Cape Canaveral, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced Firefly Aerospace Inc. will be establishing a new launch and manufacturing project in Cape Canaveral. 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. This is part of a multi-year $52 million project that is expected to generate over 200 jobs.
“As the world’s premiere gateway to space, Florida remains the preferred launch site for sending humans and cargo into space,” said Governor Ron 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.”
About Firefly’s Project
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.
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 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.
Fast Facts
Number of Jobs: Over 200
Average Salary: $70,000
Total Capital Investment: $52 Million
Size of Manufacturing Facility in Exploration Park: Approx. 180,000sq ft with option to double footprint
Size of Parcel in Exploration Park: Approx. 18.2 acres
