Vector Space Systems, a micro-satellite space launch company based in Tucson, is locating its manufacturing facility in the Pima County Aerospace, Defense and Technology Business & Research Park.

“With this announcement, Vector Space Systems becomes the second tenant of the county’s Aerospace, Defense and Technology Business & Research Park in the Sonoran Corridor, joining World View,” Chuck Huckelberry, Pima County’s administrator, said. “These locally grown aerospace companies are locating to an area acquired by the county in its effort to protect Raytheon Missile Systems from residential encroachment. Raytheon has welcomed these fellow aerospace manufacturers and these three companies combined are creating a gravitational pull of other aerospace companies interested in locating to the park. I congratulate Vector Space Systems on its expansion and expect they’ll be seeing a few new neighbors in the near future.”

Pima County and the Arizona Commerce Authority are working through a public-private partnership agreement to boost the Arizona technology and aerospace industry.

“With cutting edge companies like Vector Space Systems continuing to locate in Arizona, it is no wonder our state is ranked number one for aerospace manufacturing attractiveness by PwC,” Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey said. “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."

Founded by the original SpaceX founding team, Vector Space Systems connects space startups and innovators with reliable launch enabling platforms and vehicles. Vector started out this year to build launch vehicles for micro satellites.

“While Vector’s eyes are focused on the stars, our home is in Arizona because we believe in its potential as a competitive tech hub, and we’re honored to have the opportunity to contribute toward its economic development in the aerospace manufacturing industry,” Jim Cantrell, CEO and founder of Vector Space Systems, said.