Texas Space Economy Faces Critical Skilled Labor Shortage, New Initiative Aims to Bridge Gap

During a recent interview, aerospace entrepreneur and military veteran Joseph Kopser outlined the challenges facing the Texas space economy, emphasizing a critical shortage of skilled labor that threatens the state's growth as a global hub for space exploration. The conversation highlighted Kopser's work through the Grayline Group and the newly formed Space Workforce Incubator for Texas (SWIFT). Kopser, a West Point graduate and aerospace engineer, noted that while Texas hosts major companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Firefly Aerospace, the industry requires more than just rocket scientists.

"We have to have a workforce to build those rockets, to sustain life support systems, and to build spacecraft," Kopser stated. "It's not just about rocket science design; it's about physically running pipes, tubes, and chambers that hold highly pressurized liquid oxygen. That takes plumbers, electricians, and welders with great skill." To address this gap, Kopser co-founded SWIFT to connect 18-to-35-year-olds with vocational training and higher education. "People will be what they can see," Kopser noted, stressing the importance of early exposure to these career paths. The initiative aims to ensure the "Texas economic miracle" isn't stalled by a lack of skilled hands. More information about SWIFT can be found at https://www.swift.space.

The discussion also addressed the "exporting of talent" from rural Texas. Kopser argued that fiber internet expansion and emerging autonomous supply chains offer a historic opportunity to reverse the exodus of young people from small towns. "We experimented for 20 years with exporting everything, and we recognized the fragility of our supply chain," said Kopser. "Now, with the reshoring of manufacturing and the ability to work remotely, you can live the quality of life you want in rural Texas while accessing the modern economy." Kopser highlighted "dual-use" technologies—innovations serving both national defense and commercial sectors—as key economic drivers.

He pointed to Texas-based companies like Apptronik (humanoid robotics), Saronic (autonomous watercraft), and LoCal (biochar energy) as examples of private innovation solving public problems. Details about these companies are available at https://www.apptronik.com, https://www.saronictech.com, and https://www.local.energy. Kopser, who recently launched a campaign for Texas House District 47, stated, "The skills gap is widening, and the decisions we make today will shape Texas's economy for decades. The hyper-partisan politics consuming our country distract from the real work of creating jobs and giving kids a fair shot." He continues to advocate for "people over politics" through his organization, USTomorrow, which can be explored further at https://www.ustomorrow.org.