DENVER (AP) -- A new report says Colorado needs to aim for the stars in its quest for economic development.
The Brookings Institute report identifies space as a vital part of the state's economy. It says that more than 66,000 people work in generally well-paid space-related jobs here generating more than $8 billion in income.
That includes satellite technology, GPS mapping and even the people hoping to convert land near Denver International Airport into a spaceport that will launch commercial space flights.
The report is due to be released at a Tuesday event where Gov. John Hickenlooper will speak about the importance of the industry. It warns that the state has been too reliant on government contracts. Federal spending on space is dwindling and the report urges greater coordination to find new markets.
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