CesiumAstro Inc., a space and defense systems company, has selected Melbourne, Florida, for a new engineering and manufacturing facility, according to the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC). The company will invest $25 million in capital improvements and create 100 new, high-paying jobs over the next 12 months.
CesiumAstro develops and produces space and defense systems, from satellites and communications payloads to terminals and advanced computing systems. By bringing hardware, software, manufacturing, and testing together in-house, the company delivers integrated systems for commercial, government, and national security missions. The Melbourne facility will expand the engineering and manufacturing capacity behind that approach.
The Melbourne investment builds on several years of growth, during which CesiumAstro has grown to more than 850 employees with operations across the United States, Europe and Asia. Three recent acquisitions have brought semiconductor design, AI-driven signal analysis and mission-critical software capabilities in-house. The company also reached another milestone with the launch of its first operational satellite, Element-1, which continues its mission in Low Earth Orbit.
“CesiumAstro’s investment further strengthens our local space ecosystem,” said Lynda Weatherman, President and CEO of the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast. “It is rewarding to see, in real time, the evolution and sophistication of our industry base, along with the exceptional career opportunities for our residents.”
“Melbourne gives us direct access to the Space Coast’s aerospace talent and infrastructure while adding dedicated engineering and manufacturing capacity close to the customers and missions we support,” said Brett Paulson, Chief Operating Officer of CesiumAstro. “Our Melbourne team will develop, integrate and test new space and defense technologies, building on the capabilities we’ve brought together across the company.”
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida has achieved an unprecedented vertical integration for Defense, Aerospace, Aviation, and corresponding talent that aligns perfectly with this investment from CesiumAstro,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “We’re grateful for the leadership from the Space Coast EDC, in particular, in elevating the Cape, Brevard County and the Space Coast in this endeavor, welcoming CesiumAstro to the world’s premier Aerospace ecosystem—and we know that CesiumAstro is going to be an incredible partner and contributor in Florida.”
“We are pleased to welcome CesiumAstro to Melbourne and appreciate its decision to invest in our community,” said Melbourne Mayor Paul Alfrey. “The addition of 100 high-wage jobs creates meaningful opportunities for our residents and contributes to our local economy. We look forward to working with the company as it establishes its Melbourne operation.”
The Melbourne expansion adds to the Space Coast’s research and technology capabilities, broadening an industry base that spans launch, spacecraft operations, manufacturing, testing and systems development.