What is Ascentus?
A new aerospace and defense hub in Iowa looking to attract companies defining the industry’s next frontier.
Iowa’s aerospace legacy: A history of firsts, that just keeps growing
Collins Radio Company is founded by Arthur A. Collins in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (Now known Collins Aerospace).
The University of Iowa Spaceflight Lab opens, becoming the world's largest space instrumentation lab
A cosmic ray detector developed at the University of Iowa becomes the first in space when it launches aboard Explorer 1—the first U.S. satellite.
Future NASA flight director Steve Bales graduates with a degree in aeronautical engineering from Iowa State University.
Collins Radio technology enables communication and navigation for Apollo 11 - the spaceflight that first landed humans on the Moon
The University of Iowa Spaceflight Lab supports NASA's Voyager 1 and 2 missions—now the longest-running missions in deep space (both remain active today).
Iowa native Kelly Ortberg (CEO of Boeing) graduates from the University of Iowa with a degree in mechanical engineering.
The Iowa Space Grant Consortium (ISGC) was founded in 1990. It was formed by Iowa's three Regent universities—Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, and the University of Northern Iowa.
The University of Iowa Spaceflight Lab supports an international NASA-led mission to Saturn—marking the first spacecraft to enter Saturn’s orbit.
The Operator Performance Lab becomes the first in the nation to test an advanced air combat training system (Tactical Combat Training System Increment II) being developed for the U.S. Navy and Air Force.
$7.2 million dollar renovation to the University of Iowa Spaceflight Lab to support easier and quicker innovation.
We’re looking to bring companies from all areas of the industry
Advance your innovations
Iterate early and often using world-class labs
Build what you want, quickly
No red tape, quick decision making, and access to air, rail, and cargo make it easy to get things done
Accelerate your strategy
Development-ready land that can adapt to your needs and a premier talent pipeline create a strong foundation for growth
Concentration of avionics and machinery manufacturing employees in the United States¹
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Aviation programs that work with CID, ranging from high school to graduate-level, to create a strong talent pipeline²
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Higher per capita concentration of advanced manufacturing talent than the national average³
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%
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Placement of graduates in industry at leading engineering programs at nearby University of Iowa⁴ and Iowa State⁵
¹IEDA Website 2026; ²Project Atlas Pitch 2024; ³Bureau of Labor Statistics 2025; ⁴University of Iowa Student Outcomes Website 2026; ⁵Iowa State College of Engineering Website 2026