San Antonio – Governor Greg Abbott announced today that Texas will launch a coordinated effort to secure the permanent location of the newly proposed United States Space Academy. The governor appointed a high‑profile leadership team, with State Representative Greg Bonnen, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and a native of Friendswood, serving as the chief coordinator.
State‑wide proposal in the works
The team will partner with the Texas Space Commission to develop a comprehensive statewide proposal for submission to the federal government. Members include former NASA astronauts, senior military leaders and leading researchers from Texas universities. Their mandate is to highlight the state’s unique capabilities that make it the logical choice for the academy.
Why Texas?
Governor Abbott emphasized that “Texas is the home of America’s human spaceflight program.” He pointed to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, which has been the hub of crewed missions for decades, as well as the state’s extensive military installations, world‑class research institutions such as the University of Texas system, and a rapidly expanding commercial space sector that includes launch providers and satellite manufacturers.
These assets, combined with Texas’ long‑standing partnership with the U.S. Air Force and Space Force, give the state a competitive edge in training the next generation of astronauts, engineers and space leaders.
Federal backing from the Trump administration
The push follows President Donald Trump’s executive order establishing a commission to recommend a permanent site for the academy. The administration’s directive underscores a national priority to strengthen America’s leadership in space exploration and to ensure a pipeline of talent for future missions.
By aligning state resources with the federal commission’s goals, Texas hopes to demonstrate both readiness and commitment, positioning the state as the premier candidate.
Economic and educational impact
Proponents argue that locating the academy in Texas would generate significant economic benefits, including high‑pay jobs, research grants and increased demand for local suppliers. It would also provide Texas students with unprecedented access to elite space education and training programs, reinforcing the state’s reputation as a hub for STEM excellence.
Local business leaders and community groups have voiced support, noting that the academy could serve as a catalyst for further investment in aerospace startups and educational initiatives across the state.
Next steps
The leadership team plans to submit its proposal to the federal commission later this year. If successful, the academy could be established within the next few years, bringing federal resources and national attention to Texas.
Governor Abbott and Rep. Bonnen reaffirmed their confidence that Texas’ unmatched combination of NASA heritage, military strength, academic prowess and private‑sector innovation will secure the academy’s future home.
Original reporting: KTSA News/Talk (San Antonio) — read the source article.
