Aerospace startup to build rockets in Arizona
Oct 13, 2016, 1:21 PM
(Twitter Photo)
(Twitter Photo)
PHOENIX — A startup aerospace company has chosen Tucson for its headquarters, where it will also manufacture rockets to carry small satellites into space.
Gov. Doug Ducey made the announcement Thursday.
“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,” Ducey said in a statement.
Fueling test operations in #Tucson on the Vector-R satellite launch vehicle. The video says it all ! #space #startup pic.twitter.com/1ooGoReGK1
— VECTOR (@vectorspacesys) October 12, 2016
Vector-R Engineering Model ready to head to the Tucson Convention Center for display pic.twitter.com/cXlEaW9Yp1
— VECTOR (@vectorspacesys) October 13, 2016
Vector Space Systema said its manufacturing facility will operate from the Pima County Aerospace, Defense/Technology Research and Business Park.
The new business was expected to create 200 jobs.
Company spokesman Jason Michael said the average salary will be $75,000. The Arizona Daily Star reported that the company hoped to increase hires to 500 within five years.
Vector Space Systems CEO Jim Cantrell said his micro satellite space launch group planned to build about 100 launch vehicles per year initially.
Launches will take place in California, Alaska and Florida.
