Texas Delegation Urges Selection of Texas to Host U.S. Space Academy

Resources / Press Share on Texas Delegation Urges Selection of Texas to Host U.S. Space Academy Oct 01, 2026 Press WASHINGTON, D.C. – Members of the Texas congressional delegation today sent a letter to the Presidential Commission on the United States Space Academy expressing strong support for establishing the Academy and urging the Commission to select Texas as its home. The letter was signed by Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Brian Babin, and Congressman Michael Cloud. It emphasizes that Texas is uniquely positioned to host the institution charged with developing the next generation of Americans who will explore, operate, build, and defend the Nation’s interests in space. “Texas has been at the center of America’s space story for more than six decades, and we are leading the way into its next chapter. From NASA’s Johnson Space Center in my district, home to Mission Control and our nation’s astronaut corps, to the cutting-edge commercial space companies developing the technologies of tomorrow, Texas brings together the experience, infrastructure, talent, and innovation that continue to move America forward. As Chairman of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, I am committed to ensuring the United States wins this new space race and remains the undisputed global leader in exploration and discovery. The United States Space Academy will help prepare the next generation to advance that mission, enhance our space defense capabilities, and protect the homeland. Texas has an unmatched foundation on which to build this landmark institution,” said Chairman Brian Babin. “For over 60 years, when American astronauts need to reach home base, they make the same call: “Houston”.  Today, Texas is home to Mission Control, the astronaut corps, more than 148,000 aerospace professionals, and the companies and universities leading the next era of space innovation — as well as a robust military presence. The next generation of Guardians should train alongside people who not only built our nation’s space legacy but are currently building its future,” said Congressman Michael Cloud. The letter notes that Texas offers a rare convergence of civil, commercial, and national security space capabilities. Key advantages highlighted include: •  NASA’s Johnson Space Center — home to America’s astronaut corps, Mission Control, and human spaceflight training; •  One of the nation’s largest aerospace workforces, with more than 148,000 professionals across more than 1,400 companies; •  Major industry presence including SpaceX, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Blue Origin, Axiom Space, Firefly, and Intuitive Machines; •  Texas A&M University’s Space Institute and more than $5 billion in annual aerospace-related research and development across Texas universities; and •  A robust national security footprint, including Space Force training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland and the Space Force Captain’s Leadership Course at Texas A&M. The letter underscores that locating the Space Academy in Texas would allow the Nation to leverage more than sixty years of investment in human spaceflight rather than recreating those capabilities elsewhere. The full letter is available upon request. Share on