Texas A&M Space
Texas A&M is a space-grant university with a long history of conducting basic and applied research and workforce development in space exploration. Our faculty are at the forefront of earth and planetary sciences, human space-flight research and planetary surface engineering and construction. Scientists and engineers from Texas A&M worked on all NASA rover missions to Mars, and two scientists are active on NASA’s Perseverance Rover Team.
Astronaut Michael E. Fossum, STS-121 mission specialist, works on a section of the International Space Station during the mission’s first session of extravehicular activity (EVA).
NASA
Mission
To escalate the economic growth and technological innovation of Texas and the U.S. in space exploration by providing a responsive and dynamic space curriculum, world-class research and technology transition.
STS-135 Atlantis Prelaunch
NASA/Bill Ingalls
Vision
Texas A&M is committed to leading the future of space exploration. We are becoming a recognized hub and center of excellence for human and robotic space exploration by leveraging expertise, laboratories and facilities, strategic partnerships, and resources to foster new discoveries, technological innovations, and a next-generation workforce that benefits Texas and society.
Goals
At a Glance
University Research Info
- Triple designation as a land-grant, space-grant and sea-grant university
- Total research expenditures $1.153 billion in FY22
- Top 10 public university in total research expenditures, according to the National Science Foundation’s HERD Survey for FY21
- 92 doctoral programs
- More than 55 current members of the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine on the faculty
- More than 70,000 students
Space Exploration Research Info
- 12-plus colleges or schools conducting space-related research
- 316 active projects
- 430+ Former Students work at NASA
- $154 million in funding
- Collaborates with other universities, the aerospace industry and government agencies
Space Exploration Initiatives and Programs
Texas A&M Space Institute (in progress)
Major Space Related Facilities
Texas A&M researchers have access to some of the nation’s most technologically advanced facilities to support their work in space exploration research and new facilities are on the horizon. The Texas Legislature awarded $200 million to The Texas A&M University System to build facilities next to NASA’s Johnson Space Center to support Texas A&M and other system schools in space research and technology development.
Faculty and Research Scientists
Texas A&M University employs more than 280 space scientists and investigators, and Texas A&M is the only university in the nation with four astronauts on the faculty:
Dr. Gregory E. Chamitoff
Dr. Nancy J. Currie-Gregg
Dr. Bonnie J. Dunbar
Col. Michael E. Fossum ’80
Students
More than 350 undergraduate and graduate students enroll annually in Texas A&M’s space-related academic programs. With more than 20 specific courses related to space exploration and multiple opportunities to work in space-related laboratories and facilities and to participate in space-focused student organizations, Texas A&M is a leader in space workforce development.
Former Students
Currently, more than 430 Texas A&M graduates work at NASA (as reported to The Association of Former Students). In addition to NASA and other government agencies, traditional spaceflight companies such as Boeing, Lockheed, KBR and Collins Aerospace, as well as emerging commercial-spaceflight companies such as SpaceX, Blue Origin and Axiom, employ our Former Students.