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Early look at the Von Braun Center's $200M update 

Demand for events at the Von Braun Center is higher than ever, highlighted by the recent full-capacity Space and Missile Defense Symposium.

Business

The Von Braun Center is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="moving ahead" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2026/05/18/huntsville-tif-tax-district-von-braun-center-alabama" data-vars-content-id="5dfddc65-0eb4-4e71-9962-252cf0f53eb3" data-vars-headline="Early look at the Von Braun Center&#x27;s $200M update " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2026/05/18/huntsville-tif-tax-district-von-braun-center-alabama" target="_self">moving ahead</a> with a $200 million expansion, and it offered the media an early look at what it&#x27;s got planned. Why it matters: Demand for events at Huntsville&#x27;s downtown civic center is higher than ever, highlighted by the recent full-capacity <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Space and Missile Defense Symposium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2026/08/14/rocket-fuel-drinking-from-the-smd-firehose" data-vars-content-id="5dfddc65-0eb4-4e71-9962-252cf0f53eb3" data-vars-headline="Early look at the Von Braun Center&#x27;s $200M update " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2026/08/14/rocket-fuel-drinking-from-the-smd-firehose" target="_self">Space and Missile Defense Symposium</a>.

223 applications, one successful landing in the Rocket City

Perseverance pays off in this job market, and Brock Morgan's methods show what it takes to land a position in a growing place like Huntsville.

Culture Brief

Brock Morgan applied to 223 jobs before landing a position with Fox 54 (WZDX-TV) in Huntsville. Why it matters: Perseverance pays off in this job market, and Morgan&#x27;s methods show what it takes to land a position in a growing place like Huntsville.

Auburn's new Huntsville research lab aims for speed and workforce impact

AUARI aims to fill a research niche in Huntsville's aerospace, defense and advanced manufacturing ecosystem.

Aerospace

Auburn&#x27;s new Applied Research Institute in Huntsville is looking to be a catalyst for innovation and advanced manufacturing.Why it matters: Auburn&#x27;s lab space aims to fill a research niche in Huntsville&#x27;s aerospace, defense and advanced manufacturing ecosystem.

The space defense impact of Auburn's Huntsville research lab

Federal officials and Auburn leaders highlighted just how impactful the rare research opportunities offered at the new facility will be.

Auburn University&#x27;s Applied Research Institute in Cummings Research Park is officially <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="up and running" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2026/08/18/auburn-university-huntsville-research-lab-aims-for-workforce-research-impact" data-vars-content-id="c23a7a26-3919-4a51-9445-a7ad8ef2d043" data-vars-headline="The space defense impact of Auburn&#x27;s Huntsville research lab" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2026/08/18/auburn-university-huntsville-research-lab-aims-for-workforce-research-impact" target="_self">up and running</a>. Why it matters: At a ribbon-cutting Tuesday, federal officials and Auburn leaders highlighted how impactful the rare research opportunities offered at the new facility will be.

Redwire charges ahead on Huntsville expansion

Defense and space tech manufacturer Redwire will add 150 jobs as part of the expansion.

Redwire officially broke ground on its new Huntsville headquarters Tuesday, as the building starts to take shape. Why it matters: It&#x27;s the latest surge of momentum for Huntsville&#x27;s booming aerospace and defense manufacturing ecosystem.

Huntsville-based PDW lands $820M loan to manufacture drone parts

The massive investment is set to bring new jobs and investment, and help America close the drone production gap.

News

Huntsville-based Performance Drone Works has secured up to $820 million to bolster U.S. production of drone components. Why it matters: The massive investment is set to bring new jobs and investment, and help America close the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drone production gap" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/08/07/air-defense-drones-missles-huntsville-alabama-army-golden-dome" data-vars-content-id="9a7c88a5-0b66-4d6c-9dbc-5c412f3ea103" data-vars-headline="Huntsville-based PDW lands $820M loan to manufacture drone parts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/08/07/air-defense-drones-missles-huntsville-alabama-army-golden-dome" target="_self">drone production gap</a>.

Alabama, Huntsville take off at Farnborough International Airshow

Alabama highlighting companies based in Huntsville and beyond in London.

