Santa’s Sleigh, Texas Rockets, and Building the Space Workforce

Dear Friends– As Santa set speed records across the skies this week delivering presents, I couldn’t help but imagine his sleigh outfitted with the latest Texas-built rocket tech. While I can’t confirm that Rudolph is now rocket-powered, I can share some great news about the exciting work happening here in Texas — and why it’s so personal to me. As you know from six years of reading USTomorrow newsletters, workforce issues are the root of our focus on jobs, education and our kids’ future. Just prior to COVID, I introduced the five “Bright Lines” that drive the work I do across multiple sectors. Today’s newsletter is a peek into one of those other areas. Click here to find out more about the next chapter of USTomorrow and what we’re working on.

I believe that the secret to building a better USTomorrow is to build on inspiring industries like space exploration.

Long before my days as an aerospace engineering student at West Point, I was captivated by the stories of the lunar landing and the news of Skylab’s fiery descent to Earth. I vividly remember following the early days of the space shuttle program with awe. These moments fueled my passion for space exploration and engineering, eventually leading to a summer internship my senior year at NASA’s Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, California.

Now, being part of the growing space industry in the United States — much of it centered here in Texas — feels like a natural step in building a better USTomorrow. It’s why I’m so excited to introduce you to SWIFT, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing Texas’ role in the aerospace revolution. As a co-founder and board member, I think it’s quite relevant to the work I’m doing with USTomorrow.

SWIFT: Building Connections. Testing Limits. Launching Rockets.

The Space Workforce Incubator for Texas (SWIFT) officially launched out of Austin to build a pipeline of skilled workers for the state’s booming space economy. Our mission is to ensure 50% of new space industry jobs are filled by a Texas-driven workforce. You can watch the interview with SWIFT co-founders here: KXAN NBC TV interview.

According to Texas 2036, Texans already holds roughly one in 10 space industry jobs nationwide. By uniting educational institutions, industry leaders, and aspiring engineers, SWIFT is creating pathways for students and workers to join this exciting field.

Austin: A Hub for Space Innovation

As the Austin Business Journal noted, the Austin area has become a hotspot for the 21st-century space race, hosting major companies and groundbreaking startups shaping the future of aerospace:

• Firefly Aerospace: Headquartered near Austin, Firefly builds rockets and other vehicles. With three scheduled trips to the moon, Firefly is pushing the boundaries of lunar exploration.
• SpaceX: Elon Musk’s space giant has major operations in the Austin area, manufacturing its Starlink satellites locally.
• Icon Technology Inc.: With over $250 million in venture funding, Icon is pioneering 3D-printed structures, including homes and shelters for Earth — and potentially the moon!
• CesiumAstro Inc.: This Austin-based startup is developing cutting-edge satellite communication devices, backed by $65 million in venture capital.
• Slingshot Aerospace Inc.: Tackling the challenge of cosmic traffic, Slingshot is monitoring space debris to ensure Earth’s orbital highways remain clear.

Meet the SWIFT Team

Our team is as dynamic as the industry we’re shaping. Together, we bring unparalleled expertise, creativity, and passion to the mission. In addition to my advisory work in the military-private sector dual use commercialization space, I’m joined by a very experienced team:

• Leon Vanstone: Rocket scientist and founder of the Texas Rocket Engineering Lab at UT Austin.
• Geoff Tudor: The legislative leader behind funding the Delta Clipper, the first re-landable rocket.
• Harvin Moore: At the intersection of space and education, Harvin bridges the gap between vision and execution.
• Heather Wagner Reed: Creative powerhouse who catapulted Beyoncé’s career and inspires big dreams in Texas.
• Price Mulford: Veteran of Starship launches with a record-breaking orbital ground crew.
• Sandy Barker: Former NASA astronaut trainer and compliance expert at UT Austin.

What We’re Doing

SWIFT is bridging the gap between education and industry with initiatives like:

• Hands-On Rocketry: Giving students opportunities to build, test, and launch liquid rocket hardware.
• Inclusive Collaboration: Connecting schools, colleges, and industry to maximize impact.
• Talent Pipeline Development: Creating pathways for Texans of all backgrounds to join the space economy.

Be Part of the Space Commercialization Future

This is more than rocket science — it’s about ensuring Texas remains at the forefront of aerospace innovation. If you know folks who might be interested as an educator, industry professional, or advocate please forward them email to them and connect us if you can.

Take care,

Joseph

Joseph Kopser

Co-Founder of USTomorrow