In a historic move, Texas A&M has approved more than $500m in construction projects involving a new institute to advance space exploration.
The investments will impact the state on multiple fronts, from advancing space exploration and hypersonic research to improving veterinary services and community resources.
“This agenda not only underscores the great needs of the state and nation,” said Texas A&M Chancellor John Sharp. “It is only possible thanks to the foresight and commitment of our state leaders.”
This massive investment follows Texas A&M’s legislative win in 2023, which secured $1.19bn in new funding, including $775m for fresh initiatives.
The future of space exploration at the Johnson Space Center
$200m will go towards constructing a four-story space exploration facility at the Johnson Space Center in Houston to assist in missions to the Moon and Mars.
The board promised research garages for experimental robots and vehicles, lab spaces, and general learning facilities.
This facility will span 32 acres and be approximately the size of Kyle Field. It will feature simulated landscapes to mirror the terrain of the Moon and Mars.
Construction of the Texas A&M University Space Institute will commence in January 2025.
Hypersonic Wind Tunnel at Texas A&M-RELLIS
In addition to advancing space exploration, a $10m Hypersonic Wind Tunnel will boost national defence and aerodynamics research at the Texas A&M-RELLIS campus.
The board said this facility will be the largest academic wind tunnel of its kind in the US and will be capable of large-scale testing.
The board also said the facility will complement the university’s Ballistics Aero-optics and Materials Range and the Detonation Research Test Facility.
Construction is set to begin in December.
Additional projects
While the majority of the funding is being allocated to the space exploration centre, other approved projects aim to expand training, early education, and student amenities across Texas.
They include:
- Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) Training Facility: This $25.3m investment will create an 86-acre training complex at Texas A&M-RELLIS. The facility will provide resources for first responders, law enforcement, and cybersecurity professionals, including an urban simulation grid, drive track, and classrooms.
- Educare School in San Antonio: The Board allocated $21.69m for Educare San Antonio, a school designed for children from six weeks to kindergarten age. Set to be the first Educare facility in Texas, it will also serve as a hands-on training ground for Texas A&M-San Antonio students.
- Athletic Facilities in San Antonio: A $10m project funded by Bexar County will upgrade Texas A&M-San Antonio’s softball field and add a new multipurpose field and track, benefiting both university athletes and the community.
- Student Dining Facility in Commerce: Texas A&M-Commerce will gain a new $7.4m dining hall to enhance student amenities.
- Utility and HVAC Upgrades in College Station: The Board approved $74.9m for critical infrastructure improvements on the College Station campus, ensuring better utility systems and HVAC performance.
Regents said this wave of projects reflects Texas A&M’s commitment to maintaining its leadership in fields as diverse as space exploration, veterinary science, and early childhood education, with a clear focus on addressing both academic and community needs statewide.
