The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC) joined Governor Ron DeSantis, Space Florida, and the 45th Space Wing on Friday, February 22 in Cape Canaveral to welcome Firefly Aerospace to Brevard County, as the company announced its plans for a mass production facility and Cape Canaveral launch site. which could create 200 jobs.
Firefly Aerospace, Inc. (Firefly) is a provider of economical and dependable launch vehicles, spacecraft, and in-space services. Firefly will establish business operations at Cape Canaveral Spaceport, including launch operations at historic Space Launch Complex 20 and manufacturing facilities at Exploration Park, Florida. Firefly’s announcement is concurrent with its receipt of a Statement of Capability from the 45th Space Wing.
“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.”
“We are proud to partner with Space Florida in welcoming Firefly Aerospace to our growing space community,” said Lynda Weatherman, President and CEO of the EDC. “We look forward to working with them in expanding 21st century job opportunities here in Brevard County with this new a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.”
“Firefly Aerospace is proud to be the newest member of the Florida Space Coast family,” said Firefly CEO Dr. Tom Markusic. “Our mass production manufacturing facility in Exploration Park will enable Firefly to produce 24 Alpha vehicles a year, enabling a launch cadence that will support a rapidly expanding global small satellite revolution and the commercialization of cislunar space.”