Central Texas aerospace company expands to prepare for new space age

BRIGGS, TX (KXAN) — More rockets will soon be built in the Austin-area. Firefly Aerospace, an end-to-end space transportation company, think space truckers, is unveiling their newest Rocket Ranch facility today.

The expanded facility will allow the company to produce and assemble new rockets, as well as test engines with 230,000 pounds of thrust. A new 100-foot test stand is part of the facility.

In addition, the facility will give the company access to a new automated fiber placement machine, allowing them to build rocket components at a faster pace. As well as a new robotic powermill. This device will allow the company to rotate rockets with an 18-foot diameter.

This is the latest in several expansions of the company’s facilities. They’ve recently increased the size of their Cedar Park facility.

We’ll have more on this story Tonight at 5p on KXAN.