Located just outside Washington, D.C., Montgomery County, Maryland — dubbed “Satellite Valley” by Intellian CEO Eric Sung — has the nation’s fourth-highest concentration of physical media and data-storage manufacturing. That, combined with an abundance of highly specialized talent, proximity to more than 18 federal agency headquarters and a high quality of life, makes the county an attractive location for space and defense companies, including Intellian, Thales Defense & Security, Lockheed Martin and AeroVironment.
More than a strategic location, Montgomery County offers an environment where defense and aerospace companies can grow, innovate and connect with global markets.
The roots of the county’s space and defense ecosystem stretch back decades. The former COMSAT Laboratories in Clarksburg helped establish the foundation of modern satellite communications technology and continues to influence the industry today. That legacy contributed to the growth of companies such as Intellian, which opened a $100 million U.S. Advanced Development Center in Rockville in 2015.
As demand for advanced satellite connectivity continues to expand, we believe Montgomery County is exceptionally well-positioned to remain a key hub for the industry. Intellian intends to continue investing in and growing alongside this ecosystem.
For space and defense companies, access to professionals in engineering, computer science, data analytics and cybersecurity is often a deciding factor in where to grow. With 33 percent of adult residents age 25 and older holding an advanced degree, Montgomery County offers one of the nation’s most highly educated talent pools.
Maryland ranks second in the nation for its concentration of residents with doctoral degrees, behind Massachusetts, while the broader Washington region is recognized as the sixth-best tech talent market in North America.
Montgomery County is also home to higher education institutions including Montgomery College and the Universities at Shady Grove, which brings programs from nine public Maryland universities to one campus. These institutions work with local employers to help ensure graduates develop skills aligned with current and future workforce needs.
Talent is only part of the county’s competitive advantage. Space and defense companies also benefit from proximity to 36 federal laboratories, including the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, creating opportunities for research partnerships and collaboration.
Montgomery County also offers a mix of urban centers, walkable downtowns and suburban communities that can help companies attract and retain talent. Its more than 1 million residents have access to more than 400 parks and trails, entertainment and cultural venues, public schools, health care, academic institutions and regional transportation.
The local space and defense sector continues to grow.
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“As demand for advanced satellite connectivity continues to expand, we believe Montgomery County is exceptionally well-positioned to remain a key hub for the industry,” said Hannah Shon, vice president and managing director, Americas, for Intellian. “Intellian intends to continue investing in and growing alongside this ecosystem.”
As technology continues to evolve, Montgomery County is positioning itself to attract global companies developing next-generation communications systems, cybersecurity solutions, intelligence platforms and other advanced technologies while building on its established innovation ecosystem.
