NASA and University of Texas Expand Research and Workforce Partnership

The new agreement will enable more collaboration on human spaceflight initiatives.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 5:07pm

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NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston and the University of Texas System (UT System) have signed a collaborative Space Act Agreement to expand research and workforce development opportunities across their facilities. The agreement builds on decades of collaboration and will leverage Johnson's expertise in human spaceflight and the UT System's assets to support vital research, technology development, and the pipeline of next-generation talent.

Why it matters

This partnership allows NASA and the UT System to pool their resources and expertise to advance human space exploration goals. It also strengthens Texas' position as a hub for aerospace research and development, and provides more educational and career opportunities in STEM fields for students across the UT System.

The details

The agreement enables additional research, teaching resources, and educational engagements between NASA's Johnson Space Center and the 13 institutions that make up the UT System. It will allow for greater access to Johnson's world-class facilities and expertise, as well as the establishment of robust workforce development and recruitment programs.

  • The agreement was signed on January 9, 2026.

The players

Vanessa Wyche

Director of NASA's Johnson Space Center.

John M. Zerwas

Chancellor of the University of Texas System.

NASA's Johnson Space Center

NASA's hub for human spaceflight operations and research.

University of Texas System

A system of 13 higher education institutions across the state of Texas.

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What they’re saying

“NASA's Johnson Space Center has a long history of working with colleges and universities to help us achieve our human spaceflight missions. We are eager to partner with the UT System to collaborate in vital research and technology development initiatives that will enable us to meet our nation's exploration goals and advance the future of space exploration.”

— Vanessa Wyche, Director, NASA's Johnson Space Center (nasa.gov)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The two organizations will now work to identify specific research projects, workforce development programs, and other collaborative initiatives to pursue under the new agreement.

The takeaway

This partnership between NASA and the University of Texas System strengthens Texas' position as a hub for aerospace innovation and provides more opportunities for students to get involved in the future of space exploration.