Economic Impact of Arizona Space Science Rivals the Super Bowl

A new economic impact report by Rounds Consulting Group found that the University of Arizona's astronomy and space science operations generate as much money as a Super Bowl for the local economy. The report estimated that UA's space sciences operations are $560.5 million. These activities generate roughly $21.1 million in state, county and municipal taxes every year.

For comparison, Visit Phoenix estimates Sunday's Super Bowl will generate $600 million in economic impact for the Phoenix and Arizona economies. The 2022 Super Bowl generated up to $477 million in economic stimulus, $22 million in tax revenues and nearly 4,700 jobs for the Los Angeles and California economies.

"As Arizona's designated land-grant institution, our mission is firmly rooted in service to community, to the state and beyond," said AME professor of practice and senior vice president for research and innovation Betsy Cantwell. "This impact analysis has allowed us to take an in-depth and holistic look at the economic benefits we create through research and innovation in one of our strongest areas."

Job creation due to space sciences goes beyond the university, however. Roughly 3,300 total full-time equivalent employees are supported by exploring the cosmos. That figure includes jobs in businesses supported by the economic growth of the university's space science pursuits.

According to Rounds' report, money generated by the university's space science activities has played "a vital role throughout Arizona's economy, advancing the growth of the astronomy and space science industries."