The Building Texas Show | From Texas to the Moon and Beyond

In this episode of the The Building Texas Show Podcast Norman Garza, Jr., Executive Director of the Texas Space Commission, speaks with host Justin McKenzie about Texas’ growing influence in the commercial space sector. They discuss how the commission, created by House Bill 3447 in 2023, has already made significant progress in less than a year. Texas has allocated $150 million to support space-related businesses, attracting major players like SpaceX, Firefly, and Intuitive Machines while fostering new industry growth in cities like Midland, Houston, and Hondo.

Garza highlights how Texas is competing with states like California and Florida to lead in commercial space exploration, explaining the state's role in enabling innovation, workforce development, and investment opportunities. He also underscores the broader impact of space technology on everyday life, from GPS and communications to biomedical advancements.

The conversation touches on the importance of public-private partnerships, the role of Texas universities in space education, and how investors can capitalize on this booming industry. Garza emphasizes that Texas must continue to support space initiatives to remain competitive and ensure future economic success.

About The Building Texas Show
Building Texas is a weekly show with host, Justin McKenzie, about the balance of business and governance. Each week, he interviews the local leaders affecting the issues and uncover the power you have to forge the future. Learn more