What Is Space Beach? Inside SoCal’s Space Industry Hub

Though “Space Beach” might sound like a place where aliens lounge under palm trees or astronaut surfers ride waves of cosmic dust, it’s not sci-fi. Well, not exactly — because while you won’t find moon sand or alien lifeguards, the innovation happening there is just as otherworldly.

The term Space Beach refers to Long Beach, California, a coastal city that’s quietly become one of the most important players in the commercial space race.

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How Long Beach Became a Space Hub

Long Beach has a rich aerospace legacy that includes a post-World War II boom, setting the stage for a steady talent pipeline to drive space innovation. Combine that with a prime location near major ports, military bases and top engineering schools, Long Beach has developed into a natural launchpad for a new generation of space companies.

Once home to major enterprises like McDonnell Douglas and Boeing, the city now fuels the future with giants and startups alike, building everything from rocket engines to satellites just minutes from the Pacific.

These are the ones to watch.

 

Companies in Space Beach to Know

Relativity Space builds cost-effective, reusable rockets like the Terran R. It aims to automate launches and reduce costs while working toward enabling human industry on Mars. With over 1,400 employees, the company is actively hiring to support its growth.

 

SpaceX designs, manufactures and launches reusable rockets and spacecraft, including Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy and the Dragon capsule, which is used for ISS cargo and crew missions. Headquartered in Starbase, Texas, it uses the Port of Long Beach for rocket recovery and docking operations.

 

Founded in 1964, Intelsat, now part of SES, provides global satellite and connectivity solutions to businesses and governments. By operating the world’s largest integrated space and ground network, the company is able to support its customers at every stage of their satellite journey, covering everything from initial planning and launch to in-orbit management.

 

Rocket Lab provides end-to-end space services that extend to areas including launch, spacecraft components, satellite delivery and in-orbit operations. Its goal is to improve space accessibility and affordability. Since its first orbital launch in January 2018, its Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. vehicle, delivering over 100 satellites for public and private customers.

 

Founded in 2021, Vast develops artificial gravity space stations as a way to enable permanent human life and work in space. Headquartered near Willow Springs Park, the company is actively expanding its team to advance its mission.

 

SpinLaunch uses a kinetic launch system to deploy small satellite constellations more affordably, frequently and with lower environmental impact. The company is headquartered just north of Long Beach Airport.

 

Odys Aviation is developing vertical take-off and landing aircraft capable of flying up to 750 miles, which covers many of the busiest domestic air routes in the United States. The company reports partnerships with major airlines, including Fiji Airways, and states its aircraft produce up to 76 percent less CO2 compared to traditional airplanes.

 

The Aerospace Corporation provides objective technical analysis and assessments along with research and development services for the government and commercial aviation sectors. While the company’s headquarters are located in Chantilly, Virginia, it has a presence in El Segundo, California, where it operates a federally funded engineering and technology campus. 

 

Rebel Space Technologies provides observability and cybersecurity solutions specifically for space systems. Its work focuses on protecting spacecraft, ground stations and mission operations. Founded in 2019, the company’s headquarters are in Long Beach, and it maintains a nearby research and development facility.

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