SpaceX Plans $85 Million Investment To Establish Rocket Launch Facility to Cameron County, Texas
08/05/2014
In addition to the TEF investment, the state is also offering $13 million from the Spaceport Trust Fund to the Cameron County Spaceport Development Corp. The fund is used to support the development of infrastructure necessary for establishing a spaceport.
SpaceX designs, manufactures and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft, and is the world's fastest-growing provider of launch services. It is the only private company ever to return a spacecraft from low-Earth orbit, which it first accomplished in December 2010. SpaceX is also the first private company to attach a spacecraft to the International Space Station, exchange cargo payloads, and return safely to Earth - a technically challenging feat previously only accomplished by government space programs. SpaceX operates a Rocket Development Facility in McGregor, Texas which has grown to over 250 employees since starting operations in 2003. The Brownsville facility will launch commercial satellites.
"SpaceX is excited to expand our work in Texas with the world's first commercial launch complex designed specifically for orbital missions. We appreciate the support of Governor Perry and numerous other federal, state and local officials who have partnered with us to make this vision a reality," SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said. "In addition to creating hundreds of high tech jobs for the Texas workforce, this site will inspire students, expand the supplier base and attract tourists to the south Texas area."
"Texas has been on the forefront of our nation's space exploration efforts for decades, so it is fitting that SpaceX has chosen our state as they expand the frontiers of commercial space flight," Governor Rick Perry said. "In addition to growing the aerospace industry in Texas, SpaceX's facility will provide myriad opportunities for STEM education in South Texas, and inspire a new generation of Texas engineers and innovators."
According to the Governor’s Office, the State of Texas and SpaceX first discussed this potential project in the spring of 2011 during a TexasOne mission to California. The governor has since met with SpaceX founder Elon Musk and provided letters in support of SpaceX's efforts to get FAA clearance for the site. Governor's Office staff has worked closely with local officials in South Texas throughout the process, and also testified before the FAA in support of bringing the project to Texas.
"What a historical moment for the greater Brownsville region and the State of Texas. It's the culmination of a dream and a vision that began more than three years ago," Brownsville Mayor Tony Martinez said. "We will ensure that SpaceX has everything they need in order to be successful in the Greater Brownsville Borderplex. The team effort would have never succeeded but for the immense support of the people of Brownsville, all of its surrounding neighbors and the state - to all of you ‘mil gracias' and watch us soar."
Project Announcements
Sun Pharmaceuticals Plans Princeton, New Jersey, Headquarters
03/18/2025
Engineered Foam Packaging Expands Bishopville, South Carolina, Operations
03/18/2025
Space Exploration Technologies Corporation Expands Bastrop, Texas, Operations
03/16/2025
Ralliant Corporation Plans Raleigh, North Carolina, Global Headquarters
03/16/2025
CG Model Tek Expands Coffee County, Tennessee, Manufacturing Operations
03/16/2025
TST Fabrication and Machine Expands Norfolk, Virginia, Headquarters-Operations
03/16/2025
Most Read
-
NEW NIMBYism: A Threat to The U.S. Economy
Q4 2024
-
Power, Policy, and Site Selection in 2025
Q1 2025
-
Designing Beyond the Assembly Line
Q1 2025
-
Forging Solid Foundations
Q1 2025
-
Industries Look for Employees in Nontraditional Spaces Amid Labor Shortage
Q4 2024
-
What to Make of the Rising Trend of Salary Transparency in Job Descriptions
Q4 2024
-
Why Decarbonization Goals Start with Site Selection
Q4 2024