Palm Bay, Fla. — L3Harris Technologies has completed a $100 million expansion of its satellite integration and testing facility in Palm Bay, adding 94,000 square feet to support the development of missile detection satellites.
The project, which ended on August 21, is linked to the US Department of Defense’s proposed Golden Dome for America initiative. This is a multi-layer missile defense system aimed at completion by 2028. The expansion is expected to create 100 highly paid jobs with an average salary of $100,000.
The Palm Bay site plays a central role in L3Harris’ portfolio of space-based defense technologies. This includes five satellites in orbit, and 34 more in the development for polar missile tracking. Company officials say the investment highlights L3Harris’ efforts to accelerate production of proven hardware to enhance US missile warning and defense capabilities.
Nationwide, Melbourne-based aerospace and defense company (NYSE: LHX) has poured hundreds of millions of dollars to expand more than 900,000 square feet of advanced manufacturing space to support precision fire control sensing, missile defense systems and related technologies.
The Golden Dome initiative, which first stepped forward under President Donald Trump, is projected to cost $175 billion, according to Reuters. While many of the program details remain in development, L3Harris CEO Christopher E. Kubasik said the new Palm Bay facility reflects the company’s commitment to advance agile space-based technology that enhances national security while strengthening domestic manufacturing.
L3Harris is the third largest employer in Brevard County, with over 7,500 local employees and 9,000 people across the state. Nationally, the company employs more than 47,000 people and as of September 30, 2024, it has reported annual revenue of $21,333 billion and net profit of $1.5 billion, making it the region’s largest publicly traded company and second-largest manufacturer.
The expansion adds to the wave of growth across the Brevard County defense and aerospace sector. For example, industrial gas supplier Linde is expanding its MIMS facility to supply liquid oxygen and nitrogen to rocket launches, which are expected to have additional capacity by early 2027.
Palm Bay Mayor Rob Medina welcomed L3harris’ investment and praised both the role of national defense and the economic benefits of the region. “We are proud to be Palm Bay leading the way in supporting our country’s preparation and innovation,” Medina said.
