Houston leads charge to the next chapter of aerospace
Writer: Andrea Teran
May 2024 — Houston has long been synonymous with space exploration due to its central role in numerous historical NASA missions and its continuing influence in the aerospace sector. In March, Governor Greg Abbott announced the launch of the Texas Space Commission during a high-profile event at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. The commission, alongside the Texas Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium (TARSEC), is set to propel the state into new frontiers of aerospace innovation and commercial opportunities.
“The formation of the Space Commission will be critically important for setting forth a strategy for the entire state of Texas. It’s essential for us to work closely together with the Commission reflecting our academic, industry, and governmental sectors,” said Vanessa Wyche, director at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in a recent interview with Invest:, “This collaboration is necessary for us to connect and strategize effectively. I am very glad this is happening, especially now during a huge renaissance in the space industry. To ensure Texas remains at the forefront, it’s vital for us all to understand the plan and work on it together.”
Houston’s aerospace industry has witnessed significant milestones that underscore its growth trajectory. For instance, the introduction of the American Center for Manufacturing and Innovation (ACMI) at Johnson’s Exploration Park and the lease signed by NASA with the Texas A&M University System are pivotal developments, fostering new business development and job creation. The park’s focus on space systems manufacturing and research aligns with broader efforts to enhance the local and state economy through high-tech industries.
The recent $5 million NASA grant to the University of Houston for opening an aerospace engineering research center, NASA MIRO Inflatable Deployable Environments and Adaptive Space Systems (IDEAS2) Center, is set to further educational and research capabilities in space exploration. This center aims to extend human presence on the moon and Mars while promoting cutting-edge aerospace engineering education. It is also expected to work closely with the Johnson Space Center, amplifying Houston’s role in developing sustainable space infrastructure and advancing long-term missions to the moon and Mars.
While the aerospace sector in Houston is poised for growth, there are significant challenges that need to be addressed to sustain this momentum. One of the main concerns is the potential for growth to outpace the availability of skilled workers in the aerospace sector. Texas Southern University’s planned aeronautical training hub at Ellington Airport and San Jacinto College’s EDGE Center are crucial for sustaining jobs and nurturing talent in the rapidly evolving space industry. These educational partnerships highlight the spaceport’s commitment to fostering a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of modern aerospace projects.
Additionally the ongoing development of the Houston Spaceport, home to prominent aerospace companies such as Axiom Space, Intuitive Machines, and Collins Aerospace, which collectively hold around $5 billion in contracts with NASA and other aerospace organizations, keep the city at the cutting edge of the aerospace sector. These initiatives not only enhance the capabilities of the Johnson Space Center but also integrate academic and commercial expertise, fostering a thriving ecosystem for aerospace innovation.
“The regulatory landscape in Houston has been very conducive to our needs. The support from local authorities for infrastructure development and business operations is crucial for a company like ours.” Mike Lungariello, CFO at Axiom Space stated to Invest:. “Houston’s commitment to supporting the space sector is particularly valuable. The Spaceport, symbolically and practically, is an ideal base for us. Furthermore, Houston’s historical connection with space exploration, such as the Apollo program, adds to its appeal.”
For more information, please visit:
https://www.axiomspace.com/
https://uh.edu/
https://www.sanjac.edu/
