The call for applications is one of the first tangible actions of the agency created for the purpose of expanding the state's space business.
Government entities, higher-learning institutions, businesses and nonprofits can apply for funds to use on projects tied to new spaceflight technologies, space-related research or workforce training, curation of materials involved in space exploration or spaceport development.
The applications "will result in grant awards for high-quality projects that will play a direct role in helping to propel the space industry sectors across Texas," said Norman Garza Jr., the commission's executive director.
There is no application deadline as the commission will be reviewing submissions on a rolling basis.
The taxpayer money is part of the $350 million used to start the commission. The other $200 million will be used by the Texas A&M University System to build a research and training facility next to Johnson Space Center in Houston.
State Rep. Greg Bonnen, a Friendswood Republican, led the writing of House Bill 3447 that formed the commission. Gov. Greg Abbott signed the bill in June 2023 and announced the agency during a March ceremony at the Johnson Space Center.
The commission named Garza, a Harlingen native who grew up in Pleasanton, as its executive director in June. Before joining the agency, he was the assistant vice chancellor for state government relations at Texas A&M's Engineering Experiment Station in Bryan. He started with the commission in July.
Since then, he's been hiring staffers and getting the organization up and running. He's also been traveling around the state to meet with entities connected to the space industry. State officials previously have said Texas is home to 1,800 aerospace firms that provide more than 150,000 jobs.
The commission is working on a strategic plan it hopes to have drafted by December. It's also compiled a list of domestic and international space companies looking to relocate that it could target in efforts to grow the industry in Texas.
Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan appointed nine members to the commission's board of directors.
The board previously voted to make Gwen Griffin, founder and CEO of aerospace public relations firm Griffin Communications Group, its chair. Kathy Lueders, general manager of SpaceX's Starbase in South Texas, was elected vice chair. Kirk Shireman, vice president of Lunar Exploration Campaigns at Lockheed Martin, was named secretary.
Brad Morrison of Boerne is the only San Antonio-area member of the board. He is the founder and CEO of Atlantis Industries, a company that works to protect satellites from space radiation.
In addition to the board, the commission has another nine members.
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