Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday announced the inaugural members of the Texas Space Commission and the Texas Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium (TARSEC), including Rice Space Institute Director David Alexander , at an event held at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.
TARSEC’s primary objective is to identify avenues for research that promote commercial space ventures and stimulate economic growth within Texas. By focusing on securing funding for space-related research, the consortium aims to bolster the state’s competitive edge in space-related fields.
Rice President Reginald DesRoches designated Alexander, a professor of physics and astronomy, to represent Rice on TARSEC’s nine member executive committee, composed of representatives of each higher education institution in the state.
“It is an honor to serve on the TARSEC executive committee to help Houston and the state of Texas advance space exploration for humanity and to enhance Rice’s global presence in space endeavors,” said Alexander, who is also a member of the boards of the Houston Spaceport Development Corporation, SpaceCom, and the Sasakawa International Center for Space Architecture and recently served on the board of the American Astronautical Society.”
The TARSEC executive committee also includes the chancellors of Texas A&M University and the University of Texas systems who in turn named Robert Ambrose, a professor of mechanical engineering, and Daniel T. Jaffe, vice president for research, to serve.
They’re joined by six members appointed by Abbott, House Speaker Dade Phelan and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick: Stephanie Murphy of Seabrook and CEO and executive chairman of Aegis Aerospace, Inc.; Matt Ondler, president and former chief technology officer at Axiom Space; Bill Weber, CEO of Firefly Aerospace and vice chair of the board for America’s Warrior Partnership; Jack “2fish” Fisher, vice president of production and operations at Intuitive Mechanics; Brian Freedman, president of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership; and Shey Sabripour, founder and CEO of CesiumAstro Inc.
During the event, Abbott highlighted the significance of the Texas Space Commission, which is set to receive $350 million in state funding. Tasked with promoting innovation across the state’s civil, commercial and military aerospace domains, the commission will be governed by a nine-member board of directors. Furthermore, the Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Fund administered by the commission will provide grants to eligible entities, fostering research and development in the space sector.
“Texas will be the launch pad for Mars,” Abbott said. “As we look to the future of space, one thing is clear, those who reach for the stars do so from the Lone Star State.”
Abbott was joined at the event by Johnson Space Center Director Vanessa Wyche, Phelan and State Rep. Greg Bonnen.
Bonnen, who chairs the House Appropriations Committee, authored House Bill 3447 earlier last year paving the way for the establishment of TARSEC, the Texas Space Commission and the Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Fund. The bill was signed into law by Abbott in June.
Texas currently boasts 1,800 aerospace companies offering more than 150,000 jobs, Phelan said. That includes Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin.
Emphasizing Texas' pivotal role in space history, Abbott invoked President John F. Kennedy’s iconic declaration at Rice, marking the inception of the United States’ lunar exploration efforts.
“It was at Rice University in Houston, Texas, where John F Kennedy pronounced that the United States will put a man on the moon,” he noted.
Rice has a rich history in space exploration, dating back to 1959 when it initiated research collaborations with NASA shortly after the agency’s establishment. Over the years, Rice has maintained its leadership role in advancing space science and technology.