A look into the future of space, Gov. Abbott launches Texas Space Commission [Video]

HOUSTON (KXAN) — Texas is taking a new step to secure its future in space exploration and development. Gov. Greg Abbott and other leaders officially launched the Texas Space Commission Tuesday from NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

“With the Texas Space Commission, our great state will have a group that is responsible for dreaming and achieving the next generation of human exploration in space,” Abbott said. “Texas is the launchpad for Mars, innovating the technology that will colonize humanity’s first new planet.”

The Texas Space Commission will work to enhance the fields of space exploration and commercial aerospace and the impact they may have on the Texas economy.

The commission board directors will also administer the Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Funds and any grants.

Abbott also revealed the Texas Aerospace Space Economy Consortium Executive Committee (TARSEC). TARSEC will independently identify research opportunities within Texas, to boost this field. Additionally, representatives …