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. "It's like someone took the space rocket Lego set and laid it out on the table," said Pryor. "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."
This initiative matters because it addresses a critical challenge facing many regional economies: the exodus of highly educated talent to other states. Pryor expressed concern about this trend, stating, "It breaks my heart to see a PhD in aerospace engineering get in their car and drive off to another state. Those are family members leaving—it's a brain drain and a heart drain." By linking students and skilled workers to local space industry opportunities, the coalition aims to build intact, thriving communities while strengthening Texas' competitive position in the global space economy.
El Paso's unique assets position it as a strategic hub for aerospace and space activity. The University of Texas at El Paso Aerospace Center produces high-quality engineering talent, while the region's light manufacturing and metallurgy expertise supports advanced component production. Regional collaborations with New Mexico State University, Spaceport America, and Van Horn create a cross-border innovation corridor. Proximity to White Sands Missile Range and Fort Bliss provides additional testing and research opportunities.
The coalition will host an in-person "Launch & Learn" seminar on February 24, 2026, from 5:00–6:30 p.m. MT 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. The coalition's website at TxSpaceCoalition.org provides information for businesses, academic institutions, government agencies, and economic development organizations interested in space ecosystem development.
The full interview with Mike Pryor is available on The Building Show's Youtube Channel, where he discusses the coalition's approach to fostering regional space economies. As Pryor emphasized, "Space is one of these beautiful places where it brings your eyes up. You're looking to the stars, and there's still room for big ideas—no better place to do them than right here in Texas."
