El Paso aims to become aerospace hub with Space Tech El Paso 2025 conference launch

EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — A new event will try to establish the Borderland as a hub for the aerospace industry.

During a press conference held on Wednesday, the Texas Space Coalition, along with El Paso County leaders, announced the upcoming Space Tech El Paso 2025 conference.

The conference, scheduled for Nov. 4 and 5, wants to introduce the space community to El Paso and vice versa.

“We see it as a great way to grow intellectually and to explore the bounds of human existence and human experimentation from ‘La Frontera’ to the final frontier, said Mike Pryor, the executive director of the Texas Space Coalition.

According to Pryor, El Paso is positioning itself as a key location for future space technology and aerospace development in the state.

Pryor highlighted the city’s “wide open air spaces for operational testing and evaluation for space” and its “abundant and overflowing workforce” as significant advantages.

Regarding what people can expect from the conference, Pryor said, “We’re looking to bring out-of-region and out-of-state companies here, along with academic leaders and government leaders to help propel the space ecosystem in this region.”

A partnership with the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is also in place to connect academic leaders with research opportunities and help launch students into space industry jobs.

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Pryor emphasized the importance of collaboration between industry leaders and local universities, stating, “Creating connections among those industry leaders and academic leaders will find opportunities to collaborate on grants, to collaborate on research.”

The event also seeks to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Pryor noted, “Space is one of those magical industries and magical spaces where it inspires. We are looking for that six-year-old or that sixth grader who looks at space and thinks, ‘That’s what I want to do for the rest of my life.'”

Pryor concluded by highlighting the foundational role of STEM in space exploration, saying, “Young people who get interested in engineering, math, science, [and] marketing will grow and propel this industry.”

El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego believes the aerospace industry will bring economic prosperity to the Borderland.

“Whenever you have an industry that raises what people get paid, everybody raises as well because that means the standard of living becomes higher,” Samaniego said.

Samaniego added, “I don’t think there’s one industry that is as important in the future of the United States as aerospace.”

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