A Vector Space Systems rocket. Photo: Vector Space Systems

[Via Satellite 10-14-2016] Microsatellite launch company Vector Space Systems has decided to locate its manufacturing facility at the Pima County Aerospace, Defense and Technology Business & Research Park in Arizona. From this location, the company plans to manufacture its Vector-R and Vector-H launch vehicles.

Pima County and the Arizona Commerce Authority are leading the facility development through a public-private partnership agreement to further the economic advancement of the Arizona technology and aerospace industry. The county acquired the area as part of an effort to protect Raytheon Missile Systems from residential encroachment. Vector is the second tenant of the research park, along with World View, a company focused on stratospheric space capabilities.

Vector officially launched in 2016 with a focus on building launch vehicles for microsatellites through Vector Launch, and software-defined satellites through its Galactic Sky division. The company intends to launch microsatellites from Alaska and Florida.

“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,” said Jim Cantrell, CEO and co-founder of Vector Space Systems.