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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

BlackStar Orbital Technologies Plans Sierra Vista, Arizona, Operations

02/02/2024
Space exploration company BlackStar Orbital Technologies Corporation plans to establish engineering and manufacturing operations in Sierra Vista, Arizona. The $7.1 million project is expected to create at least 50 jobs.

The new 45,000-square-foot-facility, located at Sierra Vista Municipal Airport, will focus on the development and production of the BlackStar Spacecraft, the company's spaceplane-satellite hybrid. Operations are scheduled for 2026.

"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.”

The BlackStar Spacecraft is 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.

“We’re proud to support this exciting project bringing significant new jobs and investment to Southern Arizona,” noted Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA). “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.”

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