DECATUR, Alabama: Karman Space & Defense, a leading developer of advanced aerospace and defense systems, officially opened its state-of-the-art 30,000-square-foot facility in Decatur, Alabama, marking a significant expansion in its capabilities to support next-generation space and defense technologies. The milestone was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by industry leaders, elected officials, and community partners, underscoring the company’s commitment to innovation, workforce development, and national security.
Situated in the heart of a thriving aerospace and defense corridor, Karman’s new Decatur facility is strategically positioned near major prime contractors and critical infrastructure. This location enables the company to accelerate the delivery of mission-ready solutions to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and commercial space partners, enhancing responsiveness and operational agility.
The facility is designed to maximize operational efficiency by integrating the full lifecycle of advanced defense and space systems, including design, engineering, manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing. This comprehensive approach allows Karman to streamline production and rapidly adapt to evolving customer requirements in areas such as launch vehicles, satellites, spacecraft, missile defense, hypersonics, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
Karman plans to onboard a diverse range of engineering and technical talent at the Decatur site, including quality engineering and assurance specialists, as well as engineering and assembly technicians. The expansion is expected to create numerous high-skilled jobs in the region, reinforcing the company’s commitment to workforce development and contributing to local economic growth.
Tony Koblinski, CEO of Karman Space & Defense, emphasized the significance of the new facility: “Karman’s expansion in Decatur reflects our strong commitment to our customers, to national security, and to the future of space exploration. Our new, cutting-edge facility enhances our ability to deliver mission-critical systems that strengthen U.S. defense capabilities and expand the boundaries of space innovation, powered by advanced technology, collaboration, and a bold vision for the future.”
Karman’s expertise spans nearly five decades, delivering critical systems for over 100 space and defense programs through partnerships with more than 70 prime contractors. The company specializes in Payload & Protection Systems, Aerodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems, all vital components for space launch vehicles and defense platforms.
The Decatur facility’s capabilities will support Karman’s role in developing next-generation technologies for missile defense, hypersonic weapons, and space exploration vehicles. By consolidating design, manufacturing, and testing under one roof, Karman aims to reduce lead times and improve quality control, ensuring mission success in increasingly complex and contested environments.
Karman’s new facility adds to Alabama’s robust aerospace and defense industry, which supports over 45,000 jobs and generates more than $6 billion in economic activity annually. The state has become a national leader in aerospace innovation, hosting major players like United Launch Alliance (ULA) in Decatur, Lockheed Martin in Huntsville, and Airbus in Mobile.
Decatur itself is home to ULA’s massive rocket manufacturing plant, producing launch vehicles such as the Atlas V, Delta IV, and the upcoming Vulcan Centaur. The presence of such industry giants creates a vibrant ecosystem of suppliers, contractors, and technology innovators, fostering collaboration and accelerating advancements in space access and defense capabilities.
Karman’s investment in Decatur aligns with broader trends in the aerospace sector emphasizing advanced manufacturing, digital engineering, and rapid prototyping. The company’s integrated approach leverages cutting-edge technologies to meet the evolving demands of space exploration and national defense.
The facility also positions Karman to better collaborate with government agencies and commercial partners, enabling agile responses to emerging threats and mission requirements. This collaborative spirit is critical as the U.S. pursues ambitious goals such as lunar exploration under NASA’s Artemis program and the modernization of missile defense systems.
Karman Space & Defense is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of aerospace and defense. The expansion not only strengthens U.S. technological leadership but also supports regional economic development and workforce empowerment.
