HOUSTON (KXAN) — Texas is taking a new step to secure its future in space exploration and development. Gov. Greg Abbott and other leaders officially launched the Texas Space Commission Tuesday from NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.
“With the Texas Space Commission, our great state will have a group that is responsible for dreaming and achieving the next generation of human exploration in space,” Abbott said. “Texas is the launchpad for Mars, innovating the technology that will colonize humanity’s first new planet.”
The Texas Space Commission will work to enhance the fields of space exploration and commercial aerospace and the impact they may have on the Texas economy.
The commission board directors will also administer the Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Funds and any grants.
Abbott also revealed the Texas Aerospace Space Economy Consortium Executive Committee (TARSEC). TARSEC will independently identify research opportunities within Texas, to boost this field. Additionally, representatives of higher education institutions in Texas will contribute with funding and research for the Texas Space Commission.
The governor, alongside Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Speaker Dade Phelan, appointed nine members to the Texas Space Commission Board of Directors.
Evan Loomis, the co-founder of Austin 3D home printing company ICON, will serve on the commission. NASA already started working with ICON for printing homes on the moon.
Bill Weber, the CEO of Firefly Aerospace in Cedar Park, will serve on TARSEC. The company develops launch vehicles for commercial aerospace in Central Texas.
“As we look into the future of space, one thing is clear: those who reach for the stars do so from the great state of Texas,” said Abbott.