As space travel became a realistic possibility, a “space race” developed, with the United States pitted against Russia to be the first to achieve milestones such as orbiting the earth and landing on the moon. Americans were glued to television screens in July 1969 as Neil Armstrong became the first human to step on the moon, and every previous and subsequent milestone has been the subject of intense interest among people in all walks of life. Texas was an integral part of this phenomenon and it left an indelible imprint on the culture and personality of the state.

The Space Economy spans elements of many industrial sectors, with major components including the manufacture of space vehicles, propulsion systems, satellites, communication systems, navigation and guidance equipment, and associated parts. It further includes satellite communication, the transportation of people and cargo, and extensive technological supports from scientists and engineers. The Space Economy in the United States currently supports almost 350,000 direct jobs, with spillover effects permeating the entire spectrum of business activity.

Texas already plays an important role in space exploration and related industries. With a major public-sector presence, large and growing private-sector initiatives, and aggressive development efforts, the state is likely to significantly increase its share of the Space Economy.

For more details please refer to the full brief.