$47.7 million approved by Texas Space Commission for SEARF grant awards

Austin, TX – Today, during an Open Meeting, the Texas Space Commission (TSC) board of directors voted to approve grant applications that total $47.7 million for five proposed projects.

“Today was another milestone day for the Commission as we continue the process of awarding grants,” said Gwen Griffin, chair of the TSC board. “Today’s awards will support Texas companies as we grow commercial, military and civil aerospace activity across the state. We look forward to awarding more grants soon as we work through all the applications.”

After applications are received, a thorough review is conducted for administrative completeness. Then after conflicts of interest are addressed, board members can complete their evaluations and determine which are brought forward for consideration during an Open Meeting. After a vote is conducted in a public meeting, TSC staff contact an awardee to discuss the Grant Agreement Terms. Once an Agreement is executed, funding is provided as a reimbursement to awardees only if all deliverables outlined are met.

“Based on evaluations completed by TSC board members, it is evident that there is strong support for big ideas proposed by these Texas-based companies,” said Norman Garza, Jr., executive director of the Texas Space Commission. “The demand signal from stakeholder is very high. We are working through all the applications as efficiently as possible.”

In 2023, the 88th Texas Legislature passed, and Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 3447 by Representative Greg Bonnen M.D. to establish the TSC as well as the Texas Aerospace Research & Space Economy Consortium (TARSEC). The total appropriation made by the Legislature for the SEARF program is $150 million.

The TSC board plans to meet again in March to consider more grant applications.