Space exploration is soaring to new heights. In 2023, Congress allocated $25.4 billion to NASA, a 5.6% increase from the previous year. Additionally, lawmakers gave the green light to a $26.3 billion budget for the U.S. Space Force. Recognizing that exploring the vast unknown requires a joint effort, the nation frequently collaborates with both GovCon and private space companies. These partnerships supply the essential technology, know-how and teamwork necessary to maintain a leading position in global space exploration.
Those spearheading space-relation initiatives oversee a variety of tasks, from defense-based space support to advanced technologies, robotics, geospatial and business. For WashingtonExec’s Top Space Execs to Watch in 2023, we identified the directors, managers, leaders and C-suite leaders in industry and government helping advance the U.S. space mission.