Silicon Valley startup Made In Space (MIS) made headlines when it became the first commercial company to 3D print an object in zero gravity back in 2014, and has kept pretty busy in the years since, putting its resources to the task of making human space colonization a reality. Now, the space manufacturing technology leader has announced a big move – it’s relocating its corporate headquarters to Jacksonville, Florida.
At a recent press conference announcing the move, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Space Florida, the state’s aerospace and spaceport development authority, were both glad to welcome MIS to Jacksonville.
“As a global leader for in-space manufacturing and assembly, Made In Space has a proven track record of delivering innovative space technology demonstrations at an industry-leading pace. Made In Space’s move to Florida is more evidence of Florida’s success and growth in the aerospace industry,” said Governor DeSantis. “My administration remains committed to supporting that growth and ensuring we maintain an economic climate that allows companies like Made In Space to prosper.”
Model of Archinaut
Not only will the relocation of MIS’ corporate headquarters and satellite manufacturing operations to Florida give the company more space, but it will also help, as a company press release states, “usher in a new era of commercial space,” in addition to bringing more high-paying jobs in the aerospace field to the Jacksonsville area as MIS supports the development of satellite missions and new aerospace technology.
“This is an exciting moment and relocating our headquarters to Jacksonville is a strategic step to position the company for long-term growth. By expanding our presence in Florida we can leverage a skilled aerospace workforce, large scale infrastructure to support our growth, and key strategic partners like Space Florida that will accelerate our momentum as we continue to develop world-class space technology,” said MIS President and CEO Andrew Rush.
Making parts in space with the AMF
For a few years now, MIS and Space Florida, which works to strengthen the state’s position as a global aerospace research and investment leader, have been partnering on a multi-year expansion program, which has been responsible for the creation of more than 50 new jobs in Jacksonville since last January. The relocation of MIS’ headquarters is just one part of that program, and the partnership between the two even grew enough that it could include a unique financing structure while “Space Florida utilized space-bound hardware as security.”
Space Florida President and CEO Frank DiBello said, “Made In Space, through its innovative in-space manufacturing segment and technology which improves life on earth and in space, is forging the way toward a bright new future. We are pleased to have established a long-standing relationship with Made In Space and are proud to welcome the company to Jacksonville on Florida’s First Coast. Space Florida looks forward to Made In Space’s continued growth and success, expanding Florida’s thriving aerospace economic footprint.”
The new Jacksonville headquarters will offer the ability to manufacture parts locally, as well as test and control in-space manufacturing equipment and spacecraft. MIS will stay on in Silicon Valley in order to keep up with strategic relationships it’s developed with other industry partners, and to continue supporting other important technology programs.
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