Palm Bay, Florida: L3Harris Technologies, a defense industry leader specializing in end-to-end technology solutions across space, air, land, sea, and cyber domains, has announced the completion of a sweeping $100 million expansion to its Palm Bay satellite integration and test facility, a move cementing the Space Coast’s critical role in America’s ambitious Golden Dome missile defense initiative during President Trump’s second term, which began on January 20, 2025.
State-of-the-Art Facility Powers Nation’s Missile Defense
The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held at the new 94,000-square-foot site, drew elected officials, defense industry partners, and local leaders in support of the Department of Defense’s (DOD) urgent mandate for advanced orbital technology. The expanded facility is tailored to accelerate the production of next-generation satellites equipped to identify, track, and defend against the rapidly growing hypersonic and advanced missile threats challenging U.S. national security.
“Accelerating the production of proven hardware for national missile warning and defense remains a priority as we align resources across the enterprise to support the President’s vision for America’s Golden Dome,” said L3Harris Chair and CEO, Christopher E. Kubasik. “We continue to deliver advanced space-based technology with the speed and agility required to protect our homeland from advanced threats while bolstering U.S. manufacturing and continued investment in Florida”.
Supporting the Golden Dome Vision
The facility’s expansion adds pivotal manufacturing and testing capabilities to Florida’s “Space Coast,” aiding delivery of indispensable components and systems for the Golden Dome throughout Trump’s administration. Golden Dome—heralded as a multi-layered shield involving hundreds of satellites and global sensors—is designed to provide comprehensive missile detection, tracking, and interception for national defense.
L3Harris is at the vanguard, currently fielding five operational satellites and developing an additional 34 birds for hypersonic missile tracking in support of existing DOD missile defense architectures. This investment is expected to help the Pentagon meet the pressing demand for rapid deployment of proven, scalable hardware—amid growing geopolitical threats.
Wider Impact: Jobs and Economic Growth
Local officials were quick to highlight the economic and social impact of L3Harris’s latest investment. “Palm Bay is honored to be the home of this advanced facility, which plays a vital role in strengthening our national security and sustaining the technological edge that keeps our country safe,” said Palm Bay Mayor Rob Medina. “The investment by L3Harris not only supports key defense and space missions but also drives economic opportunity here at home through high-skill, high-wage jobs. We’re proud that Palm Bay is helping lead the way in supporting our nation’s readiness and innovation. L3Harris remains a valued partner in that mission and in the continued growth of our city”.
U.S. Rep. Mike Haridopolos echoed these sentiments, calling L3Harris “an instrumental leader, not just in space, but national defense, as you’re a vital part of the Golden Dome”.
Scaling for Strategic Deterrence
L3Harris’s investments go beyond the Space Coast: the company now boasts over 900,000 square feet of next-generation manufacturing space nationwide, dedicated to missile warning and defense technologies, precision fire-control sensing, and interceptor propulsion and control systems. These advancements keep the U.S. on the leading edge of missile defense manufacturing, providing jobs, innovation, and technological leadership.
While initial funding for the Golden Dome program remains subject to ongoing legislative debate in Congress, L3Harris’s infrastructure expansion puts the company at the strategic center of the U.S. missile defense push, ready to answer the DOD’s call should funding hurdles be cleared. As the Golden Dome initiative progresses, L3Harris is poised to play a pivotal role in fortifying America’s defense shield.
