New Mexico and Albuquerque Back Defense and Space Technology Expansion
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (June 19, 2026) — BlackVe Inc., a defense and space technology company, will expand its Albuquerque headquarters with support from the State of New Mexico and the City of Albuquerque, creating 152 high-paying jobs over the next 10 years.
The project is backed by more than $1.5 million in state and local economic development support and is expected to generate more than $228 million in total economic impact for New Mexico.
BlackVe, founded in January 2024, manufactures multi-mission spacecraft and uses advanced production technologies to accelerate how satellites are designed, built and operated. The company’s Albuquerque expansion will include a new 50,000-square-foot light-industrial satellite manufacturing facility.
State and Local Incentives Support Space Tech Growth
The State of New Mexico will provide $1 million through the Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) fund. The City of Albuquerque will contribute $250,000 in local LEDA funding, along with a 20-year Industrial Revenue Bond.
Funding will be distributed as BlackVe meets construction and hiring benchmarks, with the City of Albuquerque serving as fiscal agent.
In addition to LEDA support, BlackVe has been awarded up to $295,000 through New Mexico’s Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP) to immediately hire and train nine employees at an average hourly wage of $57. JTIP reimburses qualifying companies for at least 50% of wages during the training period for up to six months.
Strengthening New Mexico’s Aerospace and Defense Economy
“New Mexico continues to prove we are leaders in the advanced tech industries that will define the future,” said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “We’ve created an ecosystem in this state that’s designed for the long term — one that supports discovery, attracts talent and accelerates innovation.”
Economic Development New Mexico Cabinet Secretary Rob Black said the project builds on the state’s long-standing strengths in defense and aerospace.
“New Mexico’s long legacy in defense and aerospace is today’s launchpad for future-focused innovation and growth,” Black said. “By expanding their spacecraft manufacturing and operations in Albuquerque, BlackVe is creating high-paying jobs while strengthening our state’s role in national security and space resilience.”
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller said the expansion reflects the city’s growing position in space and defense technology.
“Albuquerque is built for space and defense innovation, and BlackVe is exactly the kind of company we want growing here,” Keller said. “This expansion brings 152 high-paying jobs and strengthens our city’s role in national security and the future of space tech.”
BlackVe Expansion to Create High-Quality STEM Careers
BlackVe CEO Dr. Peter Wegner said the company is proud to grow in a region with deep aerospace roots.
“BlackVe is deeply proud to partner with New Mexico and the Albuquerque community, a region whose rich aerospace heritage matches our own vision for the United States in space,” Wegner said. “This partnership is not just about building advanced spacecraft; it is about investing in the local workforce, creating high-quality STEM careers for New Mexicans and inspiring the next generation of home-grown innovators to reach for the stars.”
Albuquerque Economic Development Director Max Gruner said the combination of LEDA, IRB and JTIP resources will help BlackVe scale its operations while delivering measurable returns for the community.
“This is a strong win for Albuquerque’s advanced manufacturing economy,” Gruner said. “With LEDA support, an IRB and JTIP training resources, BlackVe can scale a 50,000-square-foot satellite manufacturing facility here, creating great jobs and delivering real returns as they hit hiring and construction benchmarks.”
Chad Matheson, president and CEO of the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance, said BlackVe’s expansion adds momentum to Greater Albuquerque’s aerospace and defense sector.
“BlackVe represents exactly the kind of company we want building its future in Greater Albuquerque: innovative, mission-focused and operating at the forefront of national security technology,” Matheson said. “Its expansion further strengthens a growing ecosystem of aerospace and defense companies that are shaping the future of space while creating high-value opportunities for New Mexico’s workforce.”
Project Highlights
- Company: BlackVe Inc.
- Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Industry: Defense, aerospace and space technology
- Project: Headquarters expansion and satellite manufacturing facility
- Facility Size: 50,000 square feet
- New Jobs: 152 over 10 years
- Economic Impact: More than $228 million
- State LEDA Support: $1 million
- City LEDA Support: $250,000
- Additional Support: 20-year Industrial Revenue Bond and up to $295,000 in JTIP funding
- Average Wage for Initial JTIP Positions: $57 per hour
BlackVe’s investment further strengthens New Mexico’s position as a growing hub for advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defense technology and space innovation.
