HOUSTON, Texas — Leaders from Texas A&M University, the State of Texas, NASA and beyond gathered at the Johnson Space Center in Houston on Nov. 15 to mark a special occasion, the groundbreaking for the Texas A&M University Space Institute.
According to NASA, the ceremony was held near the future development site of the space center's new Exploration Park and marks an "important milestone" in a partnership to "advance research, innovation and human spaceflight".
The Space Institute is expected to open in September 2026, according to NASA, and will reportedly feature the world's largest indoor simulation spaces for lunar and Martian surface operations, high-bay laboratories and multifunctional project rooms.
Research that will take place at the Space Institute will reportedly accelerate human spaceflight by providing opportunities for those involved to address challenges of living in low Earth orbit, on the moon and on Mars.
“This groundbreaking is not just a physical act of breaking ground or planting a flag,” said Johnson Director Vanessa Wyche. “This is the moment our vision—to dare to expand frontiers and unite with our partners to explore for the benefit of all humanity—will be manifested.”
The Texas A&M University Space Institute will reportedly be the first tenant at NASA’s 240-acre Exploration Park to "support facilities that enhance commercial access, foster a collaborative development environment and strengthen the United States’ competitiveness in the space and aerospace industries."
NASA said the aim of Exploration Park is to "foster research, technology transfer and a sustainable pipeline of career development for the Artemis Generation and Texas workers transitioning to the space economy."
Texas A&M University Space Institute director and retired NASA astronaut Dr. Nancy Currie-Gregg and Space Institute associate director Dr. Rob Ambrose served as the masters of ceremony for the event, said NASA.
Also in attendance were Texas State Rep. Greg Bonnen; Texas A&M University System Board of Regents Chairman William Mahomes Jr.; Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp; Texas A&M University President and Retired Air Force Gen. Mark Welsh III and Texas A&M Engineering Vice Chancellor and Dean Robert Bishop.
“The future of Texas’ legacy in aerospace is brighter than ever as the Texas A&M Space Institute in Exploration Park will create an unparalleled aerospace, economic, business development, research and innovation region across the state,” Wyche said. “Humanity’s next giant leap starts here!”