The state of Texas has a new commission that is truly out of this world, as Gov. Greg Abbott announced the launch of the Texas Space Commission on Tuesday.
Abbott was joined by numerous state officials, including Lt. Gov. Patrick and Speaker Phelan, at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston alongside Vanessa Wyche, the center’s director, per the governor’s press release. Abbott toured NASA’s Mission Control Center prior to the announcement.
State officials appointed the inaugural members of the Texas Space Commission Board of Directors and the Texas Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium Executive Committee.
Abbott appointed Gwen Griffin, Kathy Lueders, and John Shannon to the Board of Directors. Patrick appointed Sarah “Sassie” Duggleby, Kirk Shireman, and Evan Loomis. Phelan appointed Dr. Heather Wilson, Dr. Nancy Currie-Gregg, and Brad Morrison.
The Texas Space Commission will work to promote space and aerospace opportunities and innovation in the state, integrating these into the state’s economy, per the press release.
“Texas boasts a proud legacy as our nation’s leading pioneer in space exploration and innovation,” said Phelan.
“Texas is home to trailblazers and innovators, and we have a rich history of traversing the final frontier: space,” said Patrick in the release.
“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. I look forward to working with the Texas Space Commission, and I thank the Texas Legislature for partnering with industry and higher education institutions to secure the future of Texas’ robust space industry,” said Abbott.
