EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 A global aerospace company focused on satellite servicing is expanding into El Paso, a move city leaders say could help position the region as a growing player in the space economy.<\/p>\n
Astroscale U.S., a space research and technology company that focuses on satellite orbit servicing, is opening an office in El Paso as it expands beyond its U.S. headquarters in Denver and operations in Washington, D.C., and Huntsville, Alabama.<\/p>\n
Tahara Dawkins, Astroscale U.S. director of policy, said the company\u2019s work includes refueling, inspection and debris removal, which she said are part of keeping space safe and sustainable.<\/p>\n
Dawkins said the company\u2019s decision to expand in El Paso is tied to long-term goals in the region.<\/p>\n
Emily Schmalz reports on Astroscale partners with UTEP, planning 16 engineering jobs over five years (Credit: KFOX14)<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: Astroscale U.S. expands into El Paso, partners with UTEP on space servicing<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cIt’s about building something lasting with the El Paso community, growing alongside local partners and helping position this region in a meaningful part of the future of space,\u201d Dawkins said. <\/p>\n She added, \u201cSo El Paso for us offers access to a diverse, highly capable workforce.\u201d<\/p>\n Astroscale is also collaborating with the University of Texas at El Paso, working with researchers and students on space technology and engineering projects. <\/p>\n Dawkins said the company has been encouraged by what it has seen at UTEP.<\/p>\n \u201cWe’re just really impressed with the dedication of their aerospace center, the state of the art technology that they have there. And honestly, the dedication of the students themselves and the passion that they have for the space ecosystem as a whole,\u201d Dawkins said. <\/p>\n She also called UTEP \u201cthe cornerstone of this effort.\u201d<\/p>\n Dawkins said the partnership could create a pipeline for UTEP students, leading to internships and careers in aerospace.<\/p>\n RECOMMENDED: <\/a>Artemis II crew in \u2018great spirits\u2019 as NASA shares first look from space<\/a><\/p>\n The city of El Paso approved incentives for the expansion, including rent support and job training grants. <\/p>\n Astroscale plans to bring in about 16 new jobs over the next five years in engineering and technical roles.<\/p>\n Bill Allen, the city\u2019s assistant director for economic and international development, said the move is part of a broader effort to grow El Paso\u2019s role in the space industry.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen you think about where we’re positioned between Spaceport America and New Mexico and all the way down to SpaceX near Brownsville, it’s almost like we’re in a little space corridor,\u201d Allen said.<\/p>\n So it’s really we are in the right spot to start driving the space industry in Texas.<\/p>\n Allen said the expansion could help attract more space companies to the region.<\/p>\n \u201cI think the easy way to say it is come on down and between the city, the county, and UTEP will make an easy transition for somebody that wants to come in and start working in that industry,\u201d Allen said.<\/p>\n Astroscale is planning an informal launch for the El Paso office, located at the Innovation Factory at El Paso International Airport, later this month.<\/p>\n