Rocket Lab opens new Colorado space systems complex opens

Edinburgh / Littleton, Colorado, 3 February 2022. – Rocket Lab will open a new space systems complex in Littleton, Colorado in the U.S., to support growing customer demand for flight software, mission simulation, and Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) services, the company said.

Rocket Lab set its foot in Colorado in October last year when it acquired aerospace engineering firm, Advanced Solutions (ASI). ASI develops software and technology solutions for reliable space operation and mission design. Its flight software, MAX, has been utilized by aerospace contractors such as the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Department of Defense, and NASA.

The new complex will add 3700 square meters of new office, laboratory, production, and two mission operation centers. The expansion supports team growth as well as Rocket Lab’s Colorado headcount is expected to double this year.

In addition to the 49 spacecraft already operating the MAX Flight Software, the company is supporting development for multiple missions. These include the upcoming CAPSTONE mission to the Moon and the EscaPADE mission to Mars for NASA.