Mayor Rex Richardson Welcomes Orbital Operations to Long Beach's Space Beach

Long Beach, CA — Mayor Rex Richardson joined community partners, civic leaders, and industry executives to announce the arrival of Orbital Operations, a cutting-edge, Y Combinator–backed advanced manufacturing company launching its first facility in North Long Beach.

The company, which specializes in building cryogenic-powered space vehicles, is the newest member of Long Beach’s fast-growing aerospace and advanced manufacturing cluster—further cementing the city’s reputation as Space Beach, a national hub of the space economy where world-class talent, innovation, and industry take flight.

“Long Beach is proud to welcome Orbital Operations as they launch their next chapter in Space Beach,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. By choosing Long Beach, they join a thriving ecosystem of innovators that is redefining what’s possible in space. Their presence will generate quality jobs and fresh opportunities while reinforcing Long Beach’s role as a city where the future of aerospace is being built today.”

The announcement, held at RMD Group in North Long Beach, featured a fireside chat with Orbital Operations CEO Ben Schleuniger and COO Ross Doherty, where the leaders shared their vision for the company’s future in Long Beach and why they chose to grow in Space Beach.

“We’re thrilled to launch our first facility here in Long Beach, a city with a rich aerospace history and an innovation-driven future,” said Ben Schleuniger, CEO of Orbital Operations. “North Long Beach offers the talent, infrastructure, and community support we need to take our mission forward.”

“From the start, we felt a strong alignment between Orbital Operations’ vision and the city’s commitment to advanced manufacturing and space innovation,” added Ross Doherty, COO of Orbital Operations. “We look forward to contributing to Long Beach’s thriving ecosystem and creating opportunities for the community as we grow.”

Mayor Richardson thanked Ralph Holguin and the RMD Group team for hosting the milestone event and recognized Councilwoman Dr. Joni Ricks-Oddie for her steadfast leadership in championing opportunities that connect every neighborhood to Long Beach’s innovation economy.

“With incredible local talent, access to world-class educational institutions, and proximity to innovative companies like RMD Group, TABC, and Slate Automotive, North Long Beach is the perfect home for Orbital Operations and the industries of the future.”

Orbital Operations’ decision to launch in Long Beach underscores the city’s role as a magnet for transformative industries and its commitment to ensuring economic growth reaches every neighborhood.

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Rex Richardson is a husband, father, and the 29th Mayor of Long Beach, California. Mayor Richardson’s history in Long Beach is grounded in empowering communities to have a seat at the table.

Mayor Richardson has a distinguished record of public service. He serves on the Advisory Board of the United States Conference of Mayors and, regionally, is Chair of the Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency. Richardson has previously served as President of the Southern California Association of Governments.

Mayor Richardson and his wife, Dr. Nina Richardson, are proudly raising their two young daughters, Alina and Mila, in the North Long Beach community.