As the transition from the shuttle program to commercial space endeavors continues, a new satellite building company is coming to the Space Coast, bringing jobs and dollars.
- International firm RUAG Space coming to Titusville
- Company will build satellites for firms such as OneWeb
- Production expected to begin in early 2017
Swiss company RUAG Space is setting up shop in the Sunshine State, the company said during a news conference Tuesday morning.
The international company sees the Space Coast as the place to be for their space work.
More than 900 satellites will be built at the Port Canaveral Titusville Logistics Center in the coming years.
The company will start with 10 employees with an average salary of $50,000 next year, with the goal of reaching 60 workers by 2025.
They will build satellites for companies such as OneWeb, whose goal is to provide a worldwide satellite constellation to bring internet service to those who do not have access.
"With OneWeb moving here and selecting us as a supplier for their satellite constellation, it was an opportunity to make this step," RUAG Space CEO Peter Guggenbach said.
Local economic leaders and Space Florida played a key role in wooing the company here.
"As the transition (to commercial space endeavors) is occurring, we need to attract the companies and develop the workforce capabilities," Frank DiBello of Space Florida said.
Production of the first satellites are expected to begin early in 2017.