The Texas Space Coalition, an El Paso-based nonprofit organization, is developing integrated regional ecosystems designed to advance Texas' space industry by connecting academic, industry, and government leaders. 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.
The coalition focuses on creating partnerships that drive tangible outcomes, including helping universities secure research grants, enabling companies to access skilled talent, and ensuring government programs align with industry needs. Pryor described the effort as connecting existing assets. "It's like someone took the space rocket Lego set and laid it out on the table," he said. "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."
El Paso's unique assets position it as a strategic hub for this development. These include the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) Aerospace Center, which produces engineering talent; local light manufacturing and metallurgy expertise for component production; and regional collaboration with entities like New Mexico State University and Spaceport America. Proximity to government and military assets such as White Sands Missile Range and Fort Bliss also provides critical testing and research opportunities.
A core goal for the coalition is reversing the "brain drain" by retaining local talent within Texas communities. "It breaks my heart to see a PhD in aerospace engineering get in their car and drive off to another state," Pryor shared. "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 aims to help build intact, thriving communities.
Following a successful inaugural conference in November 2024 that connected 150 leaders, the coalition is expanding its regional ecosystem model to other Texas communities with aerospace ambitions. The organization will host an in-person "Launch & Learn" seminar on February 24, 2026, in El Paso to further explore partnership opportunities, workforce development, and regional strategies. More information about the coalition's work is available on its website at https://TxSpaceCoalition.org.
Pryor emphasized the broader vision, stating, "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." The coalition's approach represents a coordinated effort to harness Texas' existing resources and partnerships to secure a significant role in the future space economy.
