Texas Space Coalition Builds Regional Ecosystems to Advance State's Space Industry

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. 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 during a recent interview on The Building Texas Show. The coalition focuses on creating partnerships that drive real-world outcomes where universities secure research grants, companies access skilled talent, and government programs align with industry needs.

Pryor described the approach using an analogy: "It's like someone took the space rocket Lego set and laid it out on the table. 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 natural hub for aerospace and space activity, including the University of Texas at El Paso Aerospace Center that produces high-quality engineering talent, light manufacturing and metallurgy expertise that supports advanced component production, and regional collaboration with partners like New Mexico State University, Spaceport America, and Van Horn that creates a cross-border innovation corridor.

A core goal is retaining local talent to prevent what Pryor calls "a brain drain and a heart drain." He 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." By linking students and skilled workers to local space industry opportunities, the coalition helps build intact, thriving communities. 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, bringing together industry professionals, academic leaders, and government representatives to explore partnership opportunities, workforce development, and regional strategies for growing Texas' space sector.

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. Pryor noted, "We're an equal-opportunity helper. Space is about looking up—to the stars and to big ideas. There's no better place to pursue them than Texas." The coalition's work represents a strategic approach to developing Texas' space economy by leveraging existing assets and creating connections between different sectors. More information about the coalition's initiatives can be found on their website at https://TxSpaceCoalition.org, and the full interview with Mike Pryor is available on The Building Show's YouTube Channel.