Thanks to a $5.5 million investment from the City of Houston and support from the Houston Airport System, Texas Southern University recently opened a new satellite campus at the Houston Spaceport.
The 20,000-square-foot hanger houses a fleet of 12 Cirrus SR20 aircraft and features 4,500 square feet of classroom and office space to support future coursework tied to the HBCU’s developing aerospace engineering program. The site also features an 8,000-gallon fuel tank, creating fuel independence that is expected to increase operational efficiency and save hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.
“The opening of Texas Southern University at Houston Spaceport underscores our commitment to innovation, workforce development, and academic excellence,” said President J.W. Crawford, III. “This partnership enhances our aviation program for current students and future aviators who choose to pursue their degree at Texas Southern. It also strengthens our role in preparing a diverse pipeline of highly skilled professionals for careers in aviation, aerospace, and beyond.”
“This facility represents a transformative step forward for our aviation program,” said Terence Fontaine, executive director of aviation at Texas Southern. “By providing our students with access to modern aircraft, expanded instructional space, and real-world training environments, we are positioning them to compete and excel in the rapidly evolving aviation and aerospace industries. We are proud to partner with the City of Houston in leading the development of the aviation workforce of the future.”
