Big Ideas. Bold Ventures: NASA Glenn Research Center

Outerspace revelations wouldn't be possible without NASA's Glenn Research Center – right here in Cleveland.

One of only 10 major NASA facilities, Glenn Research Center has been integral in many of NASA’s most famous missions, from Mercury and Apollo to the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station. The center has also played important roles in robotic exploration missions, including the Mars rovers and Cassini’s mission to Saturn. Founded in 1941, NASA Glenn has more than 3,000 employees who are today providing integral support to the Artemis 1 mission, overseeing the service module that will propel the Orion space capsule out of earth's orbit and around the moon.

NASA Glenn’s economic impact in Ohio exceeds $1.9 billion per year. According to an economic impact study by Cleveland State University’s Center for Economic Development, Glenn creates and supports over 9,000 jobs and generates nearly $853 million in labor income and approximately $210 million in tax revenue per year. The research center holds more than 725 patents and has won over 120 R&D 100 Awards, also known as the Oscars of innovation -- more than any other NASA center. Now THAT is out of this world!