Vector Space Systems Opens Manufacturing Facility in Pima County Aerospace, Defense and Technology Business & Research Park

TUCSON, AZ (October 13, 2016) — Vector Space Systems, a micro satellite space launch company comprised of new-space industry veterans from SpaceX, Virgin Galactic, McDonnell Douglas and Sea Launch, today announced that it is locating its manufacturing facility to the Pima County Aerospace, Defense and Technology Business & Research Park. Pima County and the Arizona Commerce Authority are leading the facility development through a public-private partnership agreement to further the economic advancement of the Arizona technology and aerospace industry.

“With cutting edge companies like Vector Space Systems continuing to locate in Arizona, it is no wonder our state is ranked number one for aerospace manufacturing attractiveness by PwC,” said Arizona Governor Doug Ducey. “Vector Space Systems is precisely the type of innovative, 21st century company we are working to attract to Arizona through our pro-business policies, and an excellent addition to southern Arizona’s already thriving aerospace industry. I thank Vector Space Systems for its commitment to and confidence in our state.”

Vector’s decision to locate its launch vehicle factory in Arizona and place it in Pima County’s Aerospace, Defense and Technology Business & Research Park emphasizes its belief in the bright future of Southern Arizona’s aerospace manufacturing industry. The partnership between the County, State and Vector will bring together the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship in an effort to make Arizona one of the fastest growing technology hubs in the nation.

“Vector Space Systems has decided to make Tucson the home for its headquarters and manufacturing facilities by relocating to the Pima County Aerospace, Defense and Technology Business & Research Park,” said Jim Cantrell, CEO and founder of Vector Space Systems. “While Vector’s eyes are focused on the stars, our home is in Arizona because we believe in its potential as a competitive tech hub, and we’re honored to have the opportunity to contribute toward its economic development in the aerospace manufacturing industry.”

Vector, a disruptive company that connects space startups and innovators with affordable and reliable space access, officially launched in 2016 to build launch vehicles for micro satellites. The company, whose vision is to reshape the multi-billion launch market, combines dedicated low-cost micro satellite launches (Vector Launch) and software defined satellites (Galactic Sky) to dramatically increase access and speed to orbit. Vector will use the Pima County Aerospace, Defense and Technology Business & Research Park to manufacture its Vector-R and Vector-H launch vehicles that will be transported to sites in Alaska and Florida to launch micro-satellites into orbit.

“With this announcement, Vector Space Systems becomes the second tenant of the County’s Aerospace, Defense and Technology Business & Research Park in the Sonoran Corridor, joining World View,” said Chuck Huckelberry, Pima County’s administrator. “These locally grown aerospace companies are locating to an area acquired by the County in its effort to protect Raytheon Missile Systems from residential encroachment. Raytheon has welcomed these fellow aerospace manufacturers and these three companies combined are creating a gravitational pull of other aerospace companies interested in locating to the park. I congratulate Vector Space Systems on its expansion and expect they’ll be seeing a few new neighbors in the near future.”

“Helping our local businesses grow and prosper is as important to the County’s economic and job growth as attracting new companies in town, if not more so,” said Sharon Bronson, chair of the Pima County Board of Supervisors. “Our country has embarked on an exciting new era of commercial space flight, and I am immensely proud that Pima County is able to assist an imaginative local company like Vector Space Systems, which is in the vanguard of this new race to space.”

“The Arizona Technology Council applauds Pima County, the City of Tucson and Arizona Commerce Authority for this extraordinary opportunity for our region and state,” said Alex Rodriguez, vice president of the Arizona Technology Council. “The space technology industry is well underway in Arizona, and we believe Vector Space Systems is a powerful example of what is possible in Arizona regarding the technology and innovation agenda.”

Media Contact 

Aubrey Lerche, (303) 590-5239, [email protected]

About Vector Space Systems

Founded by the original SpaceX founding team, Vector Space Systems is a disruptive company that connects space startups and innovators with affordable and reliable launch enabling platforms and vehicles at a price never before possible for accessing space. For more information, visit www.vectorspacesystems.com.

About Pima County

Covering an area of approximately 9,200 square miles, Pima County is one of the oldest continuously inhabited areas of the United States. Pima County government serves a population of just over one million residents who thrive in an ecologically and culturally diverse region. Pima County’s Economic Development Office believes companies want to grow in communities that have excellent quality of life and that make investments in critical infrastructure that are the foundation for commerce. The Pima County Board of Supervisors enthusiastically supports new businesses and business expansion in Pima County.

About the Arizona Commerce Authority

The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state’s leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona’s economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create – attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on Twitter at @azcommerce.

About Arizona Technology Council

The Arizona Technology Council is Arizona’s premier trade association for science and technology companies. Recognized as having a diverse professional business community, Council members work towards furthering the advancement of technology in Arizona through leadership, education, legislation and social action. The Arizona Technology Council offers numerous events, educational forums and business conferences that bring together leaders, managers, employees and visionaries to make an impact on the technology industry.  These interactions contribute to the Council’s culture of growing member businesses and transforming technology in Arizona. To become a member or to learn more about the Arizona Technology Council, please visit www.aztechcouncil.org.