Texas To Spend Big on Space with New Legislature Funding for Space Commission

The Texas legislature is deepening its commitment to space, having voted to form a new Texas Space Commission and an Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium this month.

The legislature voted to pass the bill supporting the state’s space industry on May 17. Texas Governor Greg Abbott had asked the legislature to provide $350 million to create and fund the commission in the next two years, arguing in February that this measure would allow the state to benefit from the rise of space exploration and activity on the back of increased private activity.

“Continued development of the space industry in the state will ensure Texas remains at the forefront not only in the United States, but the entire world,” Abbott stated in February, in his budget document for the 88th Legislature. “Further investment will cement Texas as the preeminent location for innovation and development in this rapidly growing industry. Due to increased competition from other states and internationally, further planning and coordination is needed to keep Texas at the cutting edge.”

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