Firefly Aerospace, a US-based end-to-end responsive space services company, has been awarded an $8.2m (USD) grant from the Texas Space Commission (TSC).
The grant comes from the Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Fund (SEARF), a fund dedicated to supporting spaceflight technologies, workforce training, and infrastructure development.
The grant was administered by the Texas Space Commission (TSC), which oversees the allocation of SEARF resources to advance Texas' growing aerospace sector.
The funding will advance Firefly Aerospace’s spacecraft manufacturing, supporting the production of Blue Ghost lunar landers and Elytra orbital vehicles
In this case, TSC approved the funding to help Firefly expand its spacecraft manufacturing capabilities in Central Texas.
Specifically, the funding will advance Firefly Aerospace’s spacecraft manufacturing, supporting the production of Blue Ghost lunar landers and Elytra orbital vehicles.
The funding will drive key investments in infrastructure, workforce training, and mission services from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond.
The funding will drive key investments in infrastructure, workforce training, and mission services from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond
Key investments from the funding will include the following:
- An additional 5,600 sqft of ISO Class 8 cleanroom space at Firefly’s spacecraft facility in Cedar Park, Texas
- Added ground support and test equipment
- Spacecraft pressure proof test facility at Firefly’s Rocket Ranch in Briggs, Texas
- Upgraded IT infrastructure for mission operations and labs
The facility expansion is expected to be completed by Q4 2025, with all funding spent in Central Texas, primarily in Cedar Park and Briggs.
Jason Kim, CEO of Firefly Aerospace, said: “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.”
Top image: Firefly Aerospace's spacecraft facility in Cedar Park, Texas