CEDAR PARK, Texas — Cedar Park-based aerospace company Firefly announced Tuesday that it has been awarded an $8.2 million grant from the Texas Space Commission (TSC) to expand its spacecraft manufacturing capabilities in Central Texas.
The funding, approved during a public meeting of the TSC board of directors, will support infrastructure improvements, workforce trainings and STEM outreach programs, Firefly said. That includes adding new jobs and facilities, as well as building new facilities.
“With the support of the Texas Space Commission, Firefly is expanding our spacecraft production capabilities, creating more high-skilled jobs and strengthening our collaboration with universities to equip the next generation of aerospace innovators,” said Jason Kim, CEO of Firefly Aerospace. “We’re proud to continue growing here in Texas, helping to shape the future of space exploration while fostering the next generation of industry leaders.”
The grant comes from the Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Fund, which supports the development of emerging spaceflight technologies, workforce training and infrastructure needed for Texas’ aerospace sector.
Firefly said the funding will help advance its spacecraft manufacturing capabilities and support its growing production of Blue Ghost lunar landers and Elytra orbital vehicles. Those provide full mission services from low Earth orbit to the moon and beyond.
Investments for the funding include:
- An additional 5,600 square feet of ISO-8 cleanroom space at Firefly’s spacecraft facility in Cedar Park
- Added ground support and test equipment
- Spacecraft pressure proof test facility at Firefly’s Rocket Ranch in Briggs
- Upgraded IT infrastructure for mission operations and labs
Firefly plans to add 50 new jobs in engineering, quality assurance, manufacturing and spacecraft operations. The company will also expand its STEM outreach and internship programs by working with University of Texas system schools to provide students hands-on experience in spacecraft development.
The facility expansion is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.