London may be a long way from Huntsville, but at the Farnborough International Airshow this week, it&#x27;s something of a home away from home.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Farnborough" data-vars-click-url="https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/" data-vars-content-id="a3da3cff-a9f3-43a3-b974-e28053cb39da" data-vars-headline="Alabama, Huntsville take off at Farnborough International Airshow" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/" target="_blank">Farnborough</a> is a big deal for anything that flies and for the companies and communities that support them. Context: Mike Ward, senior vice president, government and public affairs with the Huntsville Madison County Chamber, has been attending the airshow since 1999.<ul><li>Back then Huntsville focused on the International Paris Air Show, which alternates years with Farnborough, and for years the Rocket City hosted a reception at the Eiffel Tower, he told Axios on Monday.</li><li>And while many companies hosted events all about themselves, Huntsville &quot;became like Switzerland,&quot; with the leaders of the companies all in one place. </li></ul>Driving the news: &quot;Mostly it&#x27;s nurturing relationships,&quot; Ward said. &quot;That may sound trite, you know, but it&#x27;s the truth.&quot;<ul><li>&quot;We have the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="highest concentration of engineers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.forbes.com/pictures/fjle45leeg/no-1-huntsville-alabama-2/" data-vars-content-id="a3da3cff-a9f3-43a3-b974-e28053cb39da" data-vars-headline="Alabama, Huntsville take off at Farnborough International Airshow" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.forbes.com/pictures/fjle45leeg/no-1-huntsville-alabama-2/" target="_blank">highest concentration of engineers</a> in the world,&quot; he said of Huntsville. &quot;If you look at the concentration of aerospace companies, it&#x27;s probably more than any place else ... 84,000 people work in either aerospace or defense in the region.&quot;</li></ul>Zoom in: More than 1,600 exhibitors are displaying their best, including states like Alabama, highlighting companies based in Huntsville and beyond. <figure><img alt="Large display board with a map of red icons on the left and a dark panel on the right that reads &#x27;There&#x27;s good company here.&#x27; Logos of aerospace companies appear below; people stand near an open doorway on the right." height="3024" id="ccedfeed-25dc-4d12-85ee-744357cf90a8" src="https://images.axios.com/nH615PXdUjh4vyrdTfb_bKXGfdc=/2026/07/20/1784577104572.jpeg" width="4032"/><figcaption>The Huntsville aerospace and defense cluster, visualized. Photo: Derek Lacey/Axios</figcaption></figure>Context: Huntsville&#x27;s connections were on full display Monday, too, as the USA Pavilion cut the ribbon with a talk from Apollo-era astronaut and moonwalker Charles Duke in front of a large wall-sized photo of him at Space Camp. <ul><li>They were celebrating the Apollo moon landing anniversary in London, while Huntsville took to Big Spring Park to do the same with a giant drone show as part of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rocket City Space Fest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2026/07/10/rocket-city-space-fest-s-own-moonshot" data-vars-content-id="a3da3cff-a9f3-43a3-b974-e28053cb39da" data-vars-headline="Alabama, Huntsville take off at Farnborough International Airshow" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2026/07/10/rocket-city-space-fest-s-own-moonshot" target="_self">Rocket City Space Fest</a>.</li></ul>The bottom line: &quot;What started off as you know, cheese whiz and a beer at the local bar with some industry friends, grew into the premier community exhibit at the Paris Air Show,&quot; Ward said. Disclosure: Huntsville/Madison County Economic Development Partners paid for Derek&#x27;s travel and lodging expenses to attend the Farnborough International Airshow, where he is moderating discussions and conducting interviews. Axios retains full editorial control over its coverage.

Huntsville's Redwire adds 150 jobs with major expansion

Aerospace and defense manufacturer plans a 164,000-square-foot expansion.

