CareerSource Brevard’s Statement on Terran Orbital’s Investment in New Merritt Island Commercial Spacecraft Facility
“This is very exciting news for the Space Coast,” says Marci Murphy, President of CareerSource Brevard. “CareerSource Brevard’s industry relations team, in collaboration with several state and local partners, has been working diligently to deliver critical workforce data, letters of support, and labor market information to help inform Terran Orbital’s decision to build their facility in Merritt Island and make more than 2,000 high wage jobs available on the Space Coast.”
From the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast:
On Monday, September 27, Governor DeSantis announced Terran Orbital’s decision to choose Merritt Island for construction of its Commercial Spacecraft and Constellation Facility, bringing valuable spacecraft manufacturing opportunities and capabilities to the State of Florida by investing more than $300 million in new construction and equipment. This will be the largest satellite manufacturing facility in the world. The project is expected to create approximately 2,100 new jobs with an estimated annual average wage of $84,000 by late 2025.
“I am excited to announce that Terran Orbital will be investing $300 million in the Space Coast to build the largest satellite manufacturing facility in the world,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Satellite manufacturing is and will continue to be an important part of the economy in the Space Coast, and with this announcement, we are upping the ante. In Florida we are going to continue to take the lead on space by investing in infrastructure, training highly skilled workers, and maintaining an economic climate that allows companies like Terran Orbital to thrive. I congratulate them on a great decision to come to Florida.”
“As chair of Space Florida’s Board of Directors, I am honored to welcome Terran Orbital to Space Florida’s Launch and Landing Facility,” said Lt. Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “Florida’s commercial space industry is thriving, not only with launches but also with manufacturing opportunities. Terran Orbital will be a great addition to our state’s aerospace landscape, and I look forward to watching its growth at the Cape.”
“Space Florida congratulates Terran Orbital on its selection of our Launch and Landing Facility for a new satellite manufacturing complex,” said Space Florida President and CEO Frank DiBello. “This announcement is yet another milestone in Florida’s leadership in space commerce, offering state-of-the-art development at the spaceport. We look forward to Terran Orbital’s success in the years to come and the continued activity and growth at the LLF.”
“We are pleased to partner with Space Florida,” said Marc Bell, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Terran Orbital. “Not only will we be able to expand our production capabilities to meet the growing demand for our products, but we will also bring valuable spacecraft manufacturing opportunities and capabilities to the State of Florida by investing more than $300 million in new construction and equipment and creating approximately 2,100 new jobs with an average wage of $84,000 by the end of 2025.”
“Florida continues to prove that it is the place to do business and we are proud to be at the center of transformational economic growth,” said Secretary Jamal Sowell. “We welcome Terran Orbital and the investment they will bring to the Space Coast. This is just the beginning. We have yet to scratch the surface of all that our state will bring to the advancement on the final frontier.”
“Florida’s Space Coast offers Terran Orbital the day-one, ready-to-work talent this innovative manufacturer needs to scale up quickly. The EDC is teaming with the company and our state and local partners to foster a strong workforce pipeline sustained by higher education and other training programs to drive success,” said Lynda L. Weatherman, president, and CEO, Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast. “The addition of Terran Orbital to our community marks a significant milestone in Brevard County’s transformation from the place for launch to the place for launch, production, and processing for the civil, defense and commercial space industries.”
The approximately 660,000 square foot, custom-designed facility will enable Terran Orbital to manufacture the entire small satellite life cycle. Located at the LLF on the east side of the runway, Terran Orbital’s campus will provide space vehicle assembly; printed circuit board assembly manufacturing; CNC machining and additive manufacturing; space vehicle module, subsystems, and electro-mechanical assembly; harness and cabling production; and qualification and acceptance testing. The three-building development will also include administrative and office space.
About Space Florida:
Space Florida was created to strengthen Florida’s position as the global leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration, and commerce. As Florida’s aerospace and spaceport development authority, we are committed to attracting and expanding the next generation of space industry businesses. With its highly trained workforce, proven infrastructure, and unparalleled record of achievement, Florida is the ideal location for aerospace businesses to thrive – and Space Florida is the perfect partner to help them succeed.
About Terran Orbital:
Terran Orbital Corporation is the leading vertically integrated provider of end-to-end satellite solutions. Terran Orbital combines satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and in-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil and commercial customers. In addition, Terran Orbital is developing the world’s most advanced Earth Observation Constellation to provide vital capabilities in image responsiveness.