Press Releases

June 11, 2024 - U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) are welcoming preliminary terms between the U.S. Department of Commerce and SolAero by Rocket Lab, an Albuquerque, N.M.-based manufacturing company, for the U.S. Department of Commerce to provide up to $23.9 million in direct funding under the CHIPS and Science Act, which is projected to create over 100 direct manufacturing jobs in Albuquerque.  

The proposed investment would enable SolAero to increase its production of compound semiconductors for spacecraft and satellites, as part of an expansion and modernization of their facility in Albuquerque.  

“Not only will this $23.9M investment help strengthen our national security and increase the amount of advanced semiconductor manufacturing in the United States, it will create 100 good paying jobs for New Mexicans,” said Leger Fernández. “With this funding, our satellites won’t be dependent on foreign sources for solar power, and instead use American-manufactured solar cells made from compound semiconductors. Manufacturing is growing in New Mexico and this is exactly the kind of growth we had in mind when we passed the CHIPS and Science Act.” 

“This major investment from our CHIPS and Science Act will further solidify New Mexico’s role as a leader in advanced manufacturing and create over 100 manufacturing jobs. It will also further cement our state as the best place in America to manufacture novel technologies with emerging space defense applications,” said Heinrich, a member of the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act Conference Committee. “For years now, I’ve been proud to bolster New Mexico’s bases, defense research labs, and private industry partners so we can keep excelling in emerging defense fields. That includes supporting the growth of SolAero—a homegrown New Mexico defense technology company that has become an industry leader in manufacturing solar cells for space-based defense systems and commercial satellites. This exciting investment is just the latest downpayment to maintain New Mexico’s longtime leadership in national security and innovation.” 

“As a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, I was proud to help shape the CHIPS and Science Act to advance New Mexico’s role in the future of manufacturing. This funding will help solidify New Mexico as a hub for cutting-edge innovation,” said Luján. “This investment by the Department of Commerce underscores our commitment to creating new jobs here at home. Investing in local companies like SolAero is crucial to drive innovation and continue New Mexico’s legacy of advanced manufacturing.”   

“I am so excited that SolAero will get $24 million to expand and modernize their facilities right in the heart of New Mexico’s 1st Congressional District,” said Stansbury. “Thanks to the CHIPS and Science Act, more than 100 new manufacturing jobs will be created and New Mexico will continue leading the way in technological manufacturing. The future is bright!” 

“These 100 good-paying jobs will support hard-working New Mexicans, while strengthening our national security through domestic semiconductor manufacturing,” said Vasquez. “This funding for SolAero by Rocket Lab will help ensure that vital semiconductors are made in America and solidify New Mexico's role as a leader in space technology. Recognizing New Mexico’s robust workforce and investment potential is crucial, and I will always work to bring good-paying jobs to our state.” 

Background on SolAero by Rocket Lab:

Headquartered in Albuquerque, SolAero is one of two companies domestically, and three companies outside of Russia and China, that specializes in the production of highly efficient and radiation-resistant compound semiconductors called space-grade solar cells—devices used in space to convert light into electricity.  

Rocket Lab's space-grade solar cells power critical space programs such as missile awareness systems and exploratory science missions, including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA’s Artemis lunar explorations, Ingenuity Mars Helicopter, and the Mars Insight Lander. Rocket Lab's technology also serves a booming commercial satellite market, such as powering the OneWeb broadband internet satellite constellation. As the United States and other nations expand their technological presence in space, there is a growing demand for space-grade solar cells. Space-based defense systems are integral to our national security and are completely reliant on solar power. 

This proposed CHIPS investment would help create a more robust and resilient supply of space-grade solar cells. The modernization and expansion project will increase their compound semiconductor production by 50% within the next three years—helping to domestically meet the growing national security and consumer demand for these solar cells. 

For more information on this proposed CHIPS investment in SolAero, click  here.