EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 Local leaders say El Paso\u2019s manufacturing base, university research and workforce could help the region compete for jobs and investment in the space industry.<\/p>\n
The Texas Space Coalition, the City of El Paso, El Paso County and The University of Texas at El Paso are preparing for the second annual Space Tech El Paso conference, scheduled for Nov. 2-4. <\/p>\n
Organizers say the event will bring together leaders from industry, government and academia to discuss advanced manufacturing, space systems, workforce development and regional opportunities.<\/p>\n
Sessions will focus on space research, advanced manufacturing, workforce development and collaboration to support future commercial and national security missions.<\/p>\n
Scheduled speakers include Norman Garza, executive director of the Texas Space Commission; Col. Jonathan Shea, director of the U.S. Space Force\u2019s Concepts and Technology Center; and Daryl Gaines, director of NASA\u2019s White Sands Test Facility. Participants are also expected from Sandia National Laboratories, Lockheed Martin, Aegis Aerospace and other organizations.<\/p>\n
The program includes tours of UTEP\u2019s Advanced Manufacturing and Aerospace Center and W.M. Keck Center for 3D Innovation. Regional tours on Nov. 4 will include Blue Origin\u2019s Launch Site 1 and the future El Paso Space Innovation Hub, where attendees can hear about the facility and view areas under construction.<\/p>\n
The event schedule is as follows:<\/p>\n
Monday, November 2, 5\u20137 p.m.: Welcome reception and tours at UTEP\u2019s Advanced Manufacturing and Aerospace Center, featuring the Aerospace Center and W.M. Keck Center for 3D Innovation.Tuesday, November 3: Conference at Starlight Event Center, 6650 Continental Drive, El Paso. Registration and networking begin at 7:30 a.m.; programming begins at 9 a.m., followed by a closing reception through 6 p.m.Wednesday, November 4: Regional tours, including Blue Origin\u2019s Launch Site 1 and the El Paso Space Innovation Hub, hosted by The Borderplex Alliance. The Hub tour will offer a briefing on the future facility and an opportunity to view spaces under construction.<\/p>\n
Mayor Renard Johnson said the conference can help El Paso grow its space economy and create opportunities for young people to build careers in the region.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re not just talking about rockets and launches,\u201d Johnson said, pointing to engineering, manufacturing, technology, research and national security as part of the industry.<\/p>\n
Johnson cited a projection that the global space economy could reach $1.8 trillion by 2035, saying El Paso has an opportunity to develop the partnerships and workforce needed to participate in that growth.<\/p>\n
El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego said the region\u2019s manufacturing experience, research capacity and technical expertise could help it become more competitive. <\/p>\n
He also emphasized the importance of preparing a skilled workforce.<\/p>\n
Conference organizers said the event is intended to connect academic, industry and government leaders to support economic and workforce development, innovation and research.<\/p>\n
The effort includes support from Fort Bliss, UTEP, the City of El Paso and El Paso County, leaders said.<\/p>\n
To register for the event, click here. <\/a><\/p>\n Space Tech El Paso 2026 to bring NASA, Space Force and industry leaders to Borderplex<\/p>\n<\/p>\n RECOMMENDED: Japan launches mission to Mars’ moons to bring back samples by 2031<\/a><\/p>\n