In 2016, Space Florida worked with Airbus OneWeb Satellites, a joint venture between Airbus and satellite-internet provider OneWeb, to establish the world’s first high volume satellite manufacturing facility in Space Florida’s Exploration Park. Through an investment by Space Florida’s Spaceport Improvement Program, and unique conduit finance and leasing structure, the company was able to lower its upfront costs and achieve efficiencies that lowered ongoing operational costs. Exploration Park’s strategic location near launch sites and Space Florida’s Launch and Landing Facility, which serves as a logistical hub for air cargo transport, provided the company with additional efficiency advantages.
Leveraging these unique tools, the company has produced over 600 satellites right here in Florida to provide connectivity to customers globally.
Today, this state-of-the-art high volume satellite manufacturing facility is operated by Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, which further leveraged Space Florida’s conduit finance capability to fund $75 million towards the expansion of the facility, which is necessary to serve additional customers.
.svg)
