About Us
Alaskans are used to taking on tough challenges that require innovation and grit. The same holds true to accessing space.
Established in 1991, the Alaska Aerospace Corporation (AAC), a State-owned corporation, has been at the forefront of commercial vertical orbital access to space. We are responsive, agile, cost effective and experienced. AAC Headquarters is located in Anchorage, Alaska.
AAC owns and operates the Pacific Spaceport Complex – Alaska (PSCA) on Kodiak Island, Alaska. The PSCA supports government and commercial launch customers for national security, commercial and science missions. The spaceport provides year-round launch operations with commercial air, ice free port and State maintained road access. Our first launch from the PSCA was in 1998 with 35 launches to date.
AAC is partnered, through the State statutes, with the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute (UAFGI). The UAFGI owns and operates the Poker Flat Research Range near Fairbanks, Alaska. AAC is working with UAFGI to license the PFRR for orbital launch over land. The PSCA and the PFRR both have instrumented ranges. AAC has also pioneered and deployed a proprietary mobile Range Safety, Tracking, and Telemetry System (RSTS). RSTS has successfully supported government and commercial launches at the PSCA and spaceports worldwide. Our people operate in remote (uncongested) environments. Our facilities are state of the art, self-sufficient and digitally connected. These are just a few of the reasons government and commercial customers trust AAC as their launch partner of choice when they need to launch on time and on budget.
Alaska is 20% of the US land mass, with the longest US coastline, overlooking the largest body of water on the planet (the Pacific Ocean). It has a low population density, manageable air and maritime routes. AAC has decades of first mover launch experience. Beyond Kodiak, AAC is expanding the Nation's capacity to access space with new orbital and horizontal spaceports as well as initiatives such as the Pacific Test Range (PTR)—set to become the world’s longest ground-instrumented test range. Alaska has found itself at ground zero for the future of space launch. Nothing is off the table.
Advantages of Being a State-Owned Corporation
Being a state-owned corporation has advantages, but what really sets us apart is our independence. Since 2014, we’ve operated without state or federal programmed funding, relying on the revenue we earn from launches and support services. This means we get the best of both worlds: the stability of being a government entity and the flexibility of a private commercial company.
As a government entity, State advantages are clearly outlined in the State statutes such as land use, tax exemptions and interagency support. Federal advantages include, but are limited to, grants that only State agencies are eligible to secure. We enjoy bipartisan advocacy and support from our State and Federal government leaders.
As a commercial for profit corporation, we are enabled to move quickly to meet our customers’ needs. The aerospace industry changes fast. Our ability to adapt on the fly has made the PSCA a preferred choice for both commercial and government customers that demand timely and affordable launch solutions. Our financial independence also keeps us focused on delivering top-quality service—our success depends on it. Every dollar we make goes back into improving our facilities, investing in technology and supporting our team to help us remain competitive in a highly competitive industry.
At the end of the day, being a government entity, but commercially agile, allows Alaska Aerospace to engage private capital, to scale, to grow Alaska’s economy and pioneer the future of space exploration for the Nation.
Governance
AAC is guided by a Board of Directors, of which most are appointed by the Governor of Alaska. This diverse group of leaders come from business, military, education and the aerospace industry backgrounds. Their breadth and depth ensures a well-rounded approach to decision-making and strategic planning. Legislative representatives also serve on the board, in an ex-officio capacity, to help us stay aligned with Alaska’s strategic goals and interests.
Our executive team (CEO, CFO, COO and Kodiak General Manager) informs the Board and in turn receives the Board’s guidance for action. This governance structure allows AAC to balance strong oversight with the flexibility to innovate and respond to industry demands. It also ensures we operate with integrity, transparency and a commitment to excellence in everything we do for the people of Alaska. More information about the Board's structure, responsibilities, and membership can be found on the Alaska Boards and Commissions website here.
Public Records
At AAC, we are committed to transparency and accountability. To keep our stakeholders and the public informed, we publish our Annual Reports and Board of Directors Meeting minutes on our website. These documents provide insights into our financial performance, operational activities, and strategic decisions.
You can access the latest reports and meeting minutes to stay up-to-date on our progress, initiatives, and governance. We believe that open communication is key to building trust with our community, partners, and clients.
