case as the new home for NASA.

As the letter states:

“It is often said that ‘the road to the Moon and Mars runs straight through Ohio.’ Ohio has the tools, the workforce, and the wherewithal to advance NASA’s core mission and long-term objectives. To the Moon, Mars, and beyond.”

Looking Ahead

With bipartisan support from Ohio’s congressional delegation and strong backing from the business community, the state is making a powerful case for NASA’s relocation. This move would not only honor Ohio’s historic contributions to aviation but also position the state—and the nation—for a bold future in space exploration.

The Ohio Business Roundtable is proud to support this effort and will continue to advocate for Ohio as the ideal launchpad for America’s next space frontier. 🌌