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By Rick Tumlinson (originally published as an op-ed in the Austin American Statesman July 21, 2023)

Texas is finally taking the leap into space, and not a moment too soon. In fact, in 2011, I moved back to the home of my ancestors and family to awaken “the sleeping giant” of Texas to the possibilities of space. I even wrote an opinion piece in this newspaper calling for a Texas Space Commission. In the article, I discussed how other states were investing millions to recruit this new industry, citing “Space Florida” as an example. Meanwhile, Texas had one person overseeing both aero and space for the entire state.

In parallel, a small group of citizens formed the Texas Space Alliance to push commercial space in Texas. During its two-year life, we held the first-ever summit of Texas space companies (that also met with then-Governor Perry), and co-authored and helped pass a liability law enabling companies like Blue Origin to fly citizen astronauts, as they are doing today near Van Horn.

This year Governor Abbott and the legislature are establishing the Space Commission. While the commercial space race is well under way, the Texas Space Commission (TSC) is arriving early enough to make a big difference in how we benefit from this milestone in history.

The TSC’s over $300 million budget fits the “giant” analogy. We aren’t just entering the race but showing up to win it. For example, Space Florida is spending $6 million this year. Much less, but they’ve been spending in that range since 2007. Importantly, Florida documented over $5 billion in economic impact from their investment, and predictions are that space companies in the state will generate $1 billion of annual economic activity by 2030.

If Texas can emulate Florida’s model, this may be one of the most transformative investments in the Lone Star State’s future – ever. The key is investing our tax money wisely.

A number that large involves concrete being poured somewhere. Probably Houston, where this effort originated. We will see shiny new space facilities related to NASA’s Moon and Mars program and maybe even commercial space. All good. I also assume budget increases in major university space departments. Again, excellent.

Other priorities are funding for an inclusive Texas STEAM-space education pipeline starting in elementary schools and basic space research and astronomy. For example, I’m working with a team to place a telescope in every middle school in the state. Workforce development is also critical. Space companies need a wide range of white- and blue-collar talent – as it really isn’t all rocket science.

The big economic returns will come from business opportunities. Space Florida was given tools to leverage facilities, engage in contractual relationships, and make appropriate investments in companies deemed valuable to the state’s long-term plans. By supporting a strong startup community and luring early-stage companies, Florida became a nexus for the space innovators building tomorrow’s billion-dollar companies. Now it’s our turn.

The key to the Texas government’s economic rocket ship is to not operate like the government. Being a startup itself, the TSC can study experiences in government-enabled space business hubs like Florida, Colorado, and New Mexico and leapfrog their designs.

The prime requirement for a successful launch is for the TSC to be on board with the idea that its real job is not just to build buildings – but to also invest in education and a Texas space economy that can carry our children and grandchildren to the stars.

In 2011, I declared the first person to step on Mars would be a private citizen, arriving in a rocketship built and launched from Texas. With the large and welcome space investments being made by private citizens in Texas and the great work of the legislature and governor in providing this launch pad, we are go for lift-off!

With a rich history in human space flight since 1961, Texas has emerged as a major player in the space industry and is well on its way to becoming the world’s leading space destination. Texas even boasts its own Kitty Hawk, where in 1982 the first commercial space launch of Deke Slayton’s Conestoga 1 ascended from Matagorda Island. But there is fierce competition for growth in the space economy which is expected to reach $1 Trillion by 2040. This is why the Texas Space Foundation was created–to unite the stakeholders in space exploration and make the Lone Star State the stepping stone to the stars.

There a three key drivers that position Texas to be the leader in space:

1. A booming space industry: Texas is home to some of the biggest names in the space industry, including SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Axiom Space. These companies are investing billions of dollars in the state, creating thousands of jobs and driving innovation in the industry. According to The Perryman Group’s report “Texas Surges Ahead in the New Space Race” from February 2022, the Space Economy in Texas is projected to have a low case impact of $23.6 billion to $27.3 billion in annual gross product and support 175,274 to 202,726 jobs as of 2030.
2. Favorable business environment: Texas is known for its business-friendly environment, low taxes, skilled labor and affordable cost of living. This has made it an attractive destination for space companies looking to set up operations. In addition, the state has a strong infrastructure, including major airports, ports, and highways, which makes it easy for companies to transport equipment and materials domestically and internationally.
3. Government support: Texas has shown a commitment to the space industry by investing in research and development, as well as offering tax incentives to companies. The state’s Spaceport Trust Fund, which was established in 2013, provides funding for space-related projects, while the pending Texas Space Commission will have over $350M in funding to help attract and grow space businesses to Texas.

Overall, Texas is well-positioned to become the world’s leading space destination. A booming space business will pay dividends to the state for decades to come. These dividends are not only in direct economic value but also in building a science and engineering-centric workforce which is essential in the 21st century.

The Texas Space Foundation is thrilled about this future. And more exciting announcements will be made in the months ahead. As space continues to play an increasingly important role in our lives, Texas is set to lead the way.