You often hear from folks “Why Long Beach?”. My answer is simple: Long Beach possesses a unique blend of strategic advantages that make it an ideal location for businesses of all sizes, especially those in the burgeoning space sector. The recent establishment of True Anomaly’s satellite factory in the city is a testament to this fact, and I believe this is just the beginning of a new era for Long Beach.
Long Beach boasts a rich history in aerospace. From the iconic Spruce Goose to the C-17 Globemaster, the city has always been at the forefront of aviation and space exploration. This legacy provides a strong foundation for new companies like True Anomaly, offering access to a highly skilled workforce, established supply chains, and a culture that embraces innovation.
Long Beach’s strategic location in Southern California places them at the heart of the aerospace industry. The city is just a stone’s throw away from major players like SpaceX, Rocket Lab, and of course, the Space Systems Command in El Segundo. This proximity translates into tangible benefits for businesses, facilitating collaboration, fostering partnerships, and creating a dynamic ecosystem where innovation takes flight.
Long Beach is committed to nurturing a business-friendly environment. They offer competitive tax incentives, streamlined permitting processes, and a proactive approach to supporting the business community. Most important they are constantly investing in infrastructure, from the port to the revitalization plans for a new state-of-the-art airport, ensuring that businesses have the resources they need to succeed.
Long Beach is home to a diverse and highly educated workforce, including skilled engineers, technicians, and researchers who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of space technology. Institutions like California State University, Long Beach, is further solidifying it as a hub for innovation.
The Future is Bright in Long Beach
In the Long Beach Business Journal article by John Donegan Aerospace company True Anomaly to open 90,000-square-foot plant at Long Beach Airport it was stated that at the 2025 State of the City last month, Mayor Rex Richardson announced Nikon’s plans to build a $100 million manufacturing plant in Long Beach; and last May, Hawthorne-based SpaceX renewed its lease in the Port of Long Beach for docking vessels and storage.
“True Anomaly’s decision to expand to Long Beach aligns with our vision of continuous growth and innovation,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “We are excited to welcome them to our growing ecosystem of cutting-edge companies here in Space Beach and look forward to the opportunities they will bring across defense, tech and aerospace that will make our community thrive.”
Rocket Lab, Ampaire Inc., SpinLaunch, Vast and Relativity Space, which develops 3D-printed rockets all have plans to stay in the city.
Chief Financial Officer at True Anomaly Mark Seidel said they hope to open the facility at airport adjacent Douglas Park by next month, though construction will take up to a year to finish. Contracted by the federal Department of Defense, they are also investing in a second location locally for classified projects.
“This is what the Department of Defense calls space control,” Seidel said. “China and Russia are primary adversaries, and so we’re building what is needed to go deter the threat.” “The decision to move to Long Beach made sense,” True Anomaly CEO Even Rogers said, given its proximity to Space Systems Command in El Segundo and Vandenberg Space Force Base near Lompoc, Calif.
True Anomaly is a clear signal that Long Beach is poised to become a major hub for the space economy. This is an example of when city leadership and the business community work together to create jobs, foster innovation. Long Beach is solidifying its place as a leader in the new space race.
Brent Page is a Community Leader in Southern California”