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The push for technology and workforce development in the space economy has become a top priority in federal and state policy. The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy released the National Cislunar Science and Technology (S&T) Strategy in 2022, recognizing the importance of cislunar space in diplomacy and national security. The Texas Space Commission was also established in 2024 to enhance Texas’ leadership in space exploration.
David Silva, a leader in the field, highlighted the significance of space technology in national security, emphasizing the role of satellites in everyday life from GPS services to weather forecasting. Satellites play a crucial role in various industries such as agriculture, logistics, and energy, including monitoring crops and energy grids, optimizing supply chains, and enhancing maritime security.
The space industry is rapidly expanding, with a projected growth from $630 billion in 2023 to $1.8 trillion by 2035 according to a McKinsey & Company report. Launch cost-effectiveness has been a key factor in this growth, driven by companies like Blue Origins, Firefly, and SpaceX operating in Texas.
The Center for Security Technologies and Operations Research (CSTOR) at UTSA will focus on various space research areas, leveraging the university’s expertise in advanced propulsion, lunar habitation, satellite communications, and more. This initiative aims to strengthen national security and Texas’ leadership in the emerging cislunar economy, while also benefiting the job market with an expected increase in aerospace engineering jobs.
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Photo credit www.utsa.edu
