Firefly Aerospace is creating a launch and manufacturing project in Cape Canaveral, adding more than $50 million to Florida’s economy and adding more than 200 jobs in the area.
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the news at a media event at Cape Canaveral on Friday as the Texas based company expanded its operations in the Sunshine State.
“This new project will include the capability to locally manufacture, test and launch rockets delivering payloads that will harness the commercial potential of space exploration,” the governor’s office noted.
“As the world’s premiere gateway to space, Florida remains the preferred launch site for sending humans and cargo into space,” said DeSantis. “Firefly’s decision to establish launch and manufacturing activities on Florida’s Space Coast confirms the commercial advantages of conducting business in our state and reaffirms Florida’s position as a national leader in innovation and job growth.”
DeSantis’ office offered some insights as to what the new project will entail.
“The Firefly Aerospace Launch and Manufacturing project will establish a new capability to locally manufacture, test and launch rockets delivering payloads that will harness the commercial potential of the unique advantages of space. The project is part of multi-year, $52 million project that is expected to generate over 200 jobs. The Firefly launch and manufacturing facilities will enhance the capabilities of the Cape Canaveral Spaceport. The redevelopment of Space Launch Complex 20 will add new orbital launch capacity to Cape Canaveral Spaceport. Additionally, the redevelopment of the historic launch complex will result in activation of a state-of-the-art small satellite launch vehicle launch pad and new propellant servicing, electrical and communications capabilities,” DeSantis’ office noted.
“Firefly’s manufacturing facility directly aligns with the Cape Canaveral Spaceport Master Plan mission to foster the growth of the multi-function support area. The facility will bring new manufacturing, assembly, integration and test services which will contribute to the growing cluster of diversified commercial aerospace support activities at the Cape Canaveral Spaceport. The land for the project will be leased by Space Florida,” the governor’s office added."The project also directly supports small satellite and large constellation launch operations at Cape Canaveral Spaceport. In 2018, Space Florida entered into a Right of Entry agreement with the United States Airforce to allow Space Florida to enable the redevelopment of the historic 30-acre site for commercial launch.”
The new jobs will have an average salary of $70,000.
