The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) recently announced six business development projects expected to generate more than $25 million in total investment and support the creation of 324 jobs. One of these projects will establish headquarters for the aerospace company R2 Space.
R2 Space, Inc., established in 2018, is an aerospace company dedicated to providing U.S. government and commercial customers with space-based satellite radar intelligence. R2 Space supports high-tech industries including aerospace, homeland security and defense technology. With experience that spans from directly serving SEAL Team SIX to the Deputy Secretary of Defense, its co-founders bring a proven track record of supporting our national security with innovative technologies.
As a result of current and future growth through new contracts, the company plans to relocate and expand its corporate headquarters in the City of Ann Arbor. Once completed, the space will include an ISO-class 8 clean room, electrical and mechanical test labs and associated specialized test equipment, manufacturing equipment and a satellite operations mission center. The expansion will involve the creation of 30 new jobs and a capital investment of up to $1,396,000 in Ann Arbor, resulting in a $250,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.
“R2 Space is honored to call Ann Arbor, Michigan home. Ann Arbor is the nation’s center of excellence for Synthetic Aperture Radar, providing the specialized and highly qualified workforce needed to scale the R2 family to over 30 people in the next two years. This is just our start. R2 Space’s relocation to Michigan will enable us to benefit from the automotive industry’s depth and expertise in manufacturing,” said CEO and Co-Founder of R2 Space Dr. Reuben Sorensen. “The commercial space sector is becoming an increasingly important part of the military’s efforts in space. Our goal is to showcase how Michigan’s Motor City will soon drive the space industry in support of our nation’s security.”
In addition to MSF support, Ann Arbor SPARK is prepared to assist the company in finding candidates for the newly created positions. Michigan was chosen over competing sites in Ohio, Texas, Louisiana and Virginia. For more information on careers with R2 Space, Inc., visit here.
“Ann Arbor has an extensive aerospace heritage, anchored by University of Michigan’s world-class aerospace engineering programs,” said Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK. “The decision by R2 Space to select Ann Arbor for its new corporate headquarters signals that this high-growth company values the region’s top talent and culture of innovation. Attracting the company here widens opportunities for job seekers and underscores our reputation as a high-tech magnet.”
