Texas Delegation Pushes for U.S. Space Academy; Conroe Area Positioned as a Leading Candidate

WASHINGTON — A coalition of Texas lawmakers is urging federal officials to select Texas and potentially the rapidly growing Conroe region, as the home of the proposed United States Space Academy, arguing the state’s unmatched aerospace infrastructure makes it the strongest contender in the nation.

In a letter sent to the Presidential Commission on the United States Space Academy, Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Brian Babin, and Congressman Michael Cloud outlined why Texas is uniquely suited to host the institution that will train future space explorers, operators, engineers, and Space Force Guardians.

The delegation emphasized that Texas already anchors America’s human spaceflight program and that placing the academy elsewhere would require rebuilding capabilities the nation has spent more than six decades developing.

Chairman Brian Babin highlighted the state’s long standing leadership in space operations, pointing to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, home to Mission Control and the astronaut corps. “Texas brings together the experience, infrastructure, talent, and innovation that continue to move America forward,” Babin said, adding that the Space Academy would strengthen U.S. exploration and defense capabilities.

Congressman Michael Cloud noted Texas’s operational depth and workforce strength. “For over 60 years, when American astronauts need to reach home base, they make the same call: ‘Houston’,” Cloud said. He cited the state’s more than 148,000 aerospace professionals and its growing commercial space sector as key advantages.

Why Texas and Why the Conroe area?

The letter outlines several factors that position Texas as a top contender:

• NASA’s Johnson Space Center — Mission Control, astronaut training, and human spaceflight operations.
• A massive aerospace workforce — more than 148,000 professionals across 1,400 companies.
• Major commercial space presence — SpaceX, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Blue Origin, Axiom Space, Firefly, Intuitive Machines.
• Academic strength — Texas A&M’s Space Institute and over $5 billion in annual aerospace related research statewide.
• National security infrastructure — Space Force training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland and leadership courses at Texas A&M.

Within this statewide landscape, the Conroe area has emerged as a top contender for the academy, according to officials familiar with early site discussions. Conroe’s proximity to Houston’s aerospace corridor, available land for federal development, and expanding technology and defense footprint make it one of the most strategically positioned regions in Texas.

The Presidential Commission is currently reviewing proposals and will deliver recommendations to the White House after completing its 120 day assessment. Texas lawmakers say they intend to ensure the Lone Star State remains at the forefront of the competition.