STARCOM RELOCATION

the lone star stands behind space force

Texas Congressional Delegation and Key Stakeholders Unite Behind Space Force

TexSpace supports Congress to seek Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM) Relocation to the Lone Star State

Published: August 22, 2022

Houston, TX - Rep. Brian Babin (TX-36) spearheaded a bipartisan letter by the entire U.S. Congressional delegation from Texas, requesting that the Secretary of Air Force ensure Texas has an equitable opportunity to be in consideration for the placement of the United States Space Force's (USSF) Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM).

Rarely has a U.S. military command's headquarters relocation selection received such unanimous bipartisan support. An effort of this magnitude can open up federal funding, investment, research and development, and cooperation between NASA and commercial partners like never before in the State of Texas and only witnessed in a few other locations worldwide.

STARCOM serves as the educational and training arm of the United States Space Force (USSF) for its active-duty military Guardians and civilian personnel. Texas and 46 other States are excluded from consideration under current guidelines.

In response, TexSpace and others have moved to advocate for Texas and the other 46 states that currently do not have a fair opportunity to bid for STARCOM's relocation.

"Regardless of the outcome for STARCOM, this letter signals that Texas is 100% engaged in the new space economy. The sleeping giant has awakened, hold on y'all!" notes Jack "2Fish" Fischer, Former ISS Astronaut and VP of Strategic Programs and Operations at Intuitive Machines. To learn more about Texas' vestment in space innovation and other support industries, please click here.

USSF is rapidly growing, and STARCOM has five deltas with 800 Active-Duty Guardians and an estimated $297MM 2022 budget. STARCOM's relocation to Texas, which does not have an existing Space Force Base, would increase the diversity of US congressional districts representing the Guardians and their families while accelerating civil, commercial, and military space innovation for the nation.

To read the letter, please click here.

TexSpace is dedicated to linking convergent ecosystems of civil, military, and commercial space technologies in the State of Texas. TexSpace is designed to remove barriers for space innovation, supporting companies and entrepreneurs, utilizing shared infrastructure, securing robust funding networks, and connecting innovation communities. Founding partners include BAHEP, Intuitive Machines, and Gallant Culture. Visit texspace.org or follow @texspaceorg to learn more.