BlackStar Orbital Announces Spacecraft Manufacturing And Test Facility In Sierra Vista

SIERRA VISTA, AZ (January 31, 2024) – BlackStar Orbital Technologies Corporation, headquartered on the Florida space coast, today announced the establishment of a new engineering and manufacturing facility in Sierra Vista, Arizona. Located at Sierra Vista Municipal Airport, the facility is set to be operational by 2026. This facility is poised to be a cornerstone for the development and production of the BlackStar Spacecraft, the company's innovative spaceplane-satellite hybrid.

The BlackStar Spacecraft stands as a testament to BlackStar Orbital's commitment to revolutionizing space exploration and utility. This state-of-the-art spacecraft combines the functionality of a satellite with the versatility of a spaceplane, designed for diverse missions including Earth observation, environmental monitoring, and advanced communication solutions for both commercial and defense purposes. Its unique capabilities also extend to supporting vital scientific research in areas such as climate study, ocean floor mapping, and more.

The Sierra Vista facility represents a $7.1 million investment. It will encompass 45,000-square-feet, including 25,000-square-feet dedicated to hangar space for the BlackStar SpaceDrone. It's designed to foster innovation in systems and flight testing, with an initial production capacity of 15 spacecraft per year, scaling up to full production by 2026. This expansion is expected to bring at least 50 new aerospace and defense jobs to Sierra Vista, significantly contributing to the city's economic growth.

"This new facility in Sierra Vista is a landmark development for BlackStar Orbital,” said Christopher Jannette, President of BlackStar Orbital. “The strategic location and robust support from local authorities like the City of Sierra Vista and the Arizona Commerce Authority have been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. Our BlackStar Spacecraft, developed and produced here, will not only advance our mission in aerospace innovation but also strengthen Arizona's position as a leading hub in the space industry.”

Marking the company's first venture in Arizona, this facility highlights BlackStar Orbital's growth and commitment to contributing to the thriving aerospace sector. Arizona was selected for its vibrant industry, supportive business environment, and strategic geographical positioning. BlackStar Orbital joins a prestigious list of aerospace leaders in Southern Arizona, enhancing the region's long-term strategic vision of enhancing the national aerospace and defense landscape.

“As we continue to work to bring high-wage jobs to our region of Arizona, I am thrilled to welcome BlackStar Orbital to Sierra Vista,” said David Gowan, Arizona State Senator of Legislative District 19. “It’s an exciting time for Southern Arizona to partner with a company looking toward the future with space exploration! I’d like to thank the Arizona Commerce Authority and the City of Sierra Vista for their partnership in helping to successfully land a great company with high paying jobs.”

“We’re proud to support this exciting project bringing significant new jobs and investment to Southern Arizona,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “With its strategic location and integration in Arizona’s thriving aerospace and defense industry, Sierra Vista is the ideal place to support BlackStar’s innovative spacecraft manufacturing. We’re grateful for BlackStar’s commitment to Arizona and look forward to supporting their success long into the future.”

"We are excited to welcome BlackStar Orbital to our community,” said Sierra Vista Mayor Clea McCaa. “We greatly appreciate the efforts of the Arizona Commerce Authority and our own City of Sierra Vista economic development team in doing the work needed to land this project. Sierra Vista’s tech-centric workforce and shovel-ready airport space make this an ideal location for BlackStar’s missions.”

Media Contacts
Phil Hoegel, Public Affairs, BlackStar Orbital, [email protected]

Alyssa Tufts, Arizona Commerce Authority, [email protected]

About BlackStar Orbital
BlackStar Orbital Technologies Corporation’s mission is to revolutionize access to space and usher in a new era of discovery and utilization. The BlackStar Spacecraft is a revolutionary spaceplane-satellite hybrid, designed to execute mission functions including Earth observation; enabling environmental monitoring and weather forecasting; and communication solutions for commercial, military, and defense applications, including vital support for military operations. The BlackStar Satellite is also used in scientific research, contributing to vital studies on Earth's climate, atmosphere, ocean floor mapping, and more. Additionally, its commercial applications include services such as remote sensing for agriculture, forestry, and mining, while providing critical imagery for mapping and navigation applications. To learn more, visit spacedrone.io.

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 @azcommerce.