The Texas Space Coalition, an El Paso-based nonprofit organization, is developing 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 tangible outcomes: universities secure research grants, companies access skilled talent, and government programs align with industry needs. Pryor described the approach as connecting existing assets. "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," he stated.
El Paso's unique assets position it as a strategic hub for aerospace and space activity. These include the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) Aerospace Center, which produces high-quality engineering talent; local light manufacturing and metallurgy expertise supporting advanced component production; regional collaboration with entities like New Mexico State University and Spaceport America creating a cross-border innovation corridor; and proximity to government and military assets such as White Sands Missile Range and Fort Bliss, which provide testing and research opportunities.
A core goal of the initiative is retaining local talent to prevent what Pryor calls both a "brain drain and a heart drain." He expressed concern about highly educated individuals leaving the state for opportunities elsewhere, noting these departures represent family members leaving communities. By linking students and skilled workers to local space industry opportunities, the coalition aims to help build intact, thriving communities.
The coalition will host an in-person "Launch & Learn" seminar on February 24, 2026, at the Coronado Country Club in El Paso. The event will bring together industry professionals, academic leaders, and government representatives to explore partnership opportunities, workforce development, and regional strategies for growing Texas' space sector. Registration is open to stakeholders across the space and aerospace value chain.
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. "We're an equal-opportunity helper," Pryor noted, emphasizing the statewide potential. Businesses, academic institutions, government agencies, and economic development organizations interested in space ecosystem development are invited to connect through the coalition's website at TxSpaceCoalition.org.
The initiative represents a strategic approach to capitalizing on Texas' growing role in the space industry by creating interconnected regional networks that leverage local assets, foster collaboration, and develop sustainable economic pathways. By addressing both innovation infrastructure and talent retention, the coalition's model could serve as a blueprint for other regions seeking to develop competitive advantages in high-tech sectors while strengthening local communities.
