A new trans-Atlantic space initiative has launched, linking Texas and France in an ambitious effort to fuel startup growth, drive research and forge international partnerships. Announced at the 2025 ASCENDxTexas event Feb. 27, the Texas-France Space Hub aims to unite academic institutions and private enterprises, expanding commercial space presence in both countries.
The three-year initiative fosters global partnerships in aerospace, bringing together Rice University, Stellar Access and Houston Spaceport in Texas with France’s space agency CNES and Business France. Its six-month accelerator program based in Paris and Houston helps emerging French companies connect with industry leaders and essential resources, paving the way for their expansion into Texas and the U.S. while driving economic growth and innovation. The first group of startups is set to arrive in Houston in April.
“By leveraging the strength of Texas and France, we are fostering an environment where innovation thrives and commercial space activities can flourish,” said David Alexander, professor of physics and astronomy at Rice, director of the Rice Space Institute (RSI) and a Texas Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium member.
Startup accelerator
The hub’s biannual startup accelerator includes six weeks of preparation in Paris with CNES and Business France. This phase focuses on market analysis, strategic partnerships and business development, ensuring a seamless transition into the U.S. market.
“This program enables French space startups to benefit from France’s unique strengths in aerospace innovation with extensive support from the government and the French space agency CNES,” said Nicolas Maubert, CNES representative in the U.S. and space counselor to the French Embassy.
Moreover, early collaboration accelerates the commercialization of groundbreaking technologies, said Benjamin Ben Soussan, head of the Business France office in Houston. “Beyond technical and business expertise, the accelerator helps startups navigate regulatory frameworks and establish key industry connections,” he said.
For 8 to 12 weeks of the program, startups are based in Houston, immersing themselves in the U.S. commercial space sector under the RSI and Stellar Access, a Houston-based firm specializing in streamlining access to space. Participants will engage in networking opportunities, industry events and direct interactions with key stakeholders.
“The accelerator provides a structured pathway for French entrepreneurs to tap into the booming U.S. commercial space industry,” said Sergio Lucero, chief operating officer at Stellar Access. “By bridging these dynamic ecosystems, we can accelerate innovation and create new global opportunities.”
The first group of startups will arrive in Houston in early April, followed by a second wave in August. Among the inaugural companies are Absolut Sensing, which specializes in high-precision satellite data for methane emissions detection, and Geeglee, a software platform designed to enhance decision-making in architecture and systems engineering.
They will be joined by Agena Space, which develops in-orbit mobility solutions powered by green propulsion, and Watt & Well, a company focused on designing high-performance power electronics for space applications.
“We are opening doors for groundbreaking advancements and long-term partnerships by strengthening our ties in the space sector,” said Valérie Baraban, consul general of France in Houston.
For the final six weeks of the program, startups will return to France to refine their U.S. expansion strategies with human resources, legal matters, intellectual property and customs experts.
“After assessing their experience, the hope is that the individual companies will see value for their business in Texas and consider creating their own presence in the state with help from the accelerator if needed,” Alexander said.
Strengthening partnerships
The hub’s in-progress research accelerator is designed to focus on critical space technologies, including sustainable lunar exploration, orbital and surface habitat solutions and advancements in space food systems for long-duration missions, while also pushing the boundaries of innovation in in-space bio-manufacturing.
A committee including representatives from Rice, CNES, Business France, Expertise France, Space Founders and the consulate general of France in Houston oversaw the Texas-France Space Hub selection process led by Hugues Mbezal Bogam, French space liaison to RSI.
“By building on existing initiatives in France and Texas, the program will cultivate joint research projects that bring together industry, academia, institutions and space agencies in both regions,” Mbezal Bogam said.
Space exploration in Texas and beyond
The foundation for the Texas-France Space Hub was laid March 18, 2024, when Rice, CNES and Houston Spaceport signed a letter of intent to establish collaboration frameworks, paving the way for joint research initiatives and industry partnerships.
“Our goal is to support startup growth, facilitate technology transfer and create new avenues for global engagement within our expanding aerospace ecosystem,” said Arturo Machuca, director of Ellington Airport and Houston Spaceport.
RSI is doing just that. As the hub prepares for launch, RSI, in collaboration with the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership and the Greater Houston Partnership, is leveraging its research expertise and industry connections to drive innovation, expand commercial opportunities in the space sector, attract foreign investment and strengthen the workforce across Texas, while also opening the door to creating opportunities nationwide.
A launchpad for global space commerce
The leaders of the Texas-France Space Hub say they envision a future where international partnerships create new opportunities to propel space exploration and commerce.
While the hub is initially a three-year commitment, its long-term vision includes expanding globally, forming potential partnerships with Mexico, Italy, Japan, Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom and others.
“This initiative is just the beginning,” Alexander said. “Building strong international partnerships sets the stage for technological developments that will shape the future of space exploration and the space industry.”