Rocket Lab USA, a global leader in launch services and space systems, has finalized a $23.9 million award from the U.S. Department of Commerce to increase its compound semiconductor manufacturing capability and capacity at the Company’s Albuquerque, New Mexico facility. The semiconductors produced by Rocket Lab are used in space-grade solar cells and other optoelectronic products that are important components for national security and commercial applications.
Earlier this year, the Company announced signing a preliminary terms sheet for funding under the CHIPS and Science Act. This award underscores Rocket Lab’s pivotal role in U.S. innovation and the space industry’s supply chain. The funding will enhance manufacturing capabilities at the company’s New Mexico facility, enabling Rocket Lab to scale semiconductor production to meet rapidly growing demand. In particular, the space-grade solar cells produced by Rocket Lab power satellites require high reliability and optimum performance in extreme environments.
“We’re proud to be a part of this effort to revitalize and grow U.S. domestic semiconductor manufacturing capability. This award will help to ensure U.S. leadership in compound semiconductor manufacturing capability while reinforcing Rocket Lab’s position as a leader in space-grade solar cell production,” said Brad Clevenger, Vice President of Rocket Lab Space Systems. “The investment will enable Rocket Lab to expand production, create highly skilled manufacturing jobs, and generate economic and workforce development activity in New Mexico.”
Rocket Lab is one of only two companies in the United States that specialize in producing highly efficient and radiation-hardened space-grade solar cells. Rocket Lab’s solar cell facility has been a technology hub in Albuquerque for the past 25 years, employing more than 370 people who have delivered more than four megawatts of power to over 1,100 satellites in orbit. Rocket Lab’s products enable critical space programs, including early missile warning and interplanetary science missions, the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA’s Artemis lunar explorations, the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter, and the Mars Insight Lander in addition to 100 commercial telecommunications satellites.
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