Redwire Corp. and Huntsville are kicking off the Farnborough Air Show in London by announcing a big expansion back home. Why it matters: Huntsville&#x27;s strong <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="aerospace" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/aerospace" data-vars-content-id="cd9d9b0e-db03-49be-9c8f-4e3059fabde1" data-vars-headline="Huntsville&#x27;s Redwire adds 150 jobs with major expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/aerospace" target="_self">aerospace</a> resume is getting stronger, and making waves at one of the biggest industry events on the globe. The latest: Aerospace and defense manufacturer <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Redwire" data-vars-click-url="https://rdw.com/" data-vars-content-id="cd9d9b0e-db03-49be-9c8f-4e3059fabde1" data-vars-headline="Huntsville&#x27;s Redwire adds 150 jobs with major expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://rdw.com/" target="_blank">Redwire</a>, announced this morning that it will expand its Huntsville location on Jetplex Boulevard by 164,000 square feet, adding 150 new, high-skilled jobs. <ul><li>Those jobs will be in the company&#x27;s manufacturing, integration and technical operations, per the announcement, with the expanded campus set to accelerate several of Redwire&#x27;s production lines. </li></ul>Zoom in: Those include its Stalker drone system, drone gimbal payloads, advanced energy solutions and space capabilities, the company said. <ul><li>Construction is expected to start late next year, and Redwire is receiving about $8.5 million in state and local economic development incentives, per the announcement.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: Peter Cannito, Redwire chairman and CEO, said in the announcement that the expansion &quot;reflects the momentum we&#x27;re seeing across both Redwire Space and Defense Tech.&quot;<ul><li>&quot;Huntsville is one of the fastest-growing technology hubs in the United States, uniquely positioned at the intersection of America&#x27;s space and defense industries, which makes it the ideal location to expand our capabilities and strengthen America&#x27;s industrial base.&quot;</li></ul><figure><img alt="Modern two-story office building with a sign reading RED WIRE, glass entry, and a large parking lot full of cars under a clear blue sky; an American flag near the entrance." height="1233" id="d8b3c014-e06c-404f-b5ab-1517e3b6bdf4" src="https://images.axios.com/ww4FuGnBFjCDI6eRyYmqnvLx_So=/2026/07/20/1784520021675.jpeg" width="3000"/><figcaption>Redwire plans to add 150 jobs with the help of $8.5 million in local and state incentives. Image: Courtesy Redwire</figcaption></figure>Zoom out: The expansion &quot;speaks to exactly what the Alabama team is promoting this week in Farnborough,&quot; said Alabama Secretary of Commerce Ellen McNair in the announcement. <ul><li>&quot;Our state&#x27;s ability to provide advanced manufacturers the skilled workforce, infrastructure and local support to not only launch their initial operations, but to help them expand with their successes.&quot;</li></ul>Driving the news: Huntsville, and Alabama, is well-represented at Farnborough, where <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state lawmakers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.madeinalabama.com/2026/07/alabama-lawmakers-will-attend-farnborough-to-tell-states-economic-development-story/" data-vars-content-id="cd9d9b0e-db03-49be-9c8f-4e3059fabde1" data-vars-headline="Huntsville&#x27;s Redwire adds 150 jobs with major expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.madeinalabama.com/2026/07/alabama-lawmakers-will-attend-farnborough-to-tell-states-economic-development-story/" target="_blank">state lawmakers</a> and aerospace, AI and defense companies are looking to gain even more ground.<ul><li>Two of those companies, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Maximum Technology Corporation" data-vars-click-url="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://us-east-2.protection.sophos.com?d=maxtc.com&amp;u=aHR0cHM6Ly9tYXh0Yy5jb20v&amp;p=m&amp;i=NWZmNzI3ZjNhOGE4NzIwZTEyYmIxZWFj&amp;t=QzlKbyt5TTRDKzFCRHhSTU9HTlowQjltdHljUFFoclUvaUdnbkFQd3Q3UT0=&amp;h=9922b1a02f5644099b4ae5d32f3229d0&amp;s=AVNPUEhUT0NFTkNSWVBUSVbBU_cQjDfmWCdWL5nhqHeJJ6aL5nyKqw8P93gAvfX7ehE_R88_SgHxs3bh_hb6BPM__;!!Al82Z4c!zomd-fGFTxmNY6RjhRGmScGGm4qmtls76JR0A70SWpkpNx3HLDxYpzID2HPQOGFJ5kytgd5pdj1_R4_GBbo$" data-vars-content-id="cd9d9b0e-db03-49be-9c8f-4e3059fabde1" data-vars-headline="Huntsville&#x27;s Redwire adds 150 jobs with major expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://us-east-2.protection.sophos.com?d=maxtc.com&amp;u=aHR0cHM6Ly9tYXh0Yy5jb20v&amp;p=m&amp;i=NWZmNzI3ZjNhOGE4NzIwZTEyYmIxZWFj&amp;t=QzlKbyt5TTRDKzFCRHhSTU9HTlowQjltdHljUFFoclUvaUdnbkFQd3Q3UT0=&amp;h=9922b1a02f5644099b4ae5d32f3229d0&amp;s=AVNPUEhUT0NFTkNSWVBUSVbBU_cQjDfmWCdWL5nhqHeJJ6aL5nyKqw8P93gAvfX7ehE_R88_SgHxs3bh_hb6BPM__;!!Al82Z4c!zomd-fGFTxmNY6RjhRGmScGGm4qmtls76JR0A70SWpkpNx3HLDxYpzID2HPQOGFJ5kytgd5pdj1_R4_GBbo$" target="_blank">Maximum Technology Corporation</a>, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zaden Technologies" data-vars-click-url="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://us-east-2.protection.sophos.com?d=zadentech.com&amp;u=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuemFkZW50ZWNoLmNvbS8=&amp;p=m&amp;i=NWZmNzI3ZjNhOGE4NzIwZTEyYmIxZWFj&amp;t=VC9tcEhQN0hhY0hja0hmMUJoYmlFMi9WV3YwM25EcG1RNnRLeng5dTc3Zz0=&amp;h=9922b1a02f5644099b4ae5d32f3229d0&amp;s=AVNPUEhUT0NFTkNSWVBUSVbBU_cQjDfmWCdWL5nhqHeJJ6aL5nyKqw8P93gAvfX7ehE_R88_SgHxs3bh_hb6BPM__;!!Al82Z4c!zomd-fGFTxmNY6RjhRGmScGGm4qmtls76JR0A70SWpkpNx3HLDxYpzID2HPQOGFJ5kytgd5pdj1_TsNnTHU$" data-vars-content-id="cd9d9b0e-db03-49be-9c8f-4e3059fabde1" data-vars-headline="Huntsville&#x27;s Redwire adds 150 jobs with major expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://us-east-2.protection.sophos.com?d=zadentech.com&amp;u=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuemFkZW50ZWNoLmNvbS8=&amp;p=m&amp;i=NWZmNzI3ZjNhOGE4NzIwZTEyYmIxZWFj&amp;t=VC9tcEhQN0hhY0hja0hmMUJoYmlFMi9WV3YwM25EcG1RNnRLeng5dTc3Zz0=&amp;h=9922b1a02f5644099b4ae5d32f3229d0&amp;s=AVNPUEhUT0NFTkNSWVBUSVbBU_cQjDfmWCdWL5nhqHeJJ6aL5nyKqw8P93gAvfX7ehE_R88_SgHxs3bh_hb6BPM__;!!Al82Z4c!zomd-fGFTxmNY6RjhRGmScGGm4qmtls76JR0A70SWpkpNx3HLDxYpzID2HPQOGFJ5kytgd5pdj1_TsNnTHU$" target="_blank">Zaden Technologies</a> are based in Huntsville, and a third, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="SEA Wire and Cable" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sea-wire.com/" data-vars-content-id="cd9d9b0e-db03-49be-9c8f-4e3059fabde1" data-vars-headline="Huntsville&#x27;s Redwire adds 150 jobs with major expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sea-wire.com/" target="_blank">SEA Wire and Cable</a>, in Madison.</li></ul>

