In fiscal year 2023, NASA made a remarkable contribution to the U.S. economy, generating approximately $75.6 billion in economic output—nearly three times its budget of $25.4 billion. This impact was felt across all 50 states, with 45 states benefiting from over $10 million each and eight states surpassing the $1 billion mark. California led the charge, contributing over $18.5 billion and supporting more than 66,000 jobs, followed closely by Texas and Florida with $9.9 billion and $8.3 billion, respectively. NASA’s influence extends beyond direct employment, showcasing its vital role in job creation throughout the economy.
The agency directly employs around 17,823 full-time equivalent civil servants, with an impressive average annual salary of $197,283—nearly 269% higher than the national average. For every civil service job at NASA, at least 16 additional jobs are supported in various sectors across the country. The Moon to Mars initiative was particularly impactful, supporting an estimated 96,479 jobs alone. Additionally, investments in climate research contributed to another 32,900 jobs, highlighting NASA’s commitment to both space exploration and addressing pressing environmental challenges.
NASA’s major programs have been key drivers of this economic growth. The Moon to Mars initiative generated $23.8 billion in economic output while fostering innovation and technological advancements. Meanwhile, climate research investments added $7.9 billion to the economy. Scientific research and development services accounted for 19% of NASA’s total economic impact, demonstrating how the agency not only advances space exploration but also enhances technological capabilities across various industries.
In addition to job creation and economic output, NASA’s activities generated approximately $9.5 billion in federal, state, and local tax revenue. The Moon to Mars program alone contributed $2.9 billion in taxes, reinforcing the agency’s role as a significant contributor to public funding. Furthermore, NASA’s commitment to innovation is evident through its technological advancements, which resulted in 40 new patent applications and 69 patents issued in 2023. With over 5,277 software usage agreements and 1,564 new technology reports filed, NASA continues to drive progress that benefits both the economy and society as a whole.<
NASA #EconomicImpact #JobCreation #SpaceExploration #MoonToMars #Innovation #ClimateResearch #TechnologyTransfer #STEM #EconomicGrowth #PublicFunding #TechAdvancements #SpaceJobs #NASAImpact #ScienceAndTechnology #InvestInSpace