Lawmakers and Biden Officials Highlight SolAero’s $24M Manufacturing Boost

Albuquerque, N.M. – Key lawmakers and officials from the Biden administration will convene in New Mexico on July 15 to spotlight the expansion of Albuquerque-based SolAero by Rocket Lab.

As per to the official source gallupsun This follows a significant $24 million investment from the CHIPS and Science Act aimed at solidifying New Mexico’s leadership in advanced manufacturing and creating over 100 direct manufacturing jobs in Albuquerque.

U.S. Sens. Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján, U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, and Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller will be joined by U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce.

Don Graves and White House CHIPS Coordinator Ryan Harper for the event. This collaboration emphasizes the importance of the recent agreement between the U.S. Department of Commerce and SolAero for a $23.9 million investment.

SolAero, headquartered in Albuquerque, is one of a select few companies globally specializing in the production of space-grade solar cells.

These highly efficient and radiation-resistant semiconductors are critical for various space programs, including missile awareness systems and exploratory science missions such as the James Webb Space Telescope and NASA’s Artemis lunar explorations.

Related Articles:

The new investment will enable SolAero to increase its production capacity by 50% over the next three years, ensuring a more robust supply of space-grade solar cells to meet growing national security and commercial demands.

This expansion is pivotal as the U.S. and other nations continue to enhance their technological presence in space.

The modernization of SolAero’s Albuquerque facility not only strengthens the domestic production of vital semiconductors but also represents a significant economic boost for the region. The initiative underscores the critical role of advanced manufacturing in driving innovation and job creation in New Mexico.

Leave a Comment