The Texas Space Coalition, an El Paso-based nonprofit, is building integrated regional ecosystems to advance Texas’ space industry by connecting academic, industry, and government leaders. In a recent interview on The Building Texas Show, Executive Director Mike Pryor outlined the coalition’s mission to ignite innovation, stimulate economic development, and retain high-value talent in communities across the state.

Building Ecosystems: From La Frontera to the Final Frontier
The coalition focuses on creating partnerships that drive real-world outcomes: universities secure research grants, companies access skilled talent, and government programs align with industry needs.

“It’s like someone took the space rocket Lego set and laid it out on the table,” said Pryor. “All the parts are here in El Paso—light manufacturing, UTEP’s Aerospace Center, White Sands Test Facility, and a synchronized local government. We’re connecting them to build a thriving space economy.”

Join the “Launch & Learn” Seminar in El Paso
The coalition will host an in-person “Launch & Learn” seminar on February 24, 2026, from 5:00–6:30 p.m. MT at the Coronado Country Club in El Paso. The event will bring together industry professionals, academic leaders, and government representatives to explore partnership opportunities, workforce development, and regional strategies for growing Texas’ space sector. Registration is open to stakeholders across the space and aerospace value chain.

Why El Paso? A Strategic Hub for Space Development
El Paso’s unique assets position it as a natural hub for aerospace and space activity:

• University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) Aerospace Center: Produces high-quality engineering talent.
• Light Manufacturing & Metallurgy Expertise: Supports advanced component production.
• Regional Collaboration: Partnerships with New Mexico State University, Spaceport America, and Van Horn create a cross-border innovation corridor.
• Government & Military Assets: Proximity to White Sands Missile Range and Fort Bliss provides testing and research opportunities.

Stopping the Brain Drain, Keeping Families Together
A core goal is retaining local talent. Pryor shared, “It breaks my heart to see a PhD in aerospace engineering get in their car and drive off to another state. Those are family members leaving—it’s 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.

Expanding the Model Statewide
Following a successful inaugural conference in November 2024 that connected 150 industry, academic, and government leaders, the coalition is now expanding its regional ecosystem model to other Texas communities with aerospace ambitions.

“We’re an equal-opportunity helper,” Pryor noted. “Space is about looking up—to the stars and to big ideas. There’s no better place to pursue them than Texas.”

Join the Coalition
Businesses, academic institutions, government agencies, and economic development organizations interested in space ecosystem development are invited to connect.

Website: TxSpaceCoalition.org

Watch the full interview with Mike Pryor on The Building Show’s Youtube Channel:

Mike Pryor Reveals Texas Space Coalition's Secret Mission

“Space is one of these beautiful places where it brings your eyes up. You're looking to the stars, and there's still room for big ideas—no better place to do them than right here in Texas.” — Mike Pryor, Texas Space Coalition

About the Texas Space Coalition
The Texas Space Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing regional space ecosystems by connecting academic, industry, and government leaders. Through partnerships, conferences, and strategic initiatives, the coalition stimulates innovation, workforce development, and economic growth in Texas’ space sector.

About The Building Texas Show:
Hosted by Justin McKenzie, The Building Texas Show features conversations with leaders and candidates shaping Texas communities. From elections to economic development, the show highlights civic engagement and local impact.

Media Contact:
Justin McKenzie
Host, The Building Texas Show
(210) 748-2312 | justin@buildingtexasshow.com
https://buildingtexasshow.com

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