The state of Maryland is partnering with NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt to create a new partnership to attract tech companies to the state. More tech companies mean more talent for NASA to draw from as well as continued economic prosperity in Maryland.

The Space Flight Center will engage in partnerships with private businesses to commercialize certain innovations in aerospace technology, and will have the opportunity to work with local tech companies to source talent and equipment when necessary.

"Innovative partnerships like this are helping NASA make the most of the agency's extraordinary expertise and the goals we share with industry to create good jobs and a bright future for the nation's space program," NASA Administrator Charles Bolden told Aerospace Manufacturing and Design. "Goddard plays a critical role in our exploration of space and study of our home planet, and this new agreement with Gov. O'Malley and Sen. Mikulski will stimulate economic growth and technological breakthroughs that will help NASA reach farther into the solar system and beyond it."

Apart from the benefits to NASA itself, this agreement is expected to bring aerospace business and accompanying jobs into Maryland. U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer hopes these businesses will engage in advanced research and development and specialized manufacturing in Maryland as a result of this partnership.