Space startup Mantis Space selects Albuquerque for HQ, manufacturing site

A space startup aiming to build a grid in space has chosen Albuquerque for the site of its headquarters and manufacturing facility, a move that could bring over 200 high-paying jobs to the area.

The state Economic Development Department announced Monday that Mantis Space’s selection of Albuquerque could generate $480 million in economic impact for the city and state over the next decade, as well as create local jobs with an average wage of $180,000.

The space and advanced energy startup, backed by venture studio partner Montauk Capital, builds orbital infrastructure that delivers power directly to on-orbit assets like satellites, habitats and lunar operations.

“Albuquerque exceeded nearly all our criteria for our highly competitive selection and offered an extremely competitive package that was ultimately the key,” Mantis Space CEO Eric Truitt said in a statement. “We look forward to working together to make New Mexico a national leader in both space and advanced energy innovation.”

Philip Krim, co-founder and CEO of Montauk Capital, which is backing Mantis Space, said the company is well-suited to bring energy infrastructure to space, something he feels will be a “huge unlock for humanity.”

Mantis Space officials couldn’t be reached for comment, and it is unclear where exactly the facility will be located. But Max Gruner, the city’s economic development director, said it will be located in the city’s “metro area,” in proximity to the Albuquerque International Sunport and other key transportation routes.

“The amazing thing about Mantis is, when they originally talked to us, they were only considering potentially bringing manufacturing to New Mexico,” Gruner said. “They have been so impressed with the value proposition that is our city, that not only are they bringing their manufacturing here, but they’re actually moving their headquarters to Albuquerque.”

Gruner said the city entered the conversation as a potential location for Mantis Space in early 2024 as the company was considering other states with strong aerospace ecosystems.

The city is supporting Mantis Space’s move with $500,000 in Local Economic Development Act funding, as well as workforce assistance through training programs. The state will add $2.5 million in LEDA assistance.

As with any major industrial development, Gruner said the project still needs zoning and permit approvals. The Albuquerque City Council will also need to approve the LEDA money.

Mantis Space is currently finalizing site plans, and Gruner said groundwork and facility preparations are expected to begin in 2026. Shortly after, the startup will ramp up hiring and equipment installation with initial operations projected to come online by 2027.

Mantis Space, founded in Kennesaw, Georgia, by a group of space veterans, joins a list out-of-state companies looking to relocate or build operations in New Mexico. That includes Qunnect, which is building the state’s first quantum network in Albuquerque, and Pacific Fusion, which chose Mesa del Sol for its $1 billion nuclear fusion energy facility. Hypersonic missile manufacturer Castelion Corp. also recently selected Sandoval County as the location of its 1,000-acre campus.

Gruner believes this is no coincidence.

“As more and more of these companies cluster into this ecosystem, they will cross-fertilize each other and create that gravitational pull to not only attract other companies that are innovative, but really attract the companies that constitute the supply chain for these anchor enterprises here in Albuquerque,” Gruner said.