NASA and University of Texas Expand Research and Workforce Partnership

The agreement will leverage Johnson Space Center's capabilities and the UT System's assets to advance human spaceflight and grow the pipeline of next-generation talent.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 3:47am

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NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston and the University of Texas System (UT System) have announced the signing of a collaborative Space Act Agreement that expands research and workforce development partnership opportunities across NASA centers and UT System facilities. The agreement builds upon decades of collaboration and will enable additional research, teaching resources, and educational engagements to support human spaceflight and grow the pipeline of next-generation talent.

Why it matters

This partnership between NASA's premier human spaceflight center and the extensive resources of the UT System will help drive innovation, research, and workforce development in the space industry. It reflects NASA's commitment to expanding access to its world-class facilities and expertise, as well as the UT System's goal of preparing the next generation of space leaders.

The details

The agreement will leverage Johnson Space Center's unique capabilities as the hub of human spaceflight and the UT System's assets across its 13 institutions. This includes collaborating on vital research and technology development initiatives, providing teaching resources, and creating educational engagements to support NASA's exploration goals and advance the future of space exploration.

  • The agreement was signed on January 9, 2026.

The players

Vanessa Wyche

Director of NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

John M. Zerwas

Chancellor of the University of Texas System.

NASA's Johnson Space Center

The hub of human spaceflight and a leader in research and technology development for space exploration.

University of Texas System

A network of 13 institutions that provides research, teaching, and educational resources to support the space industry.

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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 (Mirage News)

“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 agreement will enable the two organizations to strategize on potential partnership opportunities and next steps for stakeholders in the coming months.

The takeaway

This partnership between NASA's Johnson Space Center and the University of Texas System represents a significant investment in research, technology development, and workforce preparation for the future of space exploration. By leveraging their combined resources and expertise, they aim to drive innovation and inspire the next generation of space leaders.