Rocket Lab Subsidiary Secures CHIPS Act Funding to Increase Solar Cell Production

The Department of Commerce announced that it has entered into a non-binding preliminary memorandum of terms with Rocket Lab, the parent company of space power provider SolAero Technologies, to support the development of a more robust and resilient supply of space-grade solar cells for use on spacecraft.

Peter Beck, founder and CEO of Rocket Lab, said that the company has been one of the major players in the domestic semiconductor market and the CHIPS Act grant allows it to continue its commitment to ensuring a resilient supply chain in the country.

Under the agreement, the Commerce Department will provide up to $23.9 million in direct funding under the CHIPS and Science Act. The grant will help increase the company’s capability to produce compound semiconductors by 50 percent within the next three years, ensuring that the United States has a steady supply of solar cells, Commerce .gov reported.

Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said solar cells play a vital role in keeping communications and space technologies working at their optimum level, and by granting Rocket Lab the needed funds, the government is investing to ensure that its military, NASA and the commercial space sector have access to semiconductors essential to carrying out their missions.