Texas Space Coalition Builds Ecosystems to Boost State's Space Industry

The Texas Space Coalition, an El Paso-based nonprofit, is spearheading efforts to build integrated regional ecosystems that advance Texas' space industry by connecting academic, industry, and government leaders. In a recent interview on The Building Texas Show, Executive Director Mike Pryor detailed the coalition's mission to ignite innovation, stimulate economic development, and retain high-value talent across the state. The coalition focuses on creating partnerships that yield tangible outcomes: universities secure research grants, companies access skilled talent, and government programs align with industry needs. Pryor likened the effort to assembling a space rocket Lego set, noting that all the essential parts—including light manufacturing, UTEP's Aerospace Center, and the White Sands Test Facility—are already present in El Paso and simply need to be connected to build a thriving space economy.

To further its goals, the coalition will host an in-person "Launch & Learn" seminar on February 24, 2026, at the Coronado Country Club in El Paso. This event aims to bring together industry professionals, academic leaders, and government representatives to explore partnership opportunities, workforce development, and regional strategies for growing Texas' space sector. El Paso is positioned as a strategic hub due to its unique assets, such as the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) Aerospace Center, which produces high-quality engineering talent; light manufacturing and metallurgy expertise for advanced component production; and regional collaborations with entities like New Mexico State University, Spaceport America, and Van Horn, creating a cross-border innovation corridor. Additionally, proximity to government and military assets like White Sands Missile Range and Fort Bliss provides valuable testing and research opportunities.

A core objective of the coalition is to combat brain drain by retaining local talent, as Pryor expressed concern over skilled individuals leaving the state for opportunities elsewhere, which he described as both a "brain drain and a heart drain." By linking students and skilled workers to local space industry opportunities, the coalition helps build intact, thriving communities. Following a successful inaugural conference in November 2024 that connected 150 leaders, the coalition is now expanding its regional ecosystem model to other Texas communities with aerospace ambitions. Businesses, academic institutions, government agencies, and economic development organizations interested in space ecosystem development are invited to join the coalition and contribute to this growing initiative.