The U.S. Commerce Department has announced plans to award Rocket Lab $23.9 million to enhance the production of compound semiconductors used in satellites and spacecraft 
. This award is part of the Biden administration's $52.7 billion chip manufacturing and research subsidy program . The funds will be used to support Rocket Lab's unit, SolAero Technologies Corp, in creating a more robust and resilient supply of space-grade solar cells that power spacecraft and satellites