Gov. Greg Abbott met with U.S. Secretary of the Air Force Troy E. Meink at the Governor’s Mansion on July 31, a meeting that marked the announcement of a new partnership agreement worth up to $300 million between the Texas Space Commission, the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory and the United States Space Force, according to a news release from the governor’s office.
The 10-year Partnership Intermediary Agreement positions the Space Commission as a neutral broker to accelerate technology transfer, expand collaboration among government, industry and academia, and advance critical space capabilities, the governor’s office said. The agreement is also intended to develop the skilled workforce needed to sustain American leadership in space.
Abbott and Meink were joined at the meeting by Gwen Griffin, chair of the Texas Space Commission, state Rep. Greg Bonnen and Lt. Gen. Douglas A. Schiess of the U.S. Space Force, according to the release.
The leaders discussed practical ways the State of Texas can continue to support Air Force bases across the state, grow missions and deliver greater military value and efficiencies, the governor’s office said. Texas is home to multiple major Air Force installations that play critical roles in training, readiness and national defense.
The governor’s office said Texas remains a national leader in space and a strong partner for the U.S. Air Force and Space Force as the state works to expand missions and strengthen capabilities that serve both Texas and the nation.