Kent-based Blue Origin announced on October 8 its decision to establish a new aerospace manufacturing facility in Hutto, Texas. This expansive 1.3 million-square-foot complex, named Constellation Park, will serve as a central production hub for several of the company’s satellite and communications programs.
The new facility is expected to create more than 2,000 manufacturing and related jobs over the next 10 years. According to Blue Origin, the state of Texas, and the city of Hutto, this investment will strengthen Texas's aerospace industry and drive growth among local suppliers and supporting businesses.
Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp stated on the company’s website, “Texas has long understood what it takes to lead in space exploration.” Limp added that Blue Origin is proud to grow its footprint in Texas, tap into the state’s talent, and help ensure America remains a leader in space innovation.
Constellation Park will support manufacturing for TeraWave, Blue Origin’s satellite communications network designed to deliver up to 6 terabits per second of symmetrical data globally. This network aims to serve enterprise, data center, and government users who rely on resilient global connectivity for critical operations. Additionally, the facility will expand production for Quartz, a global ground communications network featuring 3.7-meter aperture antennas that enable S-band and X-band connectivity for low Earth orbit missions.
The new campus will also house manufacturing for key Blue Origin subsystems, including solar arrays, avionics, telecommunications, and other satellite hardware, as announced by the company. Blue Origin has not yet released a timeline for the project’s completion.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos started Blue Origin in Kent in 2000. While the company originated in Kent, it expanded its operations to Texas nearly 20 years ago with the establishment of Launch Site One in 2006. The company currently employs more than 550 individuals in Texas.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott commented on the expansion, stating, “Texas is the launchpad to a future of possibilities.” Governor Abbott noted that Blue Origin’s substantial investment in Texas supports their satellite communications network and demonstrates the state’s leadership in advanced manufacturing and space industries. He added that Texas offers technology leaders the space, speed, and talent needed to rapidly scale operations.
In Washington state, questions arose regarding Blue Origin’s decision. Inquiries to Blue Origin about whether sites in Washington or other states were considered have not received a response. Similarly, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson’s office has not responded to requests for comment on the matter.
Governor Ferguson recently announced on September 28 the formation of a Governor’s Space Council. This 23-member panel aims to advance the aerospace industry within Washington state. The council includes Kent Mayor Dana Ralph, state Senator Claudia Kauffman (D-Kent), Kent-based Stoke Space CEO and co-founder Andy Lapsa, and Blue Origin Chief Commercial Officer Michael Edmonds. This announcement followed Shield AI, a California-based aerospace company, selecting Des Moines on September 30 for a facility to build unmanned fighter jets.
