Shaping the Future of Aerospace at Georgia Tech and in the Southeast
Three major initiatives are fueling Georgia’s No. 1 export and driving the state’s economy.
Aerospace is Georgia’s No. 1 export. It’s a cornerstone of the state’s economy, and a driver of high-tech jobs across the Southeast. Now, Georgia Tech — home to the nation’s top-ranked public aerospace engineering undergraduate and graduate programs — is making bold investments to secure the state’s leadership in the skies and beyond.
The new Aerospace Engineering Complex, which will house the Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering (AE), a state-of-the-art aircraft prototyping lab, and the newly launched Space Research Institute, will expand Tech’s capacity for education, research, and industry partnerships. These projects will also strengthen Georgia’s competitive position as a global hub for aerospace — creating high-paying jobs, enhancing Georgia’s talent pipeline, attracting new industry investment, and replacing outdated facilities with modern, sustainable ones.
Why Aerospace Matters for Georgia
The aerospace industry is one of Georgia’s most powerful economic engines.
The sector:
- Generates $57.5 billion in annual economic impact as the state’s second-largest manufacturing industry.
- Supports more than 800 aerospace companies, including Delta Air Lines, Gulfstream, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Pratt & Whitney, Raytheon, and Rolls-Royce
- Powers more than 200,000 jobs across the state.
- Generates $12.6 billion in annual export revenue.
Georgia Tech is at the center of this industry.
The Institute:
- Contributes nearly $294 million annually in aerospace, aeronautical, and astronautical research — the second-highest total in the U.S.
- Enrolls more than 2,300 aerospace students.
- Leads nationally in AE degrees conferred:
- No. 1 for graduate degrees.
- No. 2 for bachelor’s degrees.
- Ranks No. 1 among public aerospace engineering programs and No. 2 overall, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Without modern facilities at Georgia Tech, the state risks losing talent, contracts, and industry growth to other states. Improvements will strengthen companies like Delta, Lockheed Martin, and Gulfstream, creating opportunities for Georgians from Savannah to Warner Robins to Columbus.
A Modern Home for the Nation’s No. 1 Public Aerospace Program
In partnership with the state, Georgia Tech is in the early design phase of a cutting-edge aerospace complex. The proposed 225,000-square-foot facility will augment buildings dating back to the 1930s – 1960s, bringing together faculty, students, and research teams.
“This new facility will give our world-class aerospace engineering program the modern space it needs to continue leading in education, research, and innovation, while further strengthening Georgia’s competitive position as a global hub for aerospace,” said Ángel Cabrera, president of Georgia Tech.
Advanced laboratories will support work in aerodynamics, robotics, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, propulsion, and space exploration, creating a collaborative environment that matches the Guggenheim School’s national reputation.
“Our faculty and students are doing extraordinary work in facilities built for a different era,” said Mitchell Walker, professor and William R.T. Oakes Jr. Chair of AE. “Modern research labs and collaborative spaces will enable Georgia Tech to strengthen Georgia’s role as a national aerospace leader, attract the very best talent, and push the boundaries of innovation.”
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Advancing the Next Generation of Flight
Built in the North Avenue Research Area, the Aircraft Prototyping Lab (APL) opened in September 2025 and features specialized laboratories for:
- Electric powertrain research — designing and testing battery systems, propulsors, and electric motors to enable efficient cruise flight and vertical takeoff and landing capabilities.
- Avionics — developing navigation, communication, and flight control systems, making air travel smarter and safer.
- Composite fabrication — building strong, lightweight aircraft parts from advanced materials like carbon fiber to improve performance and fuel efficiency.
- Aircraft integration — bringing all components together, including aerostructures, batteries, motors, and flight controls, into a fully functioning prototype aircraft, ensuring that every system works seamlessly before it takes to the skies. The APL will serve as a hub for industry and government partnerships, while preparing students for careers in advanced aviation. Multiple NASA collaborations are already underway.
“The opening of the Aircraft Prototyping Lab represents the beginning of a flight research ecosystem related to advanced air mobility that will include large-scale prototype aircraft and off-site testing,” said Brian German, professor and co-director of Georgia Tech’s Center for Urban and Regional Air Mobility.
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The Space Research Institute: A Hub for Interdisciplinary Discovery and Collaboration
In July 2025, Georgia Tech launched the Space Research Institute (SRI), a new Interdisciplinary Research Institute designed to advance the frontiers of space research and position Georgia Tech at the center of local, national, and international conversations about space exploration.
“SRI will connect Georgia Tech’s strengths in engineering, science, policy, and commercialization to lead transformative projects in space exploration,” said W. Jud Ready, SRI’s inaugural executive director. “We aim to further elevate Georgia Tech’s global reputation as a hub for space research and discovery.”
Bringing together faculty and students from all of Georgia Tech’s Colleges, alongside industry leaders and government partners, the SRI will spearhead projects that expand our understanding of space and its impact on life on Earth. It will also serve as a catalyst for Tech’s space research community and provide researchers with world-class facilities, expertise, and strategic partnerships.
Looking Ahead
Through these strategic initiatives — on the ground, in the air, and in space — Georgia Tech is building the facilities, partnerships, and talent that will shape the next era of aerospace leadership for Georgia, the nation, and the world.