Boeing, Drake State partner to build talent pipeline

The program is aimed at building a talent pipeline for advanced manufacturing skills the company needs.

Drake State Community &amp; Technical College is partnering with Boeing in Huntsville to establish a paid apprenticeship program, the two announced Wednesday.Why it matters: &quot;This program will create direct pathways to individuals in our community for high-demand careers in defense and advanced manufacturing,&quot; Drake State president Patricia Sims said at the announcement.

Applied Aerospace IPO could fuel Huntsville growth

CEO Trip Ferguson told Axios on the day of the IPO that "today kind of marks what I call Day One of the new season."

Huntsville-based Applied Aerospace &amp; Defense has gone public.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="June 3 initial public offering" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/live/Sx11sjFfcjM" data-vars-content-id="0c7de4a8-3b62-4846-af54-62b07ce2d5ed" data-vars-headline="Applied Aerospace IPO could fuel Huntsville growth" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/live/Sx11sjFfcjM" target="_blank">June 3 initial public offering</a> is positioning the company for expansion, investment and growth in the Rocket City.

Huntsville's America 250 plans get bigger with Space Fest

The celebration of Huntsville's role in the Moon landing is planned for July 16–20.

America at 250

Huntsville is finalizing its marquee event marking the summer of America&#x27;s 250th anniversary, and adding to the lineup of events with the city&#x27;s first Rocket City Space Fest.Why it matters: The July 4 celebration headlines the summer at Big Spring Park, while Space Fest highlights Huntsville&#x27;s overlooked but pivotal role in the Apollo Moon landings.

10 minutes with NASA chief Jared Isaacman

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman returned to Huntsville last week to cut the ribbon on Space Camp's new Innovation4 Skills Training Center.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman returned to Huntsville last week to cut the ribbon on Space Camp&#x27;s new Innovation4 Skills Training Center.Why it matters: He spoke to local media ahead of the event, telling Axios about NASA&#x27;s efforts to bring more roles in-house, its work with private sector space companies and more.