WHERE INNOVATION SOARS: HOW HANCOCK COUNTY IS SHAPING THE FUTURE OF AEROSPACE & DEFENSE

October 2025

When it comes to business, location always matters. But in Hancock County, it’s proving to be a game-changer for aerospace and defense companies alike. While other regions compete for visibility, Hancock County is delivering real results through tailored infrastructure, logistics, and an ecosystem where collaboration drives efficiency. 

Let’s take a closer look at the advantages available to our aerospace & defense cluster and how they’re helping to reshape the future of flight. 

Incentives Built to Spec 

Unlike other regions where companies have to make infrastructure fit their needs, Hancock County has been developed with aerospace and defense sectors in mind: 

SCIF-ready Facilities 

With Secure Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF)-ready infrastructure available at Stennis, we’re making it ideal for defense contractors handling classified information. This type of infrastructure helps ensure national security compliance without the need for custom builds or retrofitting. 

Specialized Logistics 

Here, companies enjoy a range of logistical perks. Whether it’s direct access to restricted airspace, interstate highways, railways at Port Bienville or waterways that connect to the Gulf of Mexico, Hancock County is uniquely positioned to keep you and your business connected.  

Stennis International Airport 

With the recent expansion of its north apron, Stennis International Airport has boosted its ability to support aircraft traffic, particularly for jets, drones and unmanned systems. Plus, the airport’s proximity to restricted airspace makes it an ideal launch and testing site for UAS, helping aerospace firms scale flight operations securely. 

Stennis Space Center 

As a NASA facility and national asset, Stennis Space Center offers unmatched infrastructure for propulsion testing, advanced aerospace R&D and systems integration. With multiple test stands, extensive safety zones and public-private partnerships, it enables both commercial and defense companies to test at scale and accelerate results with less red tape. 

Acoustical Buffer Zone 

Stennis Space Center delivers safety and noise mitigation via its unique 125,000-acre buffer zone. The area allows for non-intrusive testing of rocket and propulsion systems for some of the most groundbreaking—and gravity-defying—aerospace projects today. This type of safeguard is crucial for the development of advanced engines and high-intensity R&D on aerospace and defense technology. 

Cost-saving Collaboration  

For projects where precision, security and timelines are critical, the benefits of working alongside industry leaders can’t be overstated. In fact, one of Hancock’s advantages is its tight network of public-private partnerships that drive growth and efficiency through: 

• Partnerships with the DoD, NASA and NOAA 

• Workforce training programs aligned with local employer needs 

• Shared resources that accelerate time-to-market 

  
  

Companies that locate here can often avoid the logistical costs and delays that come with being separated from suppliers, research teams or regulatory partners. It’s an advantage that translates into real savings and faster innovation. 

A Workforce Pipeline Built for Flight 

For these industries, finding skilled talent isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s mission-critical. That’s why one of Hancock’s biggest investments is our people. 

Right next to Stennis International Airport, Pearl River Community College’s Aviation & Aerospace Workforce Academy is preparing the next generation of aerospace professionals. This 38,000-square-foot facility isn’t your typical classroom. It’s equipped with simulation labs, avionics training stations and systems integration labs that are all designed to mirror the needs of today’s employers. 

For businesses with tight timelines and tighter budgets? That means hitting the ground running. The talent coming out of this academy is hands-on, industry-ready and familiar with the exact technologies companies are using on the ground and in the air. 

In Good Company 

While aerospace development continues worldwide, Hancock County is happy to be home for several of the industry’s leading names. Here’s a snapshot of the companies making waves in our backyard: 

Recently investing $15 million at Stennis International Airport, Skydweller Aero will help develop new solar-powered, autonomous aircraft. The company has conducted multiple fully autonomous test flights, including missions lasting up to 22.5 hours that highlight the success of their long-endurance technology across the Gulf Coast. 

“We look forward to working with the local colleges and universities in developing the workforce opportunities in this unique field of aviation.”

Skydweller Aero CEO Robert Miller  

Relativity Space is building a future in Hancock with its $267 million investment in the historic A‑2 Test Stand at NASA’s Stennis Space Center. Thanks to these upgrades, this test stand will help power the next generation of rockets and aircraft. The project is projected to create nearly 630 jobs by 2027, anchoring high-tech employment in the region. 

“The scale of Terran R as a medium-heavy lift reusable launch vehicle is substantial. Exclusive access to these rare, national-asset facilities through partnership with NASA uniquely enables Relativity to develop a world-class launch vehicle. Together with our significant private capital commitments to reinvigorate these facilities, we are building innovative capabilities to solidify America’s leadership in space.” 

Relativity Co-Founder and former CEO Tim Ellis 

Celebrating a successful firing of its powerful new Archimedes engine, Rocket Lab is ready for what’s next. In August 2024, the team conducted a new campaign that pushed their methane/LOX engine to 102% of its power. This marks a milestone in the company’s journey to a Neutron rocket launch in mid‑2025. 

Built to be reused, Archimedes will power Neutron's first stage with almost 165,000 lbs of thrust. This sustainable approach is part of Rocket Lab’s goal to reduce the costs and time needed to reach launch day.  

“The strong support from NASA and Mississippi to bring Neutron to the state made Stennis an easy decision over other potential sites. Stennis Space Center’s legacy in aerospace and skilled workforce will be both a boost to Neutron’s development and help grow Mississippi’s already robust aerospace test capabilities, securing a future for the state in innovative technology and aerospace.”

Rocket Lab Vice President – Launch Systems Shaun D’Mello 

Focused on the development and production of solid rocket motors, Evolution Space is establishing a testing and manufacturing facility at NASA’s Stennis Space Center, marking a significant step in its transition from R&D to scaled production. This move not only places Evolution Space alongside some of the industry’s most advanced aerospace programs, but it also reinforces Stennis as a national hub for propulsion and launch technology. 

In collaboration with The Spaceport Company, Evolution Space recently provided the launch vehicle for the inaugural offshore hypersonic test range mission. This successful sea-based launch demonstrated the company’s ability to support complex missions with agility and precision.  

We’re stoked to be part of NASA’s mission to create jobs and fuel South Mississippi’s local economy, and selfishly the full-circle angle is a cool one for me. Mississippi is where my rocket journey started, and now we're back to kick things into high gear."

Steve Heller, Evolution Space Founder, CTO and Chief Executive Officer 

As these companies ramp up activity in Hancock County, their presence signals confidence in the region’s aerospace infrastructure—and a promising new chapter in propulsion and launch innovation. 

Liftoff in Hancock County 

For companies ready to reach new heights, Hancock County isn’t just an option. It’s a launchpad.  

As you look to scale, innovate and stay competitive,  you’ll find time and time again that our region offers something rare: a future-focused environment where technology, infrastructure and partnerships work together to deliver top results.