Rocket Lab to Boost Spacecraft Semiconductor Production with CHIPS Act Funds
Rocket Lab has announced plans to significantly expand its operations and production capabilities with the help of funding from the CHIPS and Science Act. The proposed investment of up to .9M from the Department of Commerce aims to increase Rocket Lab’s production of compound semiconductors for spacecraft and satellites by 50% within three years.
The funding will be used to expand and modernize Rocket Lab’s facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where the company produces space-grade solar cells. These highly efficient and radiation-resistant compound semiconductors, also known as space-grade solar cells, are crucial components for converting light to electricity in space-based applications.
The expansion project is expected to create more than 100 direct manufacturing jobs, further bolstering Rocket Lab’s workforce and production capabilities. Additionally, the State of New Mexico will provide financial assistance and incentives totaling .5 million to support Rocket Lab’s growth.
Rocket Lab’s founder and CEO, Sir Peter Beck, expressed enthusiasm for the expansion plans, stating:
“Semiconductors are central to state-of-the-art life, to our economy, and to America’s future. We are proud to be strengthening that future with the support of the CHIPS Office by expanding our production facilities to meet growing demand for the semiconductors that power the nation’s most critical science, defense and commercial space missions.”
The expansion aims to address the increasing demand for space-grade solar cells, which are essential for various critical space programs, including:
- Missile awareness systems
- Exploratory science missions (e.g., James Webb Space Telescope, NASA’s Artemis lunar explorations, Ingenuity Mars Helicopter, Mars Insight Lander)
- Commercial satellite constellations (e.g., OneWeb broadband internet satellites)
By increasing domestic production of these vital semiconductors, Rocket Lab aims to strengthen the resilience of U.S. supply chains and support national security and consumer demands.
Rocket Lab’s Albuquerque facility is a critical hub for the production of space-grade solar cells, a highly specialized type of compound semiconductor. These solar cells are designed to withstand the harsh conditions of space, including intense radiation and extreme temperature fluctuations, while maintaining high efficiency in converting sunlight into electrical energy.
The facility employs advanced manufacturing techniques and specialized equipment to produce these high-performance solar cells. The process begins with the growth of semiconductor materials, typically gallium arsenide or other III-V compounds, using techniques like molecular beam epitaxy or metal-organic chemical vapor deposition.
These semiconductor materials are then processed into thin-film solar cells through a series of precise steps, including:
- Photolithography to define the cell structure and electrical contacts
- Etching and deposition processes to create the various layers and junctions
- Anti-reflective coatings to enhance light absorption
- Electrical testing and sorting for quality control
The resulting space-grade solar cells exhibit superior radiation resistance, high efficiency (often exceeding 30%), and long-term stability in the harsh space environment. These characteristics are crucial for ensuring reliable power generation for extended periods, enabling long-duration missions and minimizing the need for frequent replacement or redundancy.
Furthermore, Rocket Lab’s facility incorporates stringent quality control measures and advanced characterization techniques to ensure the solar cells meet the demanding specifications required for critical space applications. This includes rigorous testing for radiation tolerance, thermal cycling, and performance under various operating conditions.
With the proposed expansion and modernization, Rocket Lab aims to imropve its production capabilities, incorporating advanced manufacturing equipment and automation to increase throughput and efficiency. This will enable the company to meet the growing demand for space-grade solar cells from government agencies, commercial satellite operators, and scientific missions exploring the frontiers of space.