U.S. Awards $60M to BAE Systems, Rocket Lab for Semiconductor Production Boost

Nov 25, 2024, 10:20 AM

The U.S. Department of Commerce has finalized nearly $60 million in subsidies for BAE Systems and Rocket Lab to expand semiconductor production for defense and space industries. BAE Systems will receive $35.5 million to quadruple chip production in New Hampshire, while Rocket Lab's SolAero Technologies will get $23.9 million to increase production of space-grade solar cells by 50% over three years at its New Mexico facility. These investments aim to support projects like NASA's Artemis missions and missile defense systems, contributing to the U.S. goal of reducing development costs and enhancing domestic semiconductor capabilities.