Skip to main content

Spaceport Looks to Propel Houston's Aerospace Future

Published Jun 10, 2019 by Javier Vargas

As Houston prepares to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 mission this July, proponents of the local aerospace industry are eager to illustrate how the region continues to innovate in the arena, setting up the next generation of space exploration opportunities here in the Bayou City. 

One example is the Houston Spaceport being established at Ellington Field on the south side of the city. Construction is slated to begin later this month on the first phase of infrastructure at the facility; completion of that $18.8 million initiative is expected in May 2020. 

Arturo Machuca
Arturo Machuca

When fully realized, the spaceport could attract a variety of companies, from satellite developers to space vehicle manufacturers, advocates say. They point out that the Houston facility is unique because it’s in the heart of one of the nation’s largest cities, giving it access to talent and existing companies, not to mention proximity to NASA Johnson Space Center. 

The Partnership had the opportunity to catch up with Arturo Machuca, General Manager of the Houston Spaceport on what this development means for the Houston region’s future as a leader in aerospace and innovation. 

Can you describe your role at the Houston Spaceport and how that fits with the larger Houston Airport System?

I’m the General Manager of the Houston Spaceport.  This facility is part of the department of aviation for the City of Houston (Houston Airport System) which is formed by Bush Airport, Hobby Airport and Ellington. The Houston Spaceport is collocated at Ellington Airport which is a joint use military and general aviation operation. Among our largest tenants we have NASA, Texas Air National Guard, and the U.S. Coast Guard. 

Ellington Field has had a significant role in our nation’s aviation history. Can you talk a bit about its evolution?

Ellington Airport began operations in May of 1917. Our airport is one of the oldest airfields in the U.S. going back to times in which aviation operated under the U.S. Army.  Ellington Airport has had a permanent and very important role in the training of aviators and professionals in all areas.  In 1984 Ellington was part of the Base Realignment and Closure process.  In the same year the City of Houston acquired the facility and has been operating it since then keeping a relevant military, civil and general aviation operation. In 2015 Ellington Airport was licensed under the Federal Aviation Administration-Office of Commercial Space Transportation as the 10th commercial spaceport in the U.S. 

Spaceport Development is underway with significant milestones achieved thus far with great prospects ahead. Significantly, our vision and future remain connected to the training of professionals in aviation and aerospace. We are also focused in unmanned aviation systems, micro satellites among others.    

How did the concept of the Houston Spaceport become a reality?

Houston Spaceport became a reality due to the vision and support we have received from the federal, state and local governments, as well as the Houston community. Couple that with first class existing infrastructure and the perfect geographic location and the license for the Spaceport was granted.  We have plenty of work ahead as we continue to equip our spaceport with facilities which will ensure the relevance of the spaceport.

What sets the Houston Spaceport apart from other FAA-licensed spaceports across the nation?

Without a doubt placement of our spaceport in the middle of a vibrant city with world-class infrastructure and talent. 

When finalized, how will the Houston Spaceport impact the aerospace industry in Houston?

The Houston Spaceport will be a vital facility that will enhance our city’s infrastructure giving us a good head start by pioneering the future landscape in other large metro areas.  Houston will remain a relevant player in the aerospace industry and the Houston Spaceport’s plans will directly contribute to even greater economic success for our entire region. 

The Partnership is leading a delegation to the Paris Air Show this month to commemorate Houston's role in the Apollo 11 mission and discuss the region's aerospace future. Participants include the Spaceport, Rice Space Institute, SpaceCom and Space Center Houston

The Partnership is also hosting a NASA Tour and Panel Lunch event as part of its Regions and Neigbhorhoods program on June 19. Learn more about that event and sign up today. 
 

Related News

Aerospace & Aviation

Aegis Aerospace and Texas A&M Partner to Launch Research Facility on ISS

2/12/25
Aegis Aerospace and Texas A&M University are teaming up to launch a new research facility on the International Space Station (ISS).   The Texas A&M / Aegis Aerospace Multi-Use Space Platform Integrating Research & Innovative Technology (TAMU-SPIRIT) facility will exclusively house the university’s experiments, serving as a dedicated hub for in-space research, technology testing, advanced materials manufacturing, robotics development, space surveillance and tracking.   “As a space-grant university, Texas A&M has led the way in space research and exploration for decades,” said General (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III, president of Texas A&M University, in a news release. “Now, thanks to our partnership with Aegis Aerospace and support from Chancellor Sharp and The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, the TAMU-SPIRIT Flight Facility will pave the way for Aggie researchers to push the boundaries of space innovation. Our research is already out of this world; it’s fitting that we’re making it official.”  Texas A&M will host an open call for research proposals every six months to select experiments for TAMU-SPIRIT, inviting researchers from diverse disciplines to submit their ideas. Selected experiments will be transported in individual science carriers, equipped with power and data storage, and robotically installed on the facility. Once completed, experiments will return to Earth for further analysis, offering insights into the effects of space exposure on various materials and technologies.  Webster-based Aegis Aerospace will own and operate the TAMU-SPIRIT facility, providing funding, supplies and services to support Texas A&M’s experiments in reaching the ISS.  “This partnership is a wonderful opportunity for Texas A&M to do something bold,” said Stephanie Murphy, CEO and Chairman of Aegis Aerospace, in a statement. “As far as I am aware, TAMU-SPIRIT will make Texas A&M the first university with private access to a flight facility on the International Space Station.”  The TAMU-SPIRIT is expected to take two years to develop and will be modeled after Aegis’ MISSE Flight Facility, a platform launched in 2018. The first Texas A&M-led experiments are scheduled for launch in 2027.  The university is also establishing its own Space Institute near NASA’s Johnson Space Center, a state-of-the-art research and training facility supported by the Texas Space Commission. The Texas A&M Space Institute, which broke ground last year, is slated for completion late next year.  Learn more about Houston’s thriving aerospace industry. 
Read More
Aerospace & Aviation

Construction Begins on Hobby Airport’s $470M Expansion Project

11/20/24
William P. Hobby Airport has officially broken ground on its $470 million expansion project aimed at enhancing the passenger experience.  The project will expand and modernize the airport’s West Concourse, originally built by Southwest Airlines in 2015. Planned upgrades include seven new gates, an advanced baggage-handling system, additional baggage claim carousels, and an overhead canopy along the departure curb to protect passengers from inclement weather while connecting the terminal to the parking garage.  “This expansion isn’t just about adding more gates—it’s about enhancing every aspect of the passenger experience,” said Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports, in a statement. “As North America’s first and only 5-Star Skytrax airport, it’s essential for Hobby Airport to offer facilities and services that match our world-class reputation. Partnering with Southwest Airlines on this project allows us to create a truly remarkable experience for all travelers.”  Click to expand Southwest Airlines remains a major player at Hobby Airport, accounting for over 90 percent of its flights in 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Earlier this year, Southwest halted operations at Houston’s larger George Bush Intercontinental Airport to focus its Houston operations solely at Hobby.  “Since our first year of service in 1971, we’ve operated nonstop at Hobby Airport. It’s a cornerstone market for us, serving as a base for our flight crews and as a gateway city to our international service,” said Steve Sisneros, Vice President of Airport Affairs at Southwest Airlines, in a statement. “This expansion marks an exciting time for our future here, allowing us to grow our service and reach even more customers.”  Click to expand Slated for completion in 2027, the expansion will also support future growth as both Hobby and Bush airports continue to see record-breaking passenger numbers, welcoming 60.1 million travelers last year, an increase of six million from 2022.   Bush Airport is also undergoing its own expansion, having recently unveiled the new international Terminal D, which adds 160,000 square feet to its facilities. The project features six new gates, space for 16 dining concepts, and enhanced amenities such as a mother’s room, sensory room, children’s play area, upgraded restrooms, lounge seating and art installations.  Learn more about Houston’s airports at the Partnership’s State of the Airports event on Dec. 5, 2024. 
Read More

Related Events

Executive